Boots have been fine so far, and I expect they will continue to be so. However, when purchasing them on the internet, it was not possible to use my LLBean bank card credits at any point in the purchase. That was annoying and if it can be remedied, I would appreciate it. I have more than enough credits to make the purchase at no cost to me!!!
I bought these boots a few months ago and have waited to use them a few times before reviewing. The bottom line: these are great boots.
I wore these boots recently on an overnight backpacking trip with my two young boys. We hiked ~10 miles in Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama. The second day we hiked out ~6 miles in steady rain. My feet never got wet.
I wear a thin liner sock and the Bean Cresta hiker socks when I wear these boots. They fit my narrow feet in a way I thought I would never find in a hiking boot. My previous boots were always cinched down too tight through the laces to make up for a wide fit. No blisters, heel slip or hot spots.
2 complaints: The top of the boot has lace hooks, instead of thread-through eyelets. I have found these catch on thing and end up getting bent out. It's easy to bend them back into place though. The insole in these boots is extremely thin. If I were going to carry a heavier load I think I would invest in something a little more substantial.
I was hesitant about buying boots online but they are true to the description, out of the box fit. Other than a small tight spot they are very comfortable and takes little time to break them in. They could use a better insole as all hiking boots do. There was a slight defect with my first pair I ordered but L.L.Bean quickly sent me another pair and they fit perfectly . I will be putting them to the test on a trip to Scotland next year. I especially like the bellows tounge which snuglly wraps around your foot. Excellent boots.
