These boots are awesome. I typically use these for 3 day backpacking (35-40 lbs) on the AT, Catskills, Shenandoah or Allegheny National Forest. They are very comfortable in your normal shoe size when worn with a liner sock and mid-weight wool sock (as recommended). Warm enough for 4 seasons. They've trudged through deep snow & mud, been knocked around by endless trail rocks in Pennsylvania and forged ankle deep streams keeping my feet comfortably dry and protected. I've read suggested improvements but I wouldn't change a thing. They are a classic. I treat them with Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof for extra protection and conditioning and they still look and feel great. These boots are definitely in the "heavy" category. Consider Beans Mountain Treads for warmer drier climates or lighter hiking. Most AT thru hikers seem to prefer sneaker type hiking shoes. I prefer more protection and support. For backpacking, these boots are like tanks on the trail. They do need some time for breaking in. Walk somewhere indoors (mall, gym, treadmill) to be sure that they fit well before taking them outside. As always, LL Bean is great with returns and fitting you to the best size. Thin brown laces are surprisingly durable and have yet to be replaced.
I am extremely impressed with the fine quality of the construction, design and detail of these nylon/leather Cresta hiking boots. I have a difficult foot to fit (narrow width, even narrower heel; high, stiff arch), and I can tell already that these 10-narrow boots will be just what I need. I have not been as successful on my peculiar foot with Vasque and some other brands (my fault; not theirs). I have read other reviews on this boot regarding the merits and cons of ankle support vs. low-cut trail shoes. I actually think I can experience the best of both worlds, depending on how high I lace these up. In some circumstances, I might need a tighter support around the ankles; in other cases, not so much. I do realize I'll need a break-in period to flex these out, but that will not be a problem. I had not bought any new boots of this high quality in 20 years, so I was a bit skeptical regarding what was out there and whether I should order by mail or not. I feel I've hit a home run with these, and I look forward to using them on Appalachian Trail day hikes and, eventually, getting them into my rotation of using them on volunteer AT work trips (southwest Virginia). I highly recommend these boots and really thank LL Bean for offering them and offering such a generous satisfaction program. For my needs and expectations, the price is more than fair.
I bought these boots for walking my dog in winter. I bought a half size large so I could fit extra thick socks. They're a little heavy, but comfort, protection and stability are just about perfect. Every time I put them on, I think to myself they're probably the best clothing item I own.
I've been wearing Cresta leather and nylon hiking boots for more than ten years. The accompanying photo shows the last four pairs, including my latest ones. Believe me, I wouldn't have bought this many if the first pair wasn't right for me. I have narrow feet, and these are one of the few narrow boots you can find--I've looked. They are very comfortable right out of the box, they require a minimal break-in period, and as you can see from the photo, they're durable.
I'm a search and rescue volunteer in southern Arizona, and I have hiked thousands of miles in these boots, usually off-trail through mountains and into canyons (by definition, a lost person is seldom on a trail). The boots have very good traction, edging or smearing, when climbing over rocks and water-slick boulders. They are waterproof (Gore-Tex), but I've soaked them in rainstorms and by wading through streams, and when they dry, they're as good as ever. Quite frankly, I abuse my boots, but the Crestas stand up to it for a long time. When the latest pair finally wears out, I'll buy another.
