I've been wearing these boots now for about a month and just love them. They're comfortable, warm and well-constructed. While I was surprised at how long it took to get them, I have to commend L.L. Bean for continuing to produce them in the US. This was something that appealed to me about them and prevented me from trying a comparably priced pair of Uggs boots that had a similar design. So far these boots have slogged through heavy wet snow and kept me from slipping on icy sidewalks and though they're perhaps not the most fashionable thing, I find myself looking forward to wearing them.
Bought these in black last winter. Using the shearling inserts and they keep my feet warm and I'm always cold. Asked LLBean to add lacing hooks, so they are super easy to get on and off. If you want longer laces, LLBean sells 64 inch laces. Comfortable to walk in all day long. If I'm just standing in deep snow and it's below 20 degrees, I get a little cold if not moving around. But that's what the Wildcat boots are for. Wildcat boots are too warm for 20-30 degree weather. They seem like they'll last a long time. Get compliments on them all the time. I never write reviews but wanted to share how much I love these and address the complaints of warmth, ease of lacing, and lace length.
I live in Australia and I know it isn't extremely cold here in winter however my feet have another impression (feels like I have them on ice all winter!).
These are the first 'serious' winter boots I have bought and I am so happy I got them!
I looked at many other brands and styles, but the Narrow width and Made in Maine were the deciding factors.
I am looking forward to getting them out again in a couple of months... comfortable, warm feet!
I love these boots. I moved from the South to Colorado and have been stunned at the number of things one must purchase to survive in snow, good boots being of paramount importance. I bought these at the suggestion of my brother and have not been disappointed. They are perfect for high snow but also for all the water and mud that come with melting snow -- as an East Coaster, I think that might be the only time I see real lakes here!
The boots are warm but I definitely recommend the shearling insoles or your feet will get cold through the bottom. Also, the leather takes a little while to break in and lose its stiffness. You can speed the process with the LL Bean Boot Guard conditioner to make the leather soft & flexible.
Even though they were stiff at first, the boots have been comfortable from the beginning. It feels almost like I'm wearing good bedroom shoes! I love them so much that I'm often loath to take them off and put on "real" shoes when I get to work.
I normally wear an 8 in dress shoes and an 8.5 in athletic shoes, but I ended up with the 7 for these and they fit great. Once I put the shearling insoles in, the fit was a smidge tight for really thick socks. That's ok, because I have the cabled smartwool socks that the guy at Bean recommended, and they are just fine.
If you have a Bean store near you, I absolutely recommend going in to try the boots on #and take the socks you plan to wear!# instead of just taking your best stab at sizing online. If you have to order online, definitely call or online chat with Bean customer service beforehand about your feet and how shoes normally fit you.
These boots are on the expensive side, but with LL Bean's workmanship, customer service, and lifetime guarantee, I can't imagine finding a better deal with other brands.
