My husband and I love LL Bean products, and we purchase items on a regular basis. In ten years of shopping at LL Bean, I have returned only these sandles. The womens' explorer sandles are attractive and affordable, but I did not find them to be comfortable for hiking. I wore them for one full hour after receiving them in the mail, and I noticed small blisters on the bottom of my foot as a result. I also have Planter's Fasciitis in my right foot, and the sandles were not supportive for my feet and heel spur. We love LL Bean products, but were disappointed with the footbed in these sandles.
Like many others I have pain with the drain vents at the bottom of the shoe. Most people said they had issues with the heel vents, and since I don't put a lot of weight on my heels when walking I figured I would be OK. Unfortunately the vents are throughout the shoe and my issue came with those in the area of the ball of the foot. In LL Bean's defense I have feet that pronate in and the right foot is worse than the left, subsequently that is the foot that pinched within 5 minutes of walking around my house.
If you feel the sole of the shoe, the heel is a very firm cushiony layer on top of a more rigid plastic layer. In the arch and ball of the foot area, the sole is much softer and it easily squishes down to the hard plastic layer with just a push of my fingers. I believe that is causing the pinch.
They were comfortable other than that. Very roomy. If you have "normal" feet, these would probably be a good purchase.
I ordered these sandals for something easy to slip on while I was pregnant. They are so comfortable I wear them almost every day. If they can be comfortable for my preggers, swollen feet they can be comfortable for almost anyone. I will definitely be wearing these long after I am no longer pregnant and can reach my feet again!
I have serious foot problems and cannot live without the LL Bean Comfort footwear line. I was hoping the Explorer Sandals were built on the same platform. Close, not enough support for my mangled feet. The styling and light taupe color are so nice, I hate to send them back. LL Bean, please make a sandal version with EVA cushioning and the firm and supportive footbed of the Comfort line!
