Nicely built, but suffers from 2 problems I've found with 2 other brands of leather/fabric Gore Tex boots 1)the Gore-Tex liner eventually leaks 2)even before it does, the fabric soon begins to soak up water, despite Nik Wax treatments. What starts out as a lightweight boot turns into a heavy waterlogged one that freezes when it's cold. Probably a good boot for desert environments, but not anywhere there's water or dampness

I have had mixed results with these boots. I wear them all the time in cooler weather around my town, and they are great at keeping out water and just being comfortable. However, in the one hike I took with them they, like someone else mentioned, wore holes in the back of my heels. It was a 6hr hike up and down some 500m hills. The problem was in going up hills, the boots would move and rub against the back of my heel. However my roommate took these hiking in Asia and loved them; it probably depends on how much the back of your heel sticks out - mine kind of sticks out there a little. But they are still great going downhill or on level ground.

Customer Service

Haven't returned them and don't think I will, but might buy something else for some serious hiking.

Similar Products Used:

none

These boots did not work out for me. They chewed holes in the back of my heels. Not blisters really, they just made holes! They seemed to fit well. I wore thick socks and added thick insoles untill they were so tight that they hurt, still they ate holes in my heels. If you run you''re fingers across the inside of the heel cup you can feel that it is not smooth, there are high spots, and I think that is why they injured my heels. Another thing that I noticed is that the goretex liner appears to end at the sole instead of wrapping under and surrounding the foot. If you remove the insole you can see that the liner is just stitched and glued into place around the edge. It makes me doubt that they will be waterproof very long. I sent them back.

Customer Service

You can''t beat LL Bean for customer service. I felt bad about sending these boots back for a refund because when I called the people there were so friendly and helpful. I will make a point to do busi

Similar Products Used:

Timberland goretex hikers.

Excellent all around hiking boot. These boots eat up the trail, the support and traction are second to none!

Customer Service

Been shopping at LL all my life. You simply can''t go wrong. The best is at Bean!!

None

Comfort right out of the box and then it gets even better. Very high quality materials and very well made. This boot has a sticky vibram sole which really grips. It''s an all around great boot.

Customer Service

None better

Similar Products Used:

Asolo, Vasque

None

I love these boots, I don''t just wear them for hiking, I where them as my normal, everyday footware. After two years they are starting to fall apart at the seams, but they are still gore-tex and completely water proof. Step in a 4 inch puddle and you are still dry!

Similar Products Used:

None

None

None

I bought this boot based on the Backpacker magazine review, where it came out on top of 5 boots tested under $100. This boot is a sensational value, even at the new price of $95 (for the mid). Why? It is made in Italy, has a genuine Vibram sole, and is fully Gore-Tex lined. Under close examination, the boot is very sophisticated. The suede is very high quality and tight-grained, not the raggedy stuff of cheaper imported shoes. The shoe molds to fit your foot, typical of Italian-made footware. The insole has not only an arch support but one for the midfoot. Most cheap shoes have a flat last (under the insole), but this one is slightly arched. The Vibram sole has a hard bottom, a resilient top layer (to support the foot), and a gel-like mid layer to cushion shock. The Vibram sole wraps around the front and heel of the shoe, and has a rocker motion. There is extensive kevlar-looking toe and heel guards above the sole. you wwon''t find Italian-made shoes like these under $100. Fairly light and comfortable enough to wear around town. I bought these to wear when I travel around Japan, where I do a lot of walking on and off the beaten path. I was getting blisters and traction problems with my jogging shoes.

Customer Service

Second to none. I bought a sleeping bag from LLBean and never used it. A year later I changed my mind and sent it back. They refunded my money, no questions asked!

Similar Products Used:

None

Bought these shoes three years ago, and have absolutely no performance-related complaints. I have worn mine ankle deep while sampling streams, and traversed bogland in Ireland under a full pack, and they have performed well. Lightweight as anything, but unfortuantely, not as durable as one might hope. Still my favorite light hiking boot, and the best for the dollar.

Customer Service

L.L. Bean has, without question, met and exceeded my expectations. I've exchanged these shoes twice, and still, no questions asked.

I really like these boots. I have had no problems wearing them in, they are light and resonably waterproof. Good stiff sole.

Similar Products Used:

None

These boots are a good deal. Gore-tex and comfortable, a price of $86 dollars or so is great. They are mostly leather, therefore very durable, and suitable for a simple day hike. I also wear them around the city, and are the most comfortable boots I own. The only drawback is the not-so aggressive treads. The rubber seems a bit soft, and has worn down rather quickly.

Similar Products Used:

None