L.L. Bean Hiking Boots??

[Beavs]

Any LL Bean fans out there? If so, what hiking boots would you recommend for a weekend warrior. I'm looking for sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof with good traction but at a reasonable price. It's tempting to spend a lot of dough but I wonder if a less costly pair will meet my needs as I do not plan to tackle all of the Applachian Trail anytime soon. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[andtckrtoo]

I've had the LL Beans and they're okay. I wasn't thrilled with them. I much prefered my Lowa's. But, hiking boots are like running shoes. Try on several pair. It doesn't matter what works for me - it's what fits you and is comfortable for you. There are some really good brands out there that simply don't fit me properly.

Even if you're only hiking on weekends, get a good lightweight pair (not the leather ones - they're too heavy). Hiking can be brutal on your feet - if you want to keep all of your toe nails, make sure they fit properly. Also get 1/2 a size bigger than you normally would wear and make sure you try them at the end of the day or after a run/long walk. Feet swell and can really, really hurt that last mile if they are swollen and your boots are not big enough to account for that (I speak from experience... Believe me...)

Have fun!

 

[buffettgirl]

I got a pair of New Balance boots at LL Bean years ago and still love them. The only experience I had with any of Bean's own shoes was a pair of cross trainers that I didn't like. And Christine is right about the fit. I have at least 2 pairs of boots I bought in "my" size that just kill my toes. Try walking downhill in them, of at all possible, when you try them on. Bean's used to have a cute little up and down bridge you could walk over in the shoe department. The nice thing about Bean' s is their service. If you aren't happy with what you get, I'm sure they'll make it right. They always have for me.

 

[dpiglet]

I've never got a pair of boots from LL Bean, but I so love their clothes!! I would go on any hike without my Montrails. I've been hiking a lot since our move to AZ and just love them. I have a pair of hiking "sneakers" and a pair of boots. They are waterproof and their traction can not be beat. My husband keeps teasing that I look like "Spiderman" whole scampering over rocks cause they stick so well. A size up from your normal is soooo true with any hiking shoe, since I think your feet swell a bit as your hike progesses. The Montrails are a bit pricey, but once you know what size you need, you can always check out ebay. I got my newest pair for only 30.00, normally priced well over 100.00

Donna

 

[lorrayne]

If you have an REI nearby, I would recommend you get your hiking boots from them. Any shoe you buy at REI comes with a 100% customer satisfaction. If for whatever reason you're not happy with them (the goretex coating didn't keep out the water, the boot is uncomfortable, etc) you can return the shoe with no questions asked. I did this with a pair of sandals that I purchased a year ago. I bought them and just didn't like them. In fact, they were collecting dust in my closet. So, a year later, I returned them and got my money back! How's that for service?
Lorrayne

 

[andtckrtoo]

I love LLBean, but I adore REI - for that reason. And as I have a store a stone's throw away, I get to try everything on. If you do have an REI nearby - go there. I absolutely agree.

 

[Beavs]

Thank you everyone for taking time to reply! I appreciate your suggestions.