Customer Reviews L.L.Bean 8" Bean Boots

I was given a pair of these as a Christmas gift, originally purchased from the flagship store in Freeport, Maine. The construction quality was very disappointing and not what I expected from LL Bean. Within a year, the stitching around the leather upper had completely separated from the lower rubber part. The Since these were a gift, I have no receipt, and because of the lifetime guarantee being discontinued, I have no other option but to throw them away. I'll be sticking with more durable hiking boots from other reputable outdoor companies from now on.

Wore the boots for 3 months when the stitching gave way. Quality was not up to standards expected.

First wear in the rain and my toes got wet. I convinced myself it could be sweat, so a week later I wore them in about three inches of water while standing in the bathtub. In less than a minute my feet were wet and the insoles showed signs of water absorption.

I've wanted a pair of these boots for over a year but kept holding off because of the weird sizing. I read the reviews and ordering instructions and finally gave in and ordered. I received the order only 2 days after I placed it which is either a credit for LL Bean or UPS. I ordered the tan boots, 8 inch, size 11 wide EE. I am a size 12 wide in everything so I followed the instructions and ordered a size down. The boots were still way too long. I had 1 1/2 inches from my toe to the tip of the boot and my heel was sliding around. I wore a regular sock which was fine but a wool sock was too tight. So a size 10 boot would probably have been the right size for me. But I can't reorder because the EE width wasn't wide enough. After wearing the boots for just 10 minutes my feet felt incredibly tired so I couldn't wear them all day. I can't tell you how disappointed I am because I really wanted these boots. I also wanted to order 2 other types of boots but I've checked and everything only comes in a max. width size of EE. So I won't be ordering any more footwear from Bean. I just don't get the sizing. If you wear a size 10, 11 or 12, etc. you would think Bean would make the boots to those accurate sizes. That's how other footwear companies do it, and they've fit great and I've never had to return anything to them. Sadly, these boots are going back for a refund.

I really wanted to like these but they leaked water so easily. Wore them on a bike commute to work for 10 minutes while it wasn't even raining that hard, and my socks were wet after. Very disappointing and not what I expected at all from boots that are more expensive that others.

After waiting two and half months for my boots to arrive I was pumped and ready to hit the trails. I'm writing this review now just weeks later to tell you to keep looking because they do not live up to the hype. The boots are ok for walking around a muddy backyard but I've found they do not hold up well to water. Whether you are walking in snow, crossing a small stream or even stepping in a puddle water will seep in through the bottom seems of the tongue. I found the boots very comfortable and I do enjoy wearing them on dry days. But if you are looking for waterproof its best to avoid because water does seep in.

I went to a LL Bean outlet in January to buy boots. The ones I wanted were on backorder. I tried on a different style to verify that I needed to order one size smaller. The boots I ordered arrived about 2 weeks ago. I was surprised to see that they had no tongue. I went to use them for the first time 2 nights ago and had a very difficult time putting them on. It is easier to put my ski boots on. Taking them off at the end of the night was no picnic either. I understand the thinking behind this feature is to keep moisture from entering the boot, but I would have preferred a boot with a tongue which would be easier to put on. If I wear these boots again I am going to have to take a utility knife and do some cutting so that I can get these boots on without struggling. I have purchased many items over the years from LL Bean and have been extremely satisfied every time. This purchase is my first regret. I may need to look elsewhere for some boots.