Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Trail Model Hiker 4 Water Resistant Low

I have to say that I loved these shoes at the beginning. Lightweight, comfortable, waterproof and seemingly rugged, at least on the outside. But after only 3 months, some of the seams on the inside started to open up. I should have returned them at the time, but I didn't pay it much mind at first, thinking the problems was mostly cosmetic. But as the gaps got larger the foam padding started to come away and decompose. By six months, the problem was significant. [I tried to include a photo but the system kept hanging up.] I've managed to keep them workable with duct tape and I still wear them almost every day. And I'd even consider buying another pair when I can't repair them anymore, figuring maybe I got a bad pair. But I won't recommend them to someone else.

This is the second style I ordered that were supposed to be wide-the first, Mocs, were returned because they were way too narrow. This pair I ordered once before in a different color which fit ok. The black pair I recently ordered are a bit narrower than wide-I decided to keep and hopefully my shoe tree will stretch them enough to fit-I'm done ordering wide from LLbean unless they are 4eee.

I really wanted these to work out but I wasn't willing to give them a long break in period and have my feet suffer so I returned them. They look like they are made well and look great. :( Yes, I ordered a half size larger.

I have bought numerous shoes of 7 2E width before from LLBean and only this pair felt tight on both sides and also in the toe areas. These shoes are made of hard, stiff and inflexible materials, and that may be why they felt so tight. The other LLBean hiking shoes of the same 7 2E width were perfectly comfortable, so I don't understand why these did not fit well like the others. Disappointed in the tight fit and recommend caution if you have wide feet.

Last time, I felt like I was walking on clouds. This time, they are the same size -- supposedly -- but feel skintight and are squeezing my feet. They are sturdy, and wonderfully waterproof, but now I don't know whether I want to order them again. LL Bean was one of the few places I trusted to supply sturdy, attractive shoes that can handle our harsh weather here. Now?

Appears to be a well made, very solid "shoe". However, found the way the top was cut rubbed uncomfortably on my outside ankle bone. I would recommend trying the boot version instead. I don't think the rubbing would be an issue there, Would also add that this is looks and feels like a cut off serious hiking boot, not a "shoe" (ie it is pretty clunky looking and stiff). I should know better than to buy shoes online. Fit is only so individual specific. Although LL Bean gracefully accepts returns, one must either pay return postage or shlep it out to one of their retail locations.

Purchased for husband for walking and moderate hiking. He wants good support around his foot but this shoe did not work. He is fussy wanting some tightness and security around the foot. Quality good but just not comfortable or supportive enough. Returned.

I bought these shoes based on the experience I've had with other products @ LLBean which has always been excellent. They met my requirement for waterproof, great treads, padded sole, low cut and a great style. I know there is a breaking in period, but I've had them for about a month now and I walk 3 miles per day, 6 days a week on streets and fields with some trails. I cringe every time I put them on knowing it will be ripping at the back of my heels. I put tape on the inside to avoid the friction. I wear bandages for protection and it still rips through my skin. I'm assuming that is a sign of a real rugged show, but they may need more flexibility. I had to stop wearing them...thinking about going back to sneakers? I have older LLBean Boots and Winter Shoes that are GREAT, just wish these were comfortable like those.

Ordered my husband's usual shoe size but these were too short. Had to return them. Otherwise, they looked good.

I received the Trail Model 4 and the size was spot on with another pair of Bean's Hiking shoes that I own. The quality looked to be very good. I tried them on and wore them about our living room. The soles were so stiff that the heels of my feet rode up and down inside the heel of the shoe. The soles flexed very little as I tried to stride along. I decided rather than attempt to break them in and maybe wear out the inside heel of the shoe, to just return them. I own other thick soled shoes and like them for their insulating properties and that they help keep your feet warm. They would flex, where these particular shoes just did not want to.

This shoe was pretty stiff when new but is starting to break-in after a few hikes. I use it to walk about 5 miles a day in winter conditions. Very grippy soles. Not much cushion. Does the job at a very affordable price.

I bought a pair of another Bean shoe a few years ago that is the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever wore. I bought another pair that was a little larger and they are great. I also have some other Bean clothes that don't fit good. I have realized that a lot of Bean products are made on the small side. Now I order or go into the store and buy my items in the next size up. I think Bean has to start to cater to the "older, mature sized" customer that is NOT built like their magazine models. I do like most of Beans products and I buy a large portion of my clothes there. I wish they would offer a nice pair of chinos with a elastic waistband in an aged coloring style. Cabelas gets my money for their pants. I may gripe about things but I do like shopping at Beans.

Be sure to purchase the wider version ... manufactured just too narrow

I ordered these in a EEE for my husband because he has a wide foot. But these are not as wide as the EE's I ordered. The quality is very good but the fit is not. I know that LL Bean will gladly allow us to return them though. So if your feet are not extra wide they are a good shoe.

Got these for Christmas 2016. Tested them in running water/melting snow and they leaked. Not a bad shoe for the price. Too bad they are not really waterproof. Fit and feel is good.

The quality of the shoes is very good. However, I ordered the Wide width, but the shoes are not as wide as I expected. However, after wearing them for several days, they are not as tight as they were at the outset.

I'm an old man that does a lot of walking and that is what these shoes look like....an old man's walking shoe. All they need is a velcro closure. I have purchased two previous models of these "hiking" shoes and was much happier with the look of previous models. I am concerned about the toe cap, it is kind of skimpy for a shoe that calls itself a "hiker". The synthetic material between the leather gussets is really shiny, not something I like. They are very comfortable. The leather appears top shelf and the detail of stitching/assembly exhibits craftsmanship. I have yet to give them the call of the wild test. Note: beef up the toe cap, get rid of the shine then call it a hiker

Very comfortable, water resistant and good-looking. However, with only midweight cotton socks, my feet sweat enough that socks are actually damp when I remove the shoes. Clammy feeling, too.

This is a beautiful looking shoe, but far too narrow for my feet. And I did order the wide shoe. I was very disappointed because it is a great looking shoe with a very firm sole, great for long walks. I'm sure it will be a very good shoe for many people. I wish this shoe came in an extra wide size for me.

These are well made shoes but they are very heavy and stiff. I clump when I walk in them. The other problem is that the laces will not stay tied. The longer you walk the more you have to stop and re-tye them. I can buy different laces ( but why should I have to) but the shoes are still to stiff and heavy to wear for very long.

Shoes are very nice and well made. All I wanted was genuinely waterproof sneaker/hikers. The length is fine, but there is way too much space across the ball of the foot. I do not wear a "narrow" in any other product. No idea why these don't fit. Very disappointed.

I liked the shoe it is comfortable and sturdy but the mesh on top of both shoes developed holes llbean will not replace will never purchase from them again

Liked the shoes but a seam rubbed a sore on my little toe and I had to stop wearing them.

The low point between the heel and the tounge strikes my ankle bone.

I really like the shoes. They appear to be well made and are very comfortable. I don't like the round shoe laces they are always comming loose. I like the looks of the laces but I refuse to double knot any shoe laces. I will have to replace the shoe laces.