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

I got these shoes in August 2016, and by the end of September walking through ankle high grass, wet with dew, they let enough water in to soak my toes. A similar thing happened to my snow sneakers purchased a year or so earlier. Now they're dry weather shoes. Otherwise they're a very good shoe for the value. I've worn the soles down quite a bit and so far only one spot on one shoe, right where it creases when I take a step, looks like the stitching will eventually give out. I walk a lot, being the owner of a very active dog, averaging about 3 miles a day over a year. I would only recommend these to someone who doesn't mind getting their feet wet in dewy, or worse, conditions. I sometimes wonder what the company's definition of 'waterproof' is.

This is about my 6th pair of this boot, one version/model or another. They're great boots, generally. I own two pairs at a time and wear them heavily - all day, every day - and buy these mainly for the height and the ankle support. All previous models that I've owned had two pairs of lacing hooks at the top. This version/model has only one, which I didn't notice until it arrived. After wearing it for a couple of weeks, it's clear there's less ankle support. I'm not motivated to return them, at this point, but I'll be more careful next time.

The item was even better than the pictures/advertisement of it. It arrived quickly and when I tried them on they fit great and were immediately comfortable.

I held off writing this review until I had a chance to break them in and put them through some use. When I first put them on there was noticeable discomfort around the collar especially when flexing forward and continued for several days until initial break-in period.In my opinion there really should be about 25-30% more padding in the collar and is what I would expect from a Bean boot. To be fair, I have skinny legs so most people probably wont notice the somewhat thin padding. All around the boot is comfortable and there is good torsional support provided by the midsole - the best I've ever had in a light weight hiker. I haven't been on a long hike yet but several hours of fairly steep hiking proved the boot to be comfortable and supportive with good traction. The synthetic/suede upper allows for good ventilation although at the cost of a bit less weather proofing than the full leather version I suspect. One thing is that these boots should not be marketed as "waterproof" as they are not constructed of waterproofed leather nor do they have enough rubber in the midsole to provide the seal for complete waterproofing. However, they are sufficiently water resistant for the light weight materials used; I have walked through many deep puddles,a shallow stream and spent hours in 4-5 inches of slush with only a small amount of moisture in the toe of the boot near the seem. I have a somewhat narrow foot and I found these boots to fit very well for size and width while still leaving enough room for a fairly thick pair of wool socks for snow shoeing or extended winter hikes. Overall, Bean has a nice boot here at the price point although I would pay a little more for some more padding in the collar!

This is the second pair of hiking boots I have purchased from Bean. I had ordered the same size as the first pair. This pair was very much more narrow than the first and had to be returned. I am very pleased that I can return without question. The wider replacements fit well and I am sure I will get many miles from them.

This is the second pair of trail shoe boots we have bought from LL Bean. I ordered a pair for my husband, and a pair for myself, a number of years ago. Mine are still good! He wore his out. I was relieved to find roughly the same model still available. My husband steps real hard and is hard on his footwear. We are very pleased at the longevity of these boots. We both consider them to be like Winter tennies, and wear them often, when cold, whether there is snow or not. We live in mid-Michigan.

Good boots but the size seems a little large and they are stiffer than most boots of this type I have worn. They are also at least a few shades darker than the catalog photos. I am keeping them.

These boots are built well and you can tell that they are durable. I have probably 10- or 12 hikes with these and pretty comfortable. Slightly heavier then the $200 Solomon's that I have been using. I wish that LL Bean had B widths as these are slightly wide for my Ski like feet

Just what I was looking for but unfortunately they are too narrow for me, I take an 11 1/2 D in dress shoes, and I returned them. They're a bit higher then I thought and the rear top rubs the back of my ankle but this shouldn't be a problem for hikers. I wish someone would make wide boots.

The clerk was very efficient at processing my request for replacement. the replacement boots are very comfortable and of better quality than the original pair.

LL Bean exceptional quality all the way, unfortunately I returned the boots because the wide width was just not wide enough. My husband has a hard to fit wide width with a more 'normal' or narrow heel. This boot's toe was still too narrow even in a EE.

The boot preformed in an excellent manner. Neither my son or myself had any issues with the boots. No blisters or break in issues. My son tested the waterproofing. It passed with flying colors. This has been the best experience with boots in my 20+ years running around in the outdoors.

I was a little reluctant to give a 4 star instead of a much deserved 5 star because the quality is soooo good !! BUT the fit really should be perfect as they are a little to narrow. I have been buying extra wide shoes all my life an I know how x-wide should fit. For being an LL BEAN product, they really should be a perfect fit.! I ordered the 9 1/2 wide in these hikers and they are really nice,so besides this minor issue, I am still very pleased and will be wearing these as my everyday footwear. I also have the snow - sneaker version and they are also great !!

So far they are still waterproof. My largest complaint is the lacing system. there's not a good eyelet/speed lacer in the ankle portion. The Bean fixation on round laces only lead to boot laces coming untied without elaborate knotting. Round slips folks! The boots are in a break-in period which is taking longer than better boots in brands such as Oboz. I'm using them as a short distance trail boot.

excellent shoe very comfortable and WATERPROOF111

They are comfortable and waterproof. In colder temperatures, I recommend toe warmers . If icy spots, avoid the ice. If icy trails, I wear crampons to avoid slipping. My personal reasoning is that the tread surface on these shoes will slip on ice more than my previous ones whose extended ridges had more traction on ice without crampons. Still, I would recommend them relative to the aforementioned discussion. Finally, foot warmth is relative to the person and their needs; I find the toe warmers good for me because my feet get cold.

excellent construction/quality - delivery exactly on time; however wide fit not wide enought

Opened the box put them on and went out and walked a mile. Fit is good. They are a little tight at the top, but I'm not used to a boot this tall. Haven't had a chance to test whether they are waterproof or not. Overall comfortable fit and I expect them to last like other LL Bean products.

I was a little hesitant to purchase at first because there were no reviews. I liked the style and wanted some hikers to wear casually around town that wouldn't make my feet too hot (I have a pair of storm chasers that are excellent for snowy conditions, luckily I have experienced a mild winter so far). The hikers were true to fit and the build quality is excellent. They would be great trail hikers as well. I have not yet tested them under very wet conditions. So far they have been comfortable to wear during the break in period, but I may consider a gel type insert to make them feel more like athletic shoes. Very happy with this purchase.

It was nice while they were available.Now they are gone.

I purchased a pair of the Men's Trail Model 4 Hiking Boots on March 15, 2024, and in May 2025, my socks were getting wet on top of my foot walking in wet grass and light rain. So disappointed as I trusted the LL Bean brand and wanted boots with "water proofing" that would last longer than fourteen months. Of course, the one-year warranty/return expired in March. What a waste since I could have used the money spent on these boots toward a better boot. Also, the boot's opening is tight (I have to squeeze my foot into the boot), and the width of the boot is smaller than my other boots. I had to swap my initial purchase for the wider size (EE) version. Besides the water proofing issue, the boots have held up to daily hikes.

Disappointed in the sizing. I wear 14 medium in every other LL Bean shoe I've worn but this boot is way too small in a 14. Otherwise,it seemed to be a nice boot. Had to return it.

For the first 3 1/2 weeks of wearing these every day, I had blisters on my heels which was after wearing them around the house and trying to break them in a week prior to having to wear them for work. Now I can wear them comfortably but am unsure as to how long they will last for.

Very good well made shoe/boot but very stiff not flexible

Well-made, but lacked air circulation. My feet were sweaty at the end of the day.