Rated 5 out of 5 by shoppingfromVT Excellent looking and very comfortable
I recently purchased the Katahdin Boots and found them to be far better quality and looking than I had expected. I would and have suggested these boots to friends and family.
March 27, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Sholland91 Excellent Boot!
Just traded in my old Engineer Boots at the Flagship store and upgraded to these. They are much more comfortable and very rugged. I tested them in a puddle outside and they are definitely waterproof. The hooks on the top of the boot make it much easier to tie and untie the boots, and put them on quickly.
This is why I buy LL Bean
March 24, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Freese Katahdin Iron work boots
They were just what I wanted, they are a little hard to break-in,that is because it has such good leather.
But they fit me like a glove.
Everything so far I have gotten from LLBean, has always been excellent, and best of quality.
thank you very much LL Bean
March 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by AndyG Standout Boots
Boots are rugged, look good and feel great. I had to return for a smaller size (fits like dress shoes, maybe a tad smaller), but once I did they were/are great. One other recommendation is to replace the stiff, waxed cotton laces with regular synthetic hiking laces that allow a bit more flex as you walk in them. These have been good on all terrain as well as standing for long durations on hard surfaces.
January 9, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Framinghamer Great boots
Just got the boots out of the box and started wearing them on errands. The fit is great, 11.5 D. I typically have trouble with narrow toe boxes, but these fit very well. I've been looking for a solid pair of work/hiking boots for a while and these seem like they will fit the bill. The leather and sole are heavy and will take some time to break in. I'll amend my review if anything changes, but all indications are that these boots will quickly become my winter and outdoor favorites. -Brendan
January 4, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by stevefromvirginia Solid, comfortable boots
Planned obsolescence is a concept that really irks me, so it is refreshing to shop L.L.Bean for durable shoes, boots and clothing that never really seem to go out of style. These boots are another quality L.L.Bean product that I expect to last a long, long time. Spending $200 for a pair of these boots, which will probably last ten times longer than a pair of $100 boots from a department store, seems like a no-brainer in terms of value. They are solid and, after a three-day break-in period, extremely comfortable. The fit (I got the EE width) seems to be right on. So far they've demonstrated very good traction on ice, snow and mud.
December 29, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Momof3inVA Great Boot!
Second pair we have purchased for the men in my family with a third being ordered shortly as a birthday gift. Well made (USA of course), comfortable and look good! Worth the money spent for sure. Highly recommend!
December 27, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by NorcalExpat Sturdy boots for a moderate price
I bought these for winter wear when up in the mountains for snowboarding. I wanted a sturdy pair of boots that I could comfortably wear in snow and slush, but were also stylish enough that I could wear them around town, etc when on trips and not have to worry about bringing a "nice" pair of shoes along.
Generally, I think these fit that role almost perfectly. They are boxy up front in the toe, which I like - it means I can wear thick socks without a problem. The treads are aggressive - I have no doubt they will help with traction, but it's also obvious I'll have an issue with them carrying a lot of dirt or mud if I don't brush them out before walking indoors. The ankles (as others have noted) are a little stiff but not uncomfortably so. I'm okay with that - I'm hoping it means that as they break in they'll retain some support rather than becoming entirely floppy like some other boots I own.
I do wish they didn't have that thin insulation inside the toe of the boot. It seems like it's just going to retain moisture from day to day, and if I want more warmth I'd wear heavier socks. I'd rather just have leather interiors.
Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase and I'd recommend these if you're looking for a pair of stylish boots that also offer good cold-weather protection. I wouldn't recommend these for serious hiking - I just don't think they'd serve as well as a more purpose-built hiking boot if you had to walk multiple miles in a stretch.
I'm taking 12 days in the mountains starting next week. I'll update this review once I see how they do there.
December 12, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by dontfencemein Superb except for one fatal defect...
I really like the design and construction of these boots. They fit well and seemed like they would become my all-time favorite after break in. However, after about 3 wearings I noticed that the left boot had a 1/8 inch hard ridge in the seam above the heel counter (at the bottom edge of the leather collar where it joins the maroon liner with the zigzag stitching). That ridge cuts across my achilles tendon and makes the boot extremely uncomfortable. There is no such defect in the right boot.
I'm exchanging the boot for another pair and hope that the pair I receive is defect free - in which case the boots truly WILL be the best I've ever owned!
November 28, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Stonegroove Great Boots
I really like these boots, great for work and play. They take a little time to break them in. I have one problem which is the reason for 4 stars. The sole is starting to separate from the boot, the glue is not holding up. The boots were purchased less than 2 months ago, another pair is on the way and we will see how they hold up.
November 18, 2012