L.L. Bean Gore-Tex Mountain Treads, Mid-Cut

Summary

I love these boots and Gore-tex is definitely the way to go.

They are sturdy and comfortable. The Gore-Tex is great, they stay dry even in the wettest trail conditions. I made a bad step into a bog and when I pulled my foot out the muck just rolled off them. Nearly instantly you couldn't even tell that it was just buried in mud.

The break-in time is relatively quick, just a few hikes should do it.  

The tread is perfect, it grips the trail wonderfully even in near vertical descents. It's like glue on a rock face. I've experienced no slippage on wet surfaces except as expected on wet leaves.

They seem to keep my feet warm enough although I just bought them Labor Day weekend and it's only the end of October.

The only reason why I didn't give these boots a 5 star rating is because they seemed to me to be a little narrow. I would suggest that if your feet are on the wide side that you do go with the wide and/or a half size up. You also want to make sure, as with any hiking boot, that you have enough room for your heavier hiking socks and to prevent toe-jam on the downhills.

My husband had a pair and after listening to him rave about his for a while I got jealous and had to buy a pair for myself. I love them and won't go out on a trail in anything else now.

I have been trying to lighten load on the trail and I read a review in Backpacker about these boots. I was very skeptical, but I thought I would try since LL Bean has an amazing return policy. So far I have found these boots comfortable, supportive, and very light. I have hiked over varying elevations and terrain from ridge hikes to steep killer and from dry dirt trails to rocky ankler breakers. I carried my daughter in a kid carrier (about 32lbs) and they still felt good.

As for the Gore-tex, all waterproofing wears out after time regardless if it is a jacket, boots, or tent. But when mine go I am going to see about the return policy. So far I really like them.

Great out of the box fit and finish. Problem, which I've had with every fabric/leather boot, is that the Gore-Tex lining stopped keeping my feet dry after six months. Third such boot I've owned to have this problem. Going back to full on leather boots.

A very comfortable and light hiking boot with the benefit of a Gore-Tex liner. Not the most rugged, and not intended for heavy backpacking, but sooooo comfortable right out of the box. So what if the tread wears more quickly than some; at this price toss em' after you start slipping and get a new pair.