L.L. Bean North Col Hikers Review

"I can only endorse most remarks by Bob E. dated 10/4/98. These are a superb value for the bucks.
Got mine in 9/98 to try as an interim while waiting for custom Limmers. Since then have put on about 500 miles in these kicks, mostly over Michigan's gentle terrain. Both the boots and I got a more telling workout in July-August 1999 (this year) in the muddy, rocky, rooted, wet and generally rough trails of Vermont Green Montains and New York Adirondacks, and the boots held up very nicely. A couple applications of welt sealer and many doses of waxy waterproofing dressing kept my feet dry, even while hiking in the rain. Gaiters helped, and kept debris out, as the fit around my ankles (scree collar) is a little wide open. The hard soles have held up very well across the miles.
These are old-fashion boots, and do require some break-in. Mine fit "acceptably" out-of-the box" and started to get really comfortable after maybe 50 miles. And they get better every time out, now.
I have a wide forefoot with narrow heel, plus every footfall is backed by close to 250 lb of beef (even without pack). My feet take a beating, and being well shod is an absolute neccesity! That's the why of the the custom boot order. I'm in my mid 50s, and want to keep walking. the Bean North Col Hikers have been better for me than any off-the-shelf boot I've tried (including a pair of Vasque boots in the $200 range).
If Bean still offers these and you have my kind of fit needs, take a look."

"These boots are a true bargain. Norwegian welt, leather-lined, chunky Vibram sole -- this is the real deal at $139. BUT: Like their very expensive look-alikes (Limmers, top-line Vasques, etc.), these boots are VERY stiff and harsh at first. Being a throwback myself, I pulled them on first thing and clunked a good 4 miles in them (on grass.) The toe box is cavernous, the mid-foot fit is good, the heel box is fine, and their ankle support is excellent. Two"problems" were apparent: the forefoot width is slightly narrow (hopefully it would stretch to fit perfectly), and the old-style hard-vibram soles will rattle the brain of a hard-stepping hiker. Best of all, Bean says "wear 'em a while before you decide"! All in all, a great deal in a "true" backpacking boot.

That being said, I chose to go with Bean's Cresta All-leather boot, for its unsurpassed comfort and beauty."