Bean Hiking Boots GoreTex Day Hikers AllLeather Review

I'm really glad that I found these boots in the discount rack at the LL Bean Outlet Center in Freeport a few years ago.  I didn't know what to expect when I bought them, other than that they felt comfortable when I tried them on.

So I started to wear them around the house, mowing the lawn and wearing them on shorter walks to break them in.  All the time, the shoes were snug, but not to tight as to become uncomfortable after wearing them for a bit.

When I finished breaking them and started hiking in them, I really was amazed. I hadn't expected much but these boots have turned out to be a perfect mix of lightweight and heavyweight boot characteristics.  I discovered that they are the perfect boot for almost any kind of day hike and are strong enough and provide enough support for overnight/multi-night backpacking trips.

The Gore-Tex Day Hiker is a mix of leather and fabric.  The majority of the boot is made from leather, but portions are a nylon fabric and the boot has a Gore-Tex liner, which makes it waterproof but still breathable.   

Weight wise the boot falls in between a classic leather boot and an all fabric boot.  I've found them to be slightly heavier than my all-fabric boots, but nowhere near as heavy as the heavy-duty leather hiking boots I have.

I've found that there's more support with the Day Hiker than your standard fabric boot.  The leather gives your ankles more support and helps you maintain a surer foot while you are hiking.  The boots are even stiff enough to do some hiking with crampons on.  I've worn crampons on the boots several times and haven't noticed a problem.  They wouldn't work for technical ice climbing - but for hiking when you need them, they should work fine.

The sole of the boots are made from Vibram.  This gives you good traction on all kinds of terrain and provides some extra cushioning from the rigors of the terrain.

My Take

Simply put, these boots are one of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.

The Day Hikers are great all-around day hiking boots with plenty of support, and offer protection from water while still remaining breathable.  Not only that, but the Day Hikers can handle shorter backpacking trips of a few days and for those of us who hike in the winter, crampons easily fit on the boots without any problems.

These boots shouldn't disappoint anyone looking for a solid day hiking boot.  If you need boots, go to an LL Bean Store and try these on.