Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners - Page 53

I've found the Kathadins to be pretty close in size to the DBs. Had I gone a half size down, I'd be playing the return game with LL Bean.

I guess I'll go with my DB size.  If it's slightly big, I'll just put in a thicker insole. I doubt it'll be too small on me (even though I've seen some people say they sized up 1/2 or 1 from DB's).  Thanks for the comments.

I can't comment on the LL Bean's version, but I can on the J. Crew's.

I'm usually a size 9 in sneakers and when I had Clarks DBs, I sized down 1 full size in all 4 pairs that I had. They fit marvelously. I wear a 8.5 in my Chippewas, if I were to go with a size 8, like my Clarks DBs, it would be too small for sure.

Wore these for the first time today since it's raining. Very comfy out the box. The picture with the grass is under pretty much direct sun. The other one had clouds over it.

Just got a pair this week, sized down a half to 10.5 and they still fitted large(my feet are exactly 11" in length). I bought these boots for winter though so with a medium and thick pair of socks they fit perfectly. Good compliment to a nicer pair of boots for winter/rough outdoor use.

I'm a 10.5 in clarks db/10.5 in chucks/10.5 in sperry.

I went with a 10 which fits snug, which I like. A 10.5 would have been a fine too though. I would recommend going TTS or 1/2 size down. If you have a narrow foot, then 1/2 down, if it's "normal" then go TTS.

And then buy my katahdins in size 10 on B&S.

got my 8.5EE
does the tongue on anyone elses boot start to fold when they start lacing? trying to see if i should go standard width

also how close do the 2 sides get when you lace them up? mine get pretty close. like almost touching. maybe i just have skinny ankles

Wearing my katahdins

If I gently tug on the heel piece/block, it starts to come apart from sole. Does this mean it is not sewn properly to the sole, or is this normal?

I'm guessing that the heel is simply glued on, not sewn.  Looking at my Katahdins right now that appears to be the case, although I could be wrong.

 

From what I've seen, heels are usually either glued, tacked, or both.  I'm guessing most glued heels, and even some tacked, would do that if you pull on them, which is why I never pull on them.  Each time you do you risk dust and debris getting between the sole and the heel and over time the bond will get weaker and weaker.

Can someone comment on the difference in durability / looks between these and the Red Wing Iron Rangers?

I was looking at the Iron Rangers, but these look so similar and are so much cheaper... If they are just as durable I may as well get these instead.

How do they size? I'm a 9.5 in Clarks DBs and a 10 in Chucks...

In my opinion the Red Wings are a little bit nicer of a boot (construction, leather quality, etc.) but not so much so as to justify the large price difference. The Chippewas are nice, and very nice for their price. They also fit my feet better. I have had the Katahdins in the past and now have the J Crew plain toe ones and am very happy with them. For the $300 Red Wing seems to get for the IR I think there are better options (1000K mile or save a little more and go for Alden or Whites).

Do these boots stretch a good amount?

edit:  Nevermind.  I called LL Bean, and they're sending me a replacement pair.  Here's to hoping that the new ones don't hurt my leg.  Great customer service on behalf of LL Bean by the way..  As long as it's better than the first pair, I'm pretty sure it will be just fine after breaking them in.  I just don't see breaking in the first pair making much of a difference.

 

 

I got my Katahdins in today and overall I like them.  I'm just wondering if I should exchange them for the same size. There's one small issue that's causing them to dig into the back of my leg a little too much.

 

A portion of the left shoe is stitched 1/4" too far forward on my left shoe.  By doing so, it's causing back of the shoe to angle in more, digging into the back of my leg a little too much causing noticeable pain right when I put them on.  The right shoe is much more comfortable.

 

Should I exchange them or will they break in a little more?  I've only worn them for a day so far.

Edited by yukihiro - 11/22/11 at 2:13pm

Does that still apply?