Of all the technical hiking and winter climbing boots I wore, I became a big fan of LLBean’s Bean Boot. They were a good city boot to get through the mounds of snow in New York and the gutters of the street gutters and are also great for working in the yard or for impromptu day hikes. In other words, I’m a great boot and I’m halfway there now.
LLBean sells several versions of Bean Boots. These are a limited edition and are the hottest available, with PrimaLoft fluffy synthetic insulation and a waterproof Gore-Tex lining – 2 inches taller and slightly heavier than standard unlined, unlined boots (seen here).
They are also called duck boots, indicating that they have rubber skin and leather from the ankle upwards. Duck boots are less clogged than rubber varieties and fit even better because they have laces that you can tighten. I didn’t find LLBean’s boots particularly slippery on the ice either; at least, no more than other bare boots without studs.
LLBean still manufactures Bean Boots manually by hand in Maine, as has been the case since 1911, and you can send them back for repairs or fixes when they show wear.
If you get a pair, be sure to enlarge based on the LLBean sizing information. (Click to open it on the order page.) In my experience, it helps you choose a full size, as you’ll probably wear thick socks inside.
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A couple Extras
I recommend a tube of Gear Aid Seam Sealer from REI or Amazon to roll around the seam between the rubber linings and the leather upper. Duck boots are not particularly leaky when it comes to winter boots, but it is always worth making them absolutely, completely tight when you bring a new pair home. It is not a specific LLBean thing or a sign against their quality. Even with the latest technical boots, tents and backpacks, it always helps to get over the seam with seam seal when they are new.
If you don’t have great socks, get a pair or two of thick Darn Tough merino wool socks from REI, Backcountry or Amazon. They have a lifetime warranty and last a long time. They have been my favorite brand of wool socks for the last seven years. We also have a complete set of wonderful high-tech socks.
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