Of all With the technical winter hiking and mountain boots I’ve worn, I’ve become a huge fan of LLBean’s Bean Boot. They’ve been a good city shoe for wading through New York’s muddy snow hills and gutter lagoons, and they’re also great for yard work or impromptu day trips. In other words, they’re a great all-round boot – and they’re half finished now.
LLBean sells a few versions of its Bean Boots. This is a limited edition, and they are the warmest out there, with puffy PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and a waterproof Gore-Tex lining – 5cm longer and a bit heavier than the standard unlined, non-insulated boots (seen here ).
They are also referred to as duck boots, which indicates that they have rubber bottoms and leather from the ankle. Duck boots are less stuffy than all-rubber variants and also fit better because they have laces you can put on. I haven’t found LLBean’s boots particularly slippery on ice either; at least no more than other naked boots without crampons.
LLBean still makes Bean Boots by hand in Maine, as it has been doing since 1911, and you can send them back for repair or a fix if they show wear and tear.
If you get a pair, make sure to size up according to LLBean’s sizing information. (Click to open it on the order page.) In my experience it helps to go up a full size as you will probably wear thick socks in here.
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A few extras
I recommend a tube of Gear Aid Seam Sealer from REI or Amazon for running around the seam between the rubber bottoms and the leather uppers. Duck boots aren’t particularly leaky as far as winter boots are concerned, but it’s always worth making them absolutely, completely waterproof when you’re bringing home a new pair. It’s not an LLBean specific thing or a mark against their quality. Even with advanced, high-end technical boots, tents and backpacks, it always helps to go over seams with a seam sealer when new.
If you don’t have great socks, get a pair of thick merino wool Darn Tough socks from REI, Backcountry or Amazon. They have a lifetime warranty and last a long time. They have been my favorite wool sock brand for seven years. We also have a full collection of great high-tech socks.
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