From everything the technical winter hiking and mountaineering shoes I wore became a big fan of the Bean Boot from LLBean. They were a great city shoe to walk in New York’s soft snowy hills and street gutter lagoons, and they’re also ideal for working in the garden or for an impromptu day hike. In other words, they are a wonderful everyday boot – and they are now half down.
LLBean sells some versions of its Bean Boots. It’s a limited edition, and it’s the hottest available, with inflated PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and a waterproof Gore-Tex lining – 2 inches longer and slightly heavier than standard unlined, non-insulated boots (seen here ).
They are also called duck boots, indicating that they have rubber bottoms and leather from the ankle. Duck boots are less stuffy than all-rubber varieties and also fit tighter because they have laces that you can tighten. I also did not find LLBean’s boots very slippery on ice; at least not more than other naked boots without bypasses.
LLBean still makes Bean Boots by hand in Maine, as has been done since 1911, and you can return them for repair or solution when worn.
If you have a pair, you should increase the size according to LLBean’s size information. (Click to open it on the order page.) In my experience, it helps to choose one full-size size, as you will probably wear thick socks in these socks.
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A few extras
I recommend a tube Gear Aid Seam Sealer from REI or Amazon to run around the seam between the rubber bellies and the upper leather. As for the winter boots, duck boots are not particularly leaky, but it is always worth it to make them absolutely, waterproof if you bring a new pair home. This is not an LLBean specific thing or a sign against its quality. Even on the latest, advanced technical boots, tents and backpacks, it always helps to use seams with a seam connection when it is new.
If you do not have great socks, you can buy a pair or two thick merino wool socks from REI, Backcountry or Amazon. They have a lifetime warranty and last a long time. They have been my favorite wool socks brand for the past seven years. We also have a complete range of high-tech socks.
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