Out of all the technical winter hiking and mountaineering boots I’ve worn, I’ve become a big fan of LLBean’s Bean Boot. They’ve been a good city boot for walking through the snowy mountains and canyon lagoons of New York, and they’re also great for working in the garden or doing impromptu day trips. In other words, they are a great global start and are now in the middle.
LLBean sells some versions of its Bean Boots. This is a limited edition and they are the warmest available, with a swollen PrimaLoft synthetic insulator and a waterproof Gore-Tex lining, 2 inches taller and slightly heavier than the standard non-insulated unlined boots (which can be see here).
They are also called duck boots, which indicate that they have rubber and leather bottoms from the ankle up. Duck boots are less durable than rubber varieties and also fit more comfortably, because they have adjustable laces. I also didn’t find the LLBean boots especially slippery on the ice; at least no more than other bare boots without crampons.
LLBean still makes Bean Boots by hand in Maine, as it has done since 1911, and you can repair or fix them again when they wear out.
If you get a pair, be sure to reduce the size according to the LLBean size information. (Click to open it on the orders page.) In my experience, it’s helpful to choose a full size because you’ll probably wear thick socks inside of them.
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A couple of extras
I recommend a REI or Amazon Gear Aid Seam Sealer tube to run around the seam between the rubber downpers and the leather upper. Duck boots aren’t particularly filtering, as far as winter boots are concerned, but it’s always worth making them absolutely comfortable when you bring a new pair home. It is not something specific to LLBean or a brand against its quality. Even in cutting-edge technical boots, tents and backpacks, it always helps to overcome seams with seam sealer when they are new.
If you don’t have some fantastic socks, get a pair or two of thick mern wool socks Darn Tough 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 past seven years. We also have a full summary of stunning high-tech socks.
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