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BeardedBaxterholic t1_iqm6j6c wrote

They would be exponentially better if the soles actually had legitimate grip. Their soles are garbage when it really matters.

196

RatherNerdy t1_iqng50a wrote

But they aren't meant for snow, etc. They were originally meant to be "silent" when walking through the forest and waterproof. They deliver on both fronts.

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IamSauerKraut t1_iqmi7y3 wrote

The very reason I've never had a pair. Do have other types of boots I've bought from Bean, tho.

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BeardedBaxterholic t1_iqmjfla wrote

Same here. Imagine if they combined the Classic Bean boot with a vibram sole. They would sell even better. I've never understood why they don't increase the grip factor.

37

usual_nerd t1_iqn71p7 wrote

I have exactly these boots from Bean. I bought them 20 years ago. They have thick felt liners for warmth and a vibram lug sole. They are very heavy but are amazing when dealing with the worst of winter. I do have a more recent pair of regular Bean boots, which I avoided for years because of the sole but bought for fall/spring. Actually found them great for walking in winter, just not when it’s super icy or deep snow. Grip is better than I anticipated.

10

mcCola5 t1_iqo2ctf wrote

Damn... I got some boots from bean. I've never had nice boots before. They were from the outlet. I think I paid 120... they were originally 249.

They are super warm and def going to keep out the wet, but the grip doesn't make sense to me. I was thinking maybe there is just some science I didnt understand.

Ah well... guess I'll get some other boots.

Recommendations welcome.

5

cmonman- t1_iqov8j9 wrote

The boots are made for hunting. The soles were designed for hunters to be able to keep their eyes in the woods and be able to really feel the forest floor despite wearing boots that would protect their feet.

Personally, I love them. I also have a pair of boots from Ugg that I like even better, though, they are called the Adirondack. They're waterproof & true snow boots. Very expensive, very worth it IMO.

7

BowZAHBaron t1_iqo443q wrote

I think the point is that Bean boots are meant to be versatile working around the house in any weather or condition vibe and they sell the other books with more grip so you gotta buy two and then use the more grippy ones for actual hiking / trekking

4

BeardedBaxterholic t1_iqo9jnc wrote

I've made it a personal rule to not wear footwear in any season that doesn't have a vibram sole. It's grippy in all conditions and provides great confidence. My suggestion would be to try out the vibram rubber. It's magic.

2

freeportme t1_iqo7i5q wrote

Bear Claw is what they called them best boot ever and I hate LL Bean!

1

brdwatchr t1_iqn0dby wrote

Perhaps they are made in China, where they skimp on what really matters for the sake of profits.

−22

KookeyMoose t1_iqnvky2 wrote

Never had a pair, although you agree they are garbage? Wtf?

5

BeardedBaxterholic t1_iqo9ngf wrote

I've never owned a pair. Wore them? Yes. But it was borrowing them. Should have clarified.

1

IamSauerKraut t1_iqo9znz wrote

I've picked up more than a few folks who landed on their backsides while wearing them. Tried on a few pairs, brought in a few pairs for repair, even touched them. Just not up to my standards.

0

Left_Dish6793 t1_iqo8vh8 wrote

It’s because bean boots are marketed for the woodsman in wooded Wet conditions. Not for walking around concrete lmao do your research dum dum

5

BeardedBaxterholic t1_iqo99pw wrote

Ever worn a pair of classic bean boots in the woods? Stepped on damp roots? Slick lichen? Wet leaves? It's a poor, outdated design flaw. Hence why sole technology & design has been updated across the entire industry.

XOXO,

A Dum Dum

8

damariscove t1_iqp7yb4 wrote

Agreed, but for the money they are warm and perfectly fine in powder. They definitely require cramp-ons with ice.

1

Candygramformrmongo t1_iqm5gpz wrote

No. Tread is garbage. Basically a boot for wearing in town on a rainy day.

123

slothscantswim t1_iqnhbuj wrote

They were designed for wet days in the woods, not snow or ice, basically fall hunting boots. For that, they’re okay, but as a winter boot they’re garbage.

27

IamSauerKraut t1_iqmib3e wrote

It's what trendy people wear to look trendy.

16

ShroomFoot t1_iqnz8ol wrote

The same people who would go every year to return their pair from last year they only wore for 6 weeks because "Why not take advantage of the lifetime guarantee?".

Lol, now they gotta buy new boots every year or be out of fashion 🤣

1

Tmatson t1_iqm2l1u wrote

It's a sensibile and proper shoe to be worn till you need a real boot.

80

Prestigious-Fox-7842 t1_iqm4anc wrote

They’re fine for wearing around town but not great for hiking, camping or any kind of winter outdoor activity. And they do suck on ice unless you have something like Yak Tracks you add yourself.

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bfdTerp t1_iqm5uup wrote

Completely agree with this comment but will add that the soles are terrible if you are on your feet all day. Especially terrible on hard surfaces like concrete or tile floors.

20

gracelandcat t1_iqmhadi wrote

Came hereto say this. They are not comfortable for any length of time. I also agree with all the above posts regarding the soles.

3

pl8ster t1_iqoe4bq wrote

I'm actually surprised at how comfortable they are. I'd never wear them if I was on concrete floors all day, but you can tell that's a bad idea just by looking at them.

1

saltylupine t1_iqn3d2c wrote

Agree. Solid for day-to-day and when it’s wet. My pairs are all in good condition after years. They won’t be a good “winter boot” (not enough warmth or traction) but otherwise a versatile casual boot if you like the look.

3

lonepinappl t1_iqm3pdz wrote

Nooooo…. I love LL bean but they are terrible boots, tread is super slick, they aren’t warm, sizing is inaccurate

35

dogsandpeaceohmy t1_iqmtybs wrote

I purchased a new pair and promptly slipped and broke my arm in an ice storm. Not recommended for ice which makes ZERO sense since we are in fucking MAINE.

9

DUHchungaDOWNundah t1_iqm5w0f wrote

Good for most things, they just aren’t very warm. I even have the gore-tex lined tall boot

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Waste-Bobcat9849 t1_iqm4pw8 wrote

It’s situational:

They were great boots for their time but time moves on and now they are great boots in more narrow circumstances.

They were introduced before WW I and were pretty much ‘first to market’ with all the benefits that entails.

Technology and innovation move on though so there are many other great boots out there now.

I still use mine but in fewer ways that I might have if I were packing the new 300 Savage or a paper wrapped 12 gauge

18

billsatori t1_iqm8f6i wrote

They are iconic but cold, terrible fit/support and treads are terrible. I slipped pretty bad wearing them on wet brick sidewalk and never wore them again.

I really like the waterproof, winter Oboz hiking boots. They are warm, fit great. excellent support and great traction.

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rizub_n_tizug t1_iqm6qw8 wrote

They’re nostalgic for me but my mucks, schnees, and carolinas are more practical for most purposes now

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bubba1819 t1_iqmde15 wrote

They’re great if you want cold feet and to slip on the ice.

10

priceless37 t1_iqm7ue7 wrote

My original pair from 1990 was so comfortable. I had them resolved 3 times. My new ones aren’t broken in and just don’t fit the same, but I am hoping with sone wear, they will be just as comfortable.

My neighbor is a farmer and he has his summer bean boots and his winter bean boots. He wears the summer boots barefoot.

9

BigCarry1978 t1_iqm7urg wrote

Agree with most of these comments that LL Bean started falling in quality.

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guethlema t1_iqml7e1 wrote

It's not so much that the quality of the boot went down.

It's that LL Bean made the decision to become much more focused on retail clothing and much less focused on outdoor gear. The result is a limited selection of outdoor gear compared to their competition, and a great selection of fashionable clothes if you want to enjoy the woods from a public park or some form of apple orchard.

They built a brand and are banking on it, good for them, but the boots and most of their products in general are not the top-line outdoor gear that the company was founded on. Not saying you can't buy outdoor gear there or anything, I routinely do, but noting they're more of a fashion brand than an outdoors store now, and the boots are a key symbol of a top product that never evolved but looks cute.

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[deleted] t1_iqnj93w wrote

[deleted]

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BigCarry1978 t1_iqowedx wrote

There's no reason fashion gear can't be functionally well built. This is just an excuse for cheaping out on production cost which happens to every company. It's nothing new, you guys are acting like LL Bean is rebranding itself when it is simply reducing quality to cut costs.

1

sisterpearl t1_iqm63de wrote

For me, absolutely. But I spend a crazy amount of time in mucky conditions and terrains in all kinds of weather. They stand up to a lot of use and abuse, and do well against the elements. I also really need to be as close to being able to feeling the ground beneath me as I can without going barefoot, and the treads on boots are pretty fantastic for that. I have both insulated and non varieties.

But yeah, I think the answer to your question is going to depend on your own needs and style. For me, they’re worth every penny.

6

New_Roof5150 t1_iqm71cp wrote

No, 10-20 years ago they were a lot better but still probably a no

5

New_Sun6390 t1_iqm87y6 wrote

Depends on what you are using them for. Good mud season boots.

They're not as stupid as Crocs.

5

l1nked1npark t1_iqms5gv wrote

They’re not winter boots, they’re duck boots - they’re designed for wading into a little water, they’re water proof up to the top.

I love my bean boots because they’re versatile, but you can’t think about them as winter boots. They’re absolutely worth the money. I have tread attachments for when the weather is particularly icey.

5

habanerolime t1_iqm3dq1 wrote

My wife got me a pair when we moved to Maine. Love them paired with some thick boot socks when the weather is cold and wet

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JustKeepSwimming1233 t1_iqoo1rl wrote

LLBean clothing and foot ware is extremely overpriced for the quality

4

mainemoose42 t1_iqm30wn wrote

They’re decent in the woods if they’re goretex and insulated. They’re quiet but they’re slippery on logs or algae covered rocks. Other than that, they’re pretty much terrible in any slippery (icy/ packed snow/ muck) condition. Most folks who says differently are either wearing crampons of sorts or has never worn an actual boot.

3

ANinjaForma t1_iqm39hf wrote

They’re great for messing around in the elements. Slush, snow, rain, mud. The insulated ones are fairly warm.

They don’t have the most ergonomic step, if you were going for a hike or working all day on your feet.

3

tenfootturd t1_iqm5dkx wrote

I love them.The insulated ones are warm and dry. The traditional tread design doesn't give a lot of grip though.

3

JoeyBagaDonutxz t1_iqm7bsi wrote

My bean boots are great. The tread could be better, but they're super water proof and always keep my feet warm. I've taken them up and down the white mountains in the heart of winter and had no complaints.

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Finstermcbabyface t1_iqm2tkm wrote

I would rather wear my ariat work boots on a hike. They just don’t have the quality that they used to

2

strangeraej t1_iqm9gvo wrote

Nah. I had zero fucking tread on mine but spent a pretty penny on them thinking it'd be good.

2

TyBo75 t1_iqmb6cb wrote

Terrible grip in slush which is like most of winter. Also spendy as heck.

2

Moot_n_aboot t1_iqmbs8o wrote

No. They are now a fashion item more based on the brand name and style. For actual cold weather/waterproof performance you can by better for much less on Amazon. I love LL Bean in general but the boots are not something I’m even remotely interested in.

2

concretecat t1_iqmd09e wrote

They're nice for booting around town and home. Let's be honest, if you're from Maine you have a lot of different boots for different occasions.

This is coming from someone in quebec but we have some winter similarities, so I think my outlook on boots might apply to Maine as well.

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meowmix778 t1_iqmfyw8 wrote

I prefer Keen in that category

2

Zeeker12 t1_iqn80st wrote

They're the perfect boot for the five months a year it's rain and mud around here.

2

goldensurrender t1_iqocoqr wrote

No. I nearly broke my tailbone years ago because I thought they had some grip on the soles. They don't. They're also frigid unless you get them lined. Crappy arch support too.

2

imunoriginalofcourse t1_iqolfj0 wrote

I have a pair of LLBean slippers that were gifted to me. I love them. I just happened to look them up recently to see about getting another pair and almost spit my water out when I saw they were $90. I love them but they're not worth me spending $90 of my own money.

2

Sweaty-Difficulty673 t1_iqpfcw5 wrote

I love them cuz they are cute but if it’s anywhere close to freezing temps I have to wear like 4 pairs of socks or my feet will freeze 😂

2

SodaPop978 t1_iqm5ayx wrote

No. Bought them thinking I could get them repaired for free then they retroactively took it away. And they gave me Plantar fasciitis.

1

clickinforchickens t1_iqm5pmg wrote

Yes and no. If you can get them at a discount, go for it. I got my bean boots from an aunt that worked there for many years, and to be honest, I don’t wear them very often because they’re a real pain for me to put on lol. But they’re a great boot if you’re going somewhere wet

1

rycolos t1_iqmdqln wrote

No way. Get some beefy Lacrosse boots and double up on socks in the winter. Grip is superb and they're great rain boots during the rest of the year.

See also brands like Muck or Bogs, but Lacrosse have served me very well.

1

NeonValleyStreet t1_iqmfk5e wrote

I love mine, if nothing else for the aesthetic. But they’re awful on ice.

1

indyaj t1_iqmfxk6 wrote

I like having them around for a quick trip outside in the rain, maybe to the transfer station or grocery store when it's wet. But they're not the go-to boot for real work or outdoor experiences.

1

FartPartyFriday t1_iqmg9gr wrote

Get yourself some “Mickey mouse” boots, bar none the best pair of boots I’ve ever owned

1

loopnaardemaan t1_iqmh3mw wrote

No, they're not special. For winter I have waterproof Sorels. Warm, long-lasting, non-slippery soles.

1

Electronic-Stop-1954 t1_iqmh73m wrote

Nope. I bought some like 5 years ago because my feet were always cold. They were $200. I hated them. They didn’t keep my feet warm. I returned them and bought another pair of Uggs.

If I ever own bean boots again they’ll be thrifted or something I’m NEVER spending that much on ll bean shoes again.

1

Alaska2Maine t1_iqmjqx5 wrote

They’re good 3 season boots. Spring summer fall. Get something better like Muck boots for winter

1

ToesocksandFlipflops t1_iqmnuad wrote

No! No tred not warm only water proof for 1 inch.

Alas have still always owned a pair.

1

katahdindave t1_iqmo0wr wrote

I wear 2 pair of wool socks, and have added innersoles with an arch. So no, they are not good boots. Mine were a gift. They are lined with flannel which is useless.

1

ILOVEBUBBASPARXXX t1_iqmpz6d wrote

They’re good as a pair of beater boots for doing stuff around the yard, but as winter boots they don’t grip. I got a pair of Sorels for actual winter use, they’re waaaay better

1

bwma t1_iqmq36d wrote

They’re disappointing. They’re fairly warm and they’ll keep your feet dry in rain/light snow. They’re not comfortable at all. The food bed couldn’t be less supportive. As everyone else has mentioned, they have no grip at all. They are the opposite of non-slip. I made the mistake of wearing them while walking on a wet restaurant floor. They aren’t worth the money.

1

and_gloria_too t1_iqmry4y wrote

They’re worth it for nostalgia, fashion, and because they are made in the US. If you want a functional boot, however, hard pass. Even the insulated ones leave my feet cold, and forget about having any traction. The chain-link sole is worthless.

1

Capeari t1_iqmt1pw wrote

I prefer Boggs tall boots

1

AdditionalRow6326 t1_iqmv7j6 wrote

I have a pair that are 2 sizes 2 large to accommodate for extra socks and I keep a pair of rubber ice grippies on them all winter. Bought them at the seconds store and am too cheap to buy an actual warm pair. I have tall ones I wear as a “sexy” pair w skirts in the fall

1

mainemtnrover t1_iqmv8rt wrote

No. After wearing these since the 1980's, I have to say that they are horrible. They are slippery, cold, and weak even after treatment with snow seal. I used to love them for bird hunting, as they were like forest slippers, but my feet were always wet and cold. Also, my last 3 pairs had the heel stich fail, creating a hole in the back seam. There are many better options now.

1

peppapoofle4 t1_iqmvcu5 wrote

I’ve never had a pair of the traditional trendy bean boots. I felt I couldn’t trust the tread. But I do have a pair of bean’s hiking boots and they are great. They have super thick heavy duty tread; I’ve never slipped on ice with them. They keep my feet warm, keep my ankles stable when on rough hikes, and they are roomy enough for thick boot socks when I needed them. I use them through late fall, winter, and early spring.

1

sohikes t1_iqn2lqv wrote

Overrated

It’s the last boot I’d wear for winter or hiking conditions

1

SatanicWarlock12345 t1_iqn3sux wrote

I always buy their hiking boots. Cheaper than Merrills, but just as good IMO

1

MonsterByDay t1_iqn47gs wrote

If you like the looks, they’re okay light duty boots. They’ve never been with it to me.

1

nameisfame t1_iqn5uqp wrote

They’re great for fall and early winter, not so much for deep chills and ice/slush. I mostly wear them when I want boots that won’t make my feet all sweaty.

1

spellyourname t1_iqn698l wrote

If you know someone who works there and gets them for like $10 they're great! Would not pay full price tho.

1

JustJaxJackson t1_iqn79w9 wrote

No.

And this is coming from someone who still buys a lot of things from Bean, even though I live in Oklahoma and have for almost twenty years. A lot of their things are worth the money, made really well (I still adore their flannel sheets, have a set I've had for over ten years and though I use my newer ones most often, when I do pull them out I'm always amazed they have no tears, holes, pilling, nothin'). But the boots? Not for anything *actual* wintery. I only wear mine when snow's been melting and it's just slush and gross on the roads.

1

Smokin77 t1_iqn7o53 wrote

No. Not when you can get a set of Sorels for half as much.

1

N0mad87 t1_iqn9jka wrote

Good for their initial intended purpose but overrated as an actual boot. They're slippery AF and are very cold. If Beans wants to keep pushing the trope that they're a Boston brand so that hipsters in the South End keep buying them, then that's their perogative I guess. Better options available

1

Gill1995 t1_iqnb07r wrote

Unless you get insulated bean boots.. they’re junk

1

HeyJudeWhat t1_iqnb1k7 wrote

Through the 70s/80s they were, now not so much. I think they were a lot cheaper back then too (as in less than the equivalent of $120). So a lot more people had them to actually use. Now they are more fashion. My parents still have their’s form the 80s and they’re going strong, my sister’s from 2015ish are almost worn out and she didn’t wear them a lot. And as others have said, definitely not good in snow.

1

Old_Description6095 t1_iqni1wy wrote

They're iconic but too expensive for my taste

I have duck boots from a different brand with nice tread and insoles support but it's obvious I'm not wearing "bean boots". I am okay with this.

I also have really awesome shearling boots for snow storm weather that are not uggs and cheaper.

1

ADav96 t1_iqnjp81 wrote

If you get them get the gore Tex insulated ones and take care of the leather. They will last a very long time. I love mine!

1

modifiedchoke t1_iqnl3aj wrote

Get yourself a pair of mucks or bogs. You’ll be much happier

1

TOPOS_ t1_iqnolq4 wrote

For not that much more you can get hoffman pack boots, which are the same style but with better grip, and made in the USA, just much higher quality

1

Prestigious-Notice-2 t1_iqnrh0l wrote

Absolutely not. They’re only good for walking to get your mail (if there’s no ice) or walking down a sidewalk in Freeport

1

home-for-good t1_iqnsqpb wrote

They’re fine as long as you don’t walk on icy surfaces. Makes it a bit ironic as a Maine staple when they’re useless for a much of “boot wearing season”. Good with thick socks on a rainy day, but slick as hell on ice.

1

e-rezzy t1_iqnvee9 wrote

They aren’t for like real hiking and shit in my opinion. But the GoreTex lined ones are a godsend in the winter for out and about. Wicked warm feet

1

cantseedeeznuts t1_iqnwxu6 wrote

Yep...

They are what they are, and have their seasons.

They are great at what they were made for.

I've always had a pair, or two, and I suspect I always will.

It's hard to say goodbye to a truly worn out pair of Bean boots.

1

lux1118 t1_iqnwyrv wrote

They are okay for rainy weather. But they get very cold if you don't get insulation for them.

1

Andrew_Lollo-Baloney t1_iqo0ptk wrote

The treads are terrible and I don’t know why but I found getting my feet out of the classic style to be unbelievably frustrating, fighting way too hard with them and the gortex lining pulls out with my foot every time.

1

General_Can_8277 t1_iqo26t3 wrote

I have the fleece-lined ones for...walking my dog in the winter, and for that, they're great!

1

Treekyboy t1_iqo2woc wrote

No did not like them got like 4 pairs for free overtime and never wore any very long to tight to stiff, even worn in ones, not warm, not comfy

1

Fluffy-Fox7148 t1_iqo2wpi wrote

Nope....not comfortable and definitely not a winter boot. Don't keep ur feet warm at all.

1

2ratswithtats t1_iqo8tg3 wrote

I had a pair as a child when they were actually affordable, a gift, I think from a family member. The upper leather seams ripped and tore at the tops of my feet, my toes froze because the rubber part wasn't insulated, I slipped on the ice in second grade and split my chin open and swore Off LL Bean for life.

1

2ratswithtats t1_iqo988k wrote

Short answer; they're not special. I've found better quality boots from other brands for half the price. You're paying for a name.

1

BriefausdemGeist t1_iqoacij wrote

Sorrel “caribou” are better and worth the cost

1

tesaril t1_iqoapc3 wrote

Yep. But get some nice insoles.

1

spruceymoos t1_iqod3gw wrote

Llbean anything isn’t worth the hype.

1

colinhd27 t1_iqoe636 wrote

How can you even question this? Are you some kinda... some kinda... Fool? The quality, the style... the quality... LLBean is our mother and we, as Maine people will support her. She says jump, I respond "how many boots you want me to buy bub?"

1

ConwayPuder t1_iqofnom wrote

Like waxed canvas, they were cutting edge around a hundred years ago. Also like waxed canvas, there are better materials out there today but if you value nostalgia, they can't be beat.

They were intended to keep your feet dry and your footsteps quiet in variable conditions in the woods and still serve that purpose well today, even when compared with similarly priced hunting boots from leading retailers. A big advantage of Bean boots is the sole and vamp are one piece. Today the sole is usually glued on and it will separate and leak over time.

I have the ME hunting shoe. I pair them with wool socks and used them for various kinds of hunting with warm and dry feet. When ice fishing in sub zero (°F) temps, I was the only person in my group who didnt complain about cold or wet feet.

It is true they don't grip on ice very well if you're walking on concrete/in the street. They weren't meant for that purpose. When I need them for those conditions I pair em with yak traks.

I love my ME hunting shoes and I'll never give them up.

1

fredezz t1_iqpp2xn wrote

Ice fishing below 0 in bean boots and your feet were warm?... You're full of shit

1

ConwayPuder t1_iqqhejy wrote

I said I was the only one who didn't complain about cold/wet feet while ice fishing.

1

fredezz t1_iqrblpf wrote

Okay now I understand, your feet were numb

1

fredezz t1_iqrcjin wrote

Also, FYI, the current boot bottoms are injected molded in Lewiston using a synthetic thermoplastic rubber. They used to be handmade in LaCrosse Wisconsin with genuine Plantation crepe/rubber.

1

PtansSquall t1_iqojz72 wrote

They have better boots that aren't the typical "bean boot" that are actually great, insulated and ACTUALLY HAS GRIP 😲

1

Tricky_Ad6392 t1_iqorllp wrote

Depends? I slipped in mine more than my uggs.

1

InvadeHerKim t1_iqotz5g wrote

No. I've never understood the hype. I wear a pair of winter style bogs or my Xtra tufs if the snow's not super deep. I love my Xtra tufs so much I bought a pair for "going out" because my first pair is now my chicken coop/gardening pair. Usually people I see wearing them are wearing them in the winter for fashion not practicality, because they are slippery a.f. in icy/snow conditions.

1

pr1ap15m t1_iqp01qp wrote

nope it’s like buying redwings instead of irish setters or chippewa instead of carolina’s

1

Ebomb1 t1_iqp3imm wrote

Definitely not worth the hype. I do love the low duckies for yard work though. Lots of times it's too wet for sneakers but too warm for mucks.

1

saigonk t1_iqp3zl6 wrote

No, not at all.

1

seaglassgirl04 t1_iqpdrcf wrote

Forget the boots- their backpacks are worth every penny! 5 years of daily use and still looks good and all seams intact!

1

Nastydon t1_iqpgzr2 wrote

I get them for about $10 a pair, so I think they're worth it.

1

frozenhawaiian t1_iqpk14v wrote

I bought into the hype and bought a pair for when I’m in the woods. Gave them away a few months later, they just don’t work for my feet.

1

suddenmanhattan t1_iqpvb17 wrote

No. Somehow they became “the boot” but they’re fully slippery when wet.

1

Chingachgook1757 t1_iqqovzd wrote

Good for cool, wet weather and walking the woods, or as we here in Maine call it; hunting.

1

mialunavita t1_iqrnnrv wrote

I think they are worth the hype if you go into them with managed expectations. They are not winter boots. They aren’t all that warm and you’ll kill yourself on any slippery surface because they have zero traction. I love my fleece lined ankle high beam boots for late fall rains. They are warm enough for late fall/early spring.

1

Lemonchicken207 t1_iqt0un0 wrote

No. I bought a pair and find them fairly uncomfortable.

1

Solar_Saves t1_iqu4k9o wrote

The original Maine Hunting Shoe/Bean Boot is built for comfort and dry feet when walking on trails. There are also thinsulate lined and pack boots which keep your feet warmer in winter. Best thing to do is get a seasonal job with Beans- they hire plenty temporaries to handle the Christmas rush. You get a discount on new clothes and can find amazing bargains for returned items at the employee store.

1

bern_trees t1_iqmaj9y wrote

I prefer Eastlands. They are also made in Maine. Freeport I believe.

0

BeemHume t1_iqmccm7 wrote

When they came out, they were probably fire for duck hunting or whatever.

Now, they are a fashion item, but a solid one.

0

danimal207 t1_iqmig67 wrote

Very few LL Bean items are worth their hype anymore, their boots are no exception

0

penfrizzle t1_iqmsj01 wrote

LL Bean boots are like most of their outdoor products, fashionable, and not worth their money.

Why buy an over price LL Bean field jacket, when you can something from a real jacket maker, like Carhartt or Columbia for the same price?

The answer used to the hassle free return policy, knowing that the jacket you bought was essentially a jacket forever.

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kittehs4eva t1_iqmsuj0 wrote

NO!!!

They have a look. But they suck as a functional boot. They're uncomfortable at best.

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WhiskyIsMyYoga t1_iqnatcd wrote

Short answer:

No.

Long answer: fuck no.

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FITM-K t1_iqnwe0m wrote

The classic bean boots? No, they are awful. Look bad, not particularly comfortable or warm (at least for me), and the tread is useless. I don't have anything against LL Bean really, but as boots go almost anything else would be better.

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brdwatchr t1_iqnzgdz wrote

Made in Brunswick, and that means that after what comes out of China, there is no reason to bother with a better boot, as they believe we will buy American just because we really don't wish to buy Chinese products, if there is a choice. I know I don't, but don't give me a crappy American boot, because that is downright insulting. I am sick of crapola quality products, but it seems that manufacturers are determined to shove them down our throats.

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SnooCats7847 t1_iqo0d89 wrote

Beans tout that the boots are American made. Nerp, just assembled in Maine. LL Bean is a joke. The worst part about it is how they’ve brainwashed their customer base to believe they make quality products.

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freetheroux t1_iqmdrsb wrote

All you people slipping in ll bean boots need to learn how to walk. People hike and walk on ice in flip flops and you guys can’t do it a 10 inch high boot

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66698 t1_iqmguvd wrote

I’m reading the comments here. Thinking this exact same thing. All i wear hiking in the woods are my bean boots. I never slip??

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IamSauerKraut t1_iqmisw3 wrote

I wear flip flops made for pool decks. Unlike beaners, have a good grip.

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guethlema t1_iqmllxp wrote

It's not that bean boots are easy to slip in. It's that vibram soles came out decades ago and became the no-slip standard we now expect from boots.

Bean boots have as much grip as a half-worn tire, which isn't useless by any means but it's not a superior sole product to the $70 hiking boot or work boot.

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