L.L.Bean Bean Boots Long-Term Review 2024
THE BEST WINTER BOOTS FOR COMMUTING AND WALKING AROUND TOWN
Published February 26th, 2024
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OUR VERDICT
When it comes to classic winter boots, the L. L.Bean Bean Boots are the hardy, warm, leather boot that comes to mind for most folks. After over 100 years, L.L.Bean continues to sell out of their popular duck boots, which come in 13 different styles.
After testing a pair of the women's 8" Bean Boots for myself in frigid, sub-zero temperatures in snowy Maine – incidentally, the home base of L.L.Bean – I can confirm these boots are deserving of such popularity and acclaim. I've been wearing that same pair since 2018 and our men's tester has the Flannel Insulated 8" Bean Boots since 2012. These Made in the US boots are built to last.
With a temperature rating that goes down to -30F (don't worry: they have options made for warmer temps, too!), these boots can cover you in very cold conditions. The waterproof leather upper and rubber outsole help keep your feet dry in snowy, icy, or wet conditions–and there's even a Gore-Tex version if you want extra waterproofing.
The Bean Boots are ideal for most winter outdoor trips, from dog walks in the neighborhood, commuting and running errands around town, and short winter hikes. Best of all, they’re highly durable and backed by L.L.Bean’s warranty.
This review will break down the materials, style, warmth, fit and comfort and options available. I'll also examine media and consumer reviews and compare the Bean Boot to similar models to help you decide if the L.L.Bean Boot is a good fit for you.
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
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SPECS
Price*: $149
Waterproof: Yes
Weight (pair) for 8" height*: 2 lbs 12 oz (men’s), 2 lbs 10 oz (women’s)
Shaft height options: 8 inches (most popular), 6 inches, 6.5 inch chelsea, 10 inches
Material: Full-grain leather
Insulation Options: Primaloft, shearling lining, fleece, flannel
Temperature rating options: -30F (extreme), all-season / uninsulated, warmer
Footwear closure: Lace (zip and buckle versions also available in 7")
Sizes available: men’s 7 -14 (narrow, medium, wide), women’s 6 - 11 (narrow, medium, wide)
Note: specs reference the men's 8" Bean Boot uninsulated version and women's 8" Bean Boot uninsulated version. Between men's and women's options, there are 27 different models of Bean Boots. Below, we discuss the differences to help you choose the best for you.
COMPARISON TABLE
Men's
| MEN'S BOOTS | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | OUTSOLE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.Bean Boot 8" | $149 | Uninsulated | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| L.L.Bean Flannel Lined Insulated Boot | $219 | 200 g Primaloft | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| L.L.Bean Shearling Lined Insulated | $289 | Shearling | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| L.L.Bean Gore-Tex/Insulated | $259 | Insulated (materials not stated) | Chain-tread outsole | Y | |
| Oboz Bridger Insulated 10" | $220 | 400g 3M Thinsulate synthetic fibers | 8" | Winterized rubber | Y |
women's
| WOMEN'S BOOT | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | OUTSOLE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L.L.Bean Boot 8" | $149 | Uninsulated | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| L.L.Bean Fleece Lined Insulated Boot | $219 | Fleece | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| L.L.Bean Shearling Insulated 8" | $289 | Shearling | 8" | Chain-tread outsole | Y |
| Oboz Bridger Insulated BDry Winter Boots 7" | $210 | 200 g 3M Thinsulate synthetic fibers | 7" | Winterized rubber | Y |
| Sorel Joan of Arctic | $240 | 6mm recycled felt | 12" | Vulcanized rubber | Y |
WHAT WE LIKED
Style
Warmth
Durability
Made in US
Variety of heights, colors, insulation
Lots of sizes available
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
Can be hard to get due to high demand
Price
HISTORY OF THE BEAN BOOT
According to Forbes, Bean Boot was the first product L.L.Bean made and its style has changed little in its 100+ year-long history. It's still Made in the US. And why would you mess with a product that’s been satisfying customers for more than a century?
These boots are so popular that in 2017, L.L.Bean had to hire 100 new employees and create a third shift at their bootmaking facility in Maine to keep up with the demand. Even with these additional craftsmen, however, these boots can be on backorder by 100,000.
Why? Two main reasons, said the Atlantic: they’re made with a mix of old and new technology, which still requires two hands on the boot for the majority of the production process. And L.L.Bean still keeps that production facility in Maine, right where it started, rather than shifting production over to China like many other boot makers.
The second reason is that they source from American producers, including a tannery in Maine, shearling from Texas, and steel (for the sole) from local artisans. It takes time to make a good Bean Boot, and they’re not going to rush that process — even if it means an enormous backorder every Christmas.
BEST USES
We’ve tromped through towns, down docks, and across snowy hills in our Bean duck boots. However, we wouldn’t recommend going on an extended hike with them right out of the box. The leather can be stiff and needs time to break in and mold to your feet. Instead, we recommend the Oboz Bridger insulated hiking boots for extended walking on trails.
VARIETY OF OPTIONS
With 22 options for women’s L.L.Bean Boots alone, we couldn’t just pick one to highlight in this guide, so we decided to pick them all.
In this review, we’ll focus on the characteristics common to all classic L.L.Bean Boots across the board.
We also highlight a few fun features and the options available to certain subcategories of these legendary boots.
FEATURES
HEIGHTS
One of the largest variety of options is simply the height of the Bean Boot. Women’s heights are available in moccasin, 6”, 8”, and 10”. The men's is available up to 16".
While most of the height factor involves pure fashion, the heights were designed for a practical reason. L.L.Bean began offering different height boots based on experiences in the woods and streams of Maine as a way to keep feet dry and warm while hunting, fishing, and exploring.
The author, for instance, who splits her time between Maine and Alaska, owns a pair of 8” Bean Boots which conquer most wintery puddles and slinging slush.
While the 16” may be a killer to lace up, there’s an inherent quality that comes with tall boots for keeping out snow and slush, as we saw with the Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots, the Best Overall winner in our Best Women’s Winter Boots guide. Still, we think most people sticking to city streets will be plenty warm and dry with an 8" or 10" height.
INSULATION
Beyond the height options come the insulation options. Depending on the time of year — or the intended use — you may want non-insulated Bean Boots, especially for warmer fall or spring temperatures.
However, if you’re a Mainer, you know what that insulation’s meant for. (The author’s coldest day in Maine was a whopping -34 degrees, which felt more like -45.)
Shearling, PrimaLoft, and Gore-Tex/Thinsulate are all on the insulation menu with the Bean Boots.
For shearling-lined boots, they provide a “warmth warning” on the search page — “Warmer: 25°/-20°” — to show that they’re meant for cold, cold weather.
Like the shearling-lined boot, fleece-lined boots are rated “warmer.” Insulated with fleece and 200g of PrimaLoft, this is a cozy, toasty fit.
The Gore-tex/Insulated boots are rated “warm,” which means they’re less warm than the shearling-lined and PrimaLoft boots, but still suitable for all-season conditions. These boots are constructed with Gore-tex waterproofing to keep feet dry.
The uninsulated boots aren’t given a warmth rating, but the classic Original Bean Boot is waterproof and able to protect your feet in winter weather.
SIZING
L.L.Bean’s website provides this sizing guide for their boots:
With light or midweight socks: Whole sizes, order one size down. Half sizes, order 1½ size down. Example: 9 or 9½, order a size 8.
With heavyweight socks: Whole sizes, order your normal size. Half sizes, order one size down. Example: 9 or 9½, order a size 9.
We concur. The author (normally a 9-9.5 US women’s) bought a pair of size 9 Bean Boots, and they’re far too big for her feet. L.L.Bean has a great and easy exchange policy, however, so if your boots don’t fit right the first time, don’t be afraid to swap them out.
STYLE
The Bean Boot has a classic look that works in urban settings or on a trail. It’s a look that has been mimicked by boot makers—from J.Crew on the fancy end to XtraTuf on the outdoorsy side. It’s an aesthetic that works for a lot of settings,—and we think that is a factor that makes it a winning boot.
L.L.BEAN'S FAMOUS WARRANTY
L.L.Bean offers a generous one-year return policy on all its products. Even after a year, they’ll consider refunds for products with defective materials or craftsmanship. You can find more information on the warranty and return process on their website.
WHERE TO FIND L.L.BEAN BOOTS
In addition to the L.L.Bean website and storefronts, you can find L.L.Bean boots at Zappos, Dillard’s, and other small retail stores.
Pro tip: If you can, check out an L.L.Bean Outlet store post-holidays. They usually have an influx of Bean Boots that have been returned after January 1st (usually because they’re not the right size or color) and those boots are generally available for below MSRP, with few to no flaws.
REVIEWS FOR THE L.L.BEAN BOOTS
The L.L.Bean Women’s Bean Boots earned these ratings: Forbes (Best Women’s Winter Boots), Town and Country (Best Stylish Winter Boots), The Cut (The Boots That Will Probably Sell Out), Forbes (Best Women’s Winter Boots For 2019), Business Insider (The Best Winter Boots Made in America), Trip Savvy (Runner Up, Best Overall), Popular Mechanics (The Never-Ending Greatness of L.L.Bean's Boots), Travel and Leisure (Best-selling All-Weather Boots).
The Cut said, "L.L.Bean’s duck boots have sold out so many times in the past decade… The hundreds of reviewers on L.L.Bean’s website all agree that these are worth the hype. Writes one, “Everyone should own Bean boots.”
Forbes even acknowledged the frenzied enthusiasm associated with the Bean Boots, quoting the boots shortage and the ensuing frenzy that created.
Business Insider praised the home-grown classic — "The women's L.L.Bean Shearling-lined Bean Boots are super cozy, classic looking, and made to last — right in America."
Today (yes, of the Today Show) acknowledged the fashion phenomenon that only those who wear the Bean Boots can understand. “Every so often, you'll come across a wardrobe essential that stands the test of time despite the continuously evolving trends and styles. The L.L.Bean ‘Bean Boot’ is one of those timeless items. Since its debut in 1912, this age-defying look has only gained popularity around the globe.”
Business Insider summarized the demand for Bean Boots like this: “In short: they're insanely popular.” They also called out the “legacy” effect of these boots—they last for years, are reasonably affordable, and are effective rain-and-snow boots, as well as classically stylish.
Travel & Leisure proclaimed, “Whether you're looking for a boot to wear in the rain in all seasons or a pair that will keep your feet extra warm in the winter, L.L.Bean is a one-stop-shop for weatherproof footwear.”
Stridewise has been testing a pair of classic Bean Boots since 1992, and they’re still going strong. No other pair of boots can be called “symbolic,” they claim, yet L.L.Bean’s tough-as-Maine legacy lives on through the sturdiness of these boots and the strength of the company’s satisfaction guarantee, down to replacing the soles to promote longevity.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF THE L.L.BEAN 8” FLANNEL-LINED INSULATED BOOTS
L.L.Bean customers are die-hards, some raving that they should have purchased these sooner and others crowing that their boots were still going strong after decades. However, half of the reviewers called out that, while insulated, their toes were still cold around 30 degrees. So if you’re in extreme weather, go for a more insulated boot. Several mentioned how large these boots ran and wished they had opted for a size down.
SIMILAR BOOTS TO CONSIDER
BLUNDSTONE ALL-TERRAIN CLASSIC
Price: $279.99
Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz (pair)
Waterproof: Yes
Shaft Height: 6 inches
Material: 1.8 mm Leather & waterproof elastic with latex seams
Insulation: Thinsulate and removable sheepskin footbed
Temperature rating: not noted
Footwear closure: slip-on
Sizes: W 6-11, M 4-14
The Blundstone All-Terrain Classic, winner of our Best for City Walking category in our Best Men’s Winter Boots guide, is a stylish city-to-trail shoe offering excellent traction, comfort, and warmth. While a temperature rating isn’t noted, it’s constructed of waterproof leather and has a Thinsulate and leather lining for insulation, so your feet will be warm and dry.
Like the L.L.Bean Bean Boot, the Blundstone All-Terrain Classic is a fashionable boot you could wear around town. Learn more in our full review of the Blundstone All-Terrain Classic here.
BLUNDSTONE ALL-TERRAIN CLASSIC
Men's
Women's
Price: $240
Waterproof: Yes (but not the laces)
Weight: 1 pound 15 ounces per boot (3 pounds 14 ounces per pair)
Shaft Height: 12 inches
Material: Waterproof suede and faux fur cuff
Insulation: Synthetic insulation
Temperature rating: -25F
Footwear closure: Lace
Sizes: Women’s US 5-12
Best for: All outdoor activities in frigid temperatures
The Sorel Joan of Arctic boots are versatile, warm, and prepared for the winter elements, which is why it is also our most recommended women's winter boots. They have a temperature rating of -25F, compared to the Bean Boots’ -30F rating. The lace up high, and are more similar to the 16” Bean Boot in height.
Some folks like the fur-lining for style reasons, but if that’s not for you, we recommend considering the Blundstone All-Terrain Classic instead. You can learn more about the Sorel Joan of Arctic in our full review here.
SOREL JOAN OF ARCTIC
Price: $110
Waterproof: No
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz per boot (2 lbs 2 oz per pair)
Shaft height: 10.2”
Material: Leather and textile
Insulation: 200 g insulation, microfleece liner, faux fur collar
Temperature rating: -25F
Footwear closure: Lace
Sizes: Women’s US 5 - 11
Best for: Around town, style
The Columbia Ice Maiden II is a budget-friendly option for folks who want a boot that meets our standards without breaking the bank. The Ice Maiden IIs have 200 grams of insulation, a microfleece liner, and the upper is made of waterproof suede and nylon.
While it’s not the warmest or best waterproof boot we’ve tested, the Ice Maiden IIs are going to work well for traveling, a ski resort trip, walking the dog, or any other daily winter activity. Due to its effectiveness at such a reasonable price – it costs about $40 less than the L. L. Bean Bean Boot, but is often on sale for half that price – the Ice Maiden II won our Best Affordable Winter Boot in our Best Women’s Winter Boots guide.
COLUMBIA ICE MAIDEN II
OBOZ BRIDGER
Price: $220
Waterproof: Yes
Weight: 3 lbs 0.3 oz (women's 9" height), 3 lbs 5.8 oz (men's 10" height)
Shaft height: 7" and 9” (women's), 8" and 10" (men's)
Material: DWR (Durable Water REpellent) Nubuck leather with waterproof B-Dry liner
Insulation: 200 g 3M Thinsulate (men's 7"), 400 g 3M Thinsulate (all other heights")
Temperature rating: Not stated
Footwear closure: Lace
Sizes available: 6-11 (women's), 8-13 (men's). All sizes available in standard and wide.
Best for: Hiking, snowshoeing, working
The Oboz Bridger 9” won Best Slip-Resistant Winter Bootsin our women’s winter boots guide due to their excellent traction on ice, snow, and other slick surfaces. Of all the winter boots we’ve tested, these offer the best slip resistance. So, if traction is your priority, the Bridger is a good option for you. We also like that they're available in wide sizing for both men's and women's boots, though it’s important to note that the popularity of this boot causes sizing availability to often be limited. You can read more about the Oboz Bridger in our full review here.
OBOZ BRIDGER
Men's
Women's
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Cold is no stranger to me. I grew up in Colorado with New York-expat parents and spent winters in Alaska before settling in Maine. I’m no stranger to cold feet. I wouldn’t give up the cold for a sunny beach day, ever—but I do prefer to keep my toes warm.
I’ve skied for most of my life, from New England hills to hometown Colorado resorts, and backcountry adventures in Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Additionally, I’ve been a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north began when there was snow on the ground and ice blocking my boats from going downriver. Spending years on volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine have sent me out on Search and Rescue calls on frigid winter nights, ambulance calls in 4’ snowdrifts, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.
My gear expertise stems from gear reviews for outlets like Backpacker Magazine and REI Co-op, 6 years of guiding, 3 decades of cold-weather adventures, and a plethora of gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
