Living an outdoors lifestyle, as you well know, is an extremely rewarding experience. However, unless you are a huge survivalist, you need gear that can hang with all the rugged terrain you’ll encounter. The proper outdoor shoes and boots are pivotal to an enjoyable outdoor experience, as they can give warmth, waterproofness, stability, and flexibility for every situation you’ll be in. L.L. Bean, based out of the state of Maine, has created the premier outdoor boot for the diverse number of activities you could do outdoors.
The L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Shoe, nicknamed the “Bean Boot”, was L.L. Bean’s first product in 1912. Since then, the successful outdoor company has centered their products around an outdoor lifestyle, but has always been most well-known for their outdoor shoe, even 100 years since its inception. While the Bean Boot has changed and grown over the last 100 years, it has stayed true to its core values – durable for the active outdoorsman and comfortable enough to wear casually, all while being proudly made in the U.S.A.
L.L. Bean’s Bean Boot is both a cultural phenomena and functions extremely well – and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to this model. The secret is in the Maine Hunting Shoe’s specs – every stitch and seam is well-thought out and hand-crafted. We’ll look at some of the features of this boot and some of the different purposes it could be used for, and maybe you’ll find it a good fit for you!
Maine Hunting Shoe, 10″
The original Bean Boot comes in a 10″ model, and has a signature moccasin-like feel, great for additional comfort while outdoors. It features a rubber chain-tread bottom with a leather top, and is crafted from premium waterproof leather, while remaining breathable and flexible for all-day active use. The 10″ model is a mid-cut shoe, great for moderately flat terrain and flexible movement. This model is also made in a women’s version, for additional ankle support and a greater custom fit for women.
Product Description:
- Waterproof leather
- Durable sole
- Custom fit from upper molds
- Great arch support and flexibility
- Run large; order 1 to 1 1/2-size down
- 3 lb. 8 oz. per pair
- Hand-crafted in U.S.A.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
This model is great for hunters and people who will be out all day, and who may need flexible movement for running. The waterproof leather will ensure that you will stay relatively dry in rain, and the Hunting Shoe is guaranteed by L.L. Bean’s 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Maine Hunting Shoe, 12″ & 16″
The Bean Boot has also expanded to different lengths, including a 12″ and 16″ length for better support. The 12″ shoe is a mid-cut length, and the 16″ shoe is a high-cut. Both feature added stability and ankle support over the 10″ model, but lose some of the flexibility that the 10″ shoe boasts.
Product Description:
- Waterproof leather
- Durable sole
- Custom fit from upper molds
- Great arch support and stability
- Run large; order 1 to 1 1/2-size down
- 3 lb. 13 oz./4 lb. 3. oz. per pair, respectively
- Hand-crafted in U.S.A.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
When purchasing a pair of shoes, it is important to determine whether you will need a low, mid, or high-cut shoe. The 12″ and 16″ models are great for added stability, while the low-cut shoes give better flexibility and movement. The mid and high-cut models will also better deter rocks, debris, and water from getting into your shoes, as they give more material to block them out.
Maine Hunting Shoe, 10″, Gore-Tex/Thinsulate
The 10″ Maine Hunting Shoe also comes in a Gore-Tex/Thinsulate model. While the price is almost doubled for this pair of shoes, it has quickly become one of their most popular models for good reason. The Gore-Tex lining gives this boot added breathability, while retaining a great waterproof outer shell over the shoe. Thinsulate gives this boot an extra 200 gram olefin/polyester insulation, which keeps your feet warmer in colder weather. This model is also made in a women’s version, for additional ankle support and a greater custom fit for women.
Product Description:
- Waterproof leather
- Durable sole
- Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex liner
- 200-gram Thinsulate olefin/polyester insulation
- Custom fit from upper molds
- Great arch support and flexibility
- Leather pull-on loop at back collar
- Run large; order 1 to 1 1/2-size down
- 3 lb. 12 oz. per pair
- Hand-crafted in U.S.A.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
In short, this boot has improved breathability, waterproofness, insulation, and durability over its standard model. This model is for those hunting in extreme conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, or extremely cold weather. While it requires dishing out a little more money, we heartily recommend this version of the boot.
Conclusion
While L.L. Bean gives you a couple specific options for your desired comfort activity, the main thing is this – any of these boots would be a great choice to take hunting. They all give great support, are extremely durable (seriously, we’ve heard them last up to 20-25 years), and will handle any element that nature can throw at you.
Step into a pair, and see how comfortable you can feel outdoors!
Do you own a pair of Bean Boots? Let us know in the comments below!
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