Long time Bean-lover here. I have a pair of pretty aggressive winter Bean boots I've had for years and an uninsulated pair of duck shoes and wanted something in between. These hit the mark perfectly. Warm, waterproof, but not clunky. They look good over a skinny jean, but are streamlined enough to fit over a boot cut or trouser leg pant without bunching. I split my time between the western NY snow belt and DC, and I walk a lot when I'm in DC...super comfortable for putting some miles on. They are proving to be exactly what I was hoping for in versatile every-day winter footwear. Note: normally size 9, duck shoes are 7-wide, these are 8 and perfect (room for a chunky sock, but not sloppy with a normal weight sock).
I am a boot freak and own many different styles for all occasions.
These boots are the best I've ever owned for the cold weather and snow. I can be out for a long time without feeling cold. They feel great and are slip resistant. I recommend them for anyone that wants a high quality boot that works hard and looks good too.
I live in St John's Newfoundland a city known for its beauty, its history and music, but also its steep hills, fog, snow, slush and lack-luster snow clearing. I was after boots that could deal with all of that, particularly the combination of hills and damp snow. These boots are perfect. They have good traction, keep my feet dry and are both warm but also spacious enough to fit a couple pairs of sox. I was a bit worried that the shearling didn't go all the way down around the foot, but my feet are plenty warm in extra sox and I prefer that to a wider fit. For Atlantic Canada (or New England where I'm originally from) I would say these great.
Also for folks living in Atlantic Canada: Products like this from Bean that are made in New England aren't subject to duty because of the regional trade deal. It's good for folks in Maine and its good for us. Yay regional solidarity!
One thing to know: You do need to break them in a bit. The first time I wore them I got an ankle blister like from any other new boot. I had worn them for 4+ miles around town up and down hills before that happened but just an FYI. After a few more wearings they were fine.
I bought these boots in October and loved wearing them until early December, whether out in town, hiking, or walking my dog. Then the weather gods appeared, and brought the slush and snow with them. And I discovered these boots, due to the tongue not attaching all the way up the boot, are a sieve for water. After every outing in these boots, if I walked in a slush puddle over 3" deep (which, let's be honest, is common in winter in the north) or in snow, I had wet feet. Which is exactly what you don't want in a winter boot. When I called L.L. Bean the agent I spoke with explained these boots were never intended to be waterproof. And so while L.L. Bean was generous about accepting a return of a used boot, it would be infinitely better if they attached the tongue to the boot to make these truly a utility-player winter boot for those of us who expect winter boots to keep our feet dry.
