I'm a northeast transplant to NC, several years on by now, and while NC doesn't get loads of snow, mostly ice, I still needed some good boots. Bought these over the summer and finally got to test them out today on a 4-mile walk through hard packed snow and ice. Mostly ice. These boots kept me completely dry and toasty and were totally comfortable and supportive for a long walk right off the bat! I haven't been this excited for snow or snow boots since my rainbow moon boots circa 1982. Thank you, LL Bean!
I did. I ordered them awhile ago and waited while they were backordered. When these boots arrived, about a month ago, they just didn't seem like the quality LL Bean boots I expected. I own a pair of shorter, unlined boots like these and they are great. Until now, we haven't had snow and I held onto these boots thinking I could convince myself they were fine. However, I just cannot reconcile the poor quality with the $200 price tag. The way these boots were shipped was the first red flag- just sitting in a shipping box (as in, not in a shoe box inside of a shipping box) protected by one piece of paper. Upon looking at the boots, I noticed blobs of glue showing where the leather meets the rubber. The stitching on one boot looked as if a sewing machine needle had gotten stuck and kept stitching in the same spot over and over. The rubber on one boot was rubbed off in numerous spots that looked worn and not shiny like the rest of the boot. And - the issue I find most baffling - why wouldn't LL Bean line the ENTIRE boot in shearling? Sure, it may look cool to flip down the tongue of the boot to expose the shearling lining (as demonstrated on an instruction card placed inside of the shipping box), but seriously. My feet get cold! Who complains only of cold ankles? LL Bean should take a page from Uggs' playbook - line the whole boot! Had to send them back. Just too expensive to be so disappointing.
I ordered these boots in July because I wanted to be well-prepared for southwestern VA weather. Today was the first day I have worn them. I took a 3 mile hike in 8 inches of snow, which continues to fall, by the way. My feet stayed warm and dry - absolutely no complaints!! And yes, they are waterproof. This is my second pair of Bean boots - the first, purchased at least 20 years ago, were unlined and no where near as warm as these. If you live in a snowy or cold area, you will not be disappointed if you purchase these boots! For reference, I normally wear a size 91/2 to a 10; ordered these in a size 9 and they fit beautifully with light-weight socks.
I have Raynaulds and for me finding boots that keep my feet warm no matter the temperature is extremely difficult. These boots I bought big planning to have to wear multiple pairs of socks but have yet to need more than 1 pair of socks and I live in New England! I even spent an hour standing in line outside in 30� F temperatures and my feet didn't get the slightest bit cold! Will never buy another type of winter boot again!
