I bought these boots because I am very pleased with my Bean Boot duck shoes that I wear in the rain. These boots are not making the cut during a relatively mild Chicago winter. Even with very thick wool socks, my feet have gotten cold. Also, the soles lack the traction of the boots they replaced. I slipped and banged my knee wearing them this morning, something that hasn't happened in any other winter boots I've owned. These boots make a nice fashion statement but they're not ready for prime time in winter in my town.
ProsDurable, Comfortable, not waterproof, water resistant, very warm, stylish
I got these boots to wear in the chilly, wet conditions of Portland, Oregon winters. Being that I am an avid bike commuter with an affinity for style, I thought that these might be nice to wear on my short 4 mile jaunts to and from work. Whereas I was correct in thinking that these would bee good on chilly damp days, I was horribly wrong in trying their might on the days of downpour that happen from time to time here in The Valley Of Sickness (Portland, Ore). One day last week I geared up for my morning commute through a steady rain, which some might call a deluge. Before I hand a chance to dismount, I felt the weight of my boots increase with the heft of liquid far beyond my body's ability to sweat. I squished my way into work, rang out my wool ski socks, and stuffed several stacks of paper towels into my boots to soak up the morning's downpour. My feet were soaked, albeit warm, thus I concluded that the "waterproof" claim of these boots is truly false. The seem connecting the shaft to the toe is the culprit here, I presume, and Bean needs to do more rigorous seem sealing to put such a label on this delightful boot, especially for the Northwest outdoorswoman.
I also had a chance to wear these in Michigan this December, and they were a dream for icy yet dry, & muddy conditions.
All and all, I am pleased with the boot. My feet may get wet, but the lining and woolen shaft liners keep my feet warm. I wear an 11 in regular shoes and opted for an 11 Narrow in these puppies, which works well with a thin to medium thickness woolen sock. The length is perfect for my foot and I can't imagine going a size down. Perhaps I prefer a roomier toe, though.
A good buy that strangers admire from afar. Plu they fit in my toe straps on my bike!!
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
These boots are awesome. Extremely durable and warm. Easy to trudge through mud, slop and snow. However, it does run true to size or a bit bigger. I wear a 9 but always order a woman's 10 to get a wider shoe. I ordered a 10 Wide and I should have ordered a 9 or 9.5. I was surprised that these shoes actually were true to size, so definitely get two sizes and try on!
