LOVE these - they were definitely worth waiting for!
These boots are to replace my old, beloved LLBean snow boots - circa 2000 or so (in a style that's long since discontinued) which have finally bit the dust. I knew that if anybody could outdo LLBean it would be, well, LLBean ;-).
Since we're headed into warm weather here in Missouri I haven't had much chance to put these to the test, but my straight-out-of-the-box impression is very favorable. I've been wearing these all evening and really don't want to take them off - they're as comfy and warm as my Wicked Good slippers! The boots do run a bit large, as other reviewers have commented. I generally wear a 6 or 6 1/2, and ordered a 6 in these. I've got just over a thumb's width left at the toe - if you're a "true" size 6 you'll probably find them too large. However, the plush lining and laces prohibit these from being awkward or "clomp-y" to walk in; they stay snug on my feet. Same with the width: they're a bit wider than average, but nothing that's annoying or uncomfortable.
Everyone knows about traditional Bean Boot features and quality, so I'll spare the exhaustive details of triple-stitching and waterproof rubber. Instead, I'll focus on the two things that set these apart from the rest of the Bean Boot family: the shearling lining and the awesome style.
The shearling lining is what really sold me on these boots: even with thick handknitted socks, it seems my feet are frozen from September through April. I love the idea of wrapping my feet and lower legs in warm wool. The shearling in these boots is a bit different than in the Wicked Good product line (and a bit different than in the product photo, as well - see my photo, for reference!): it's very plush, and is very even in thickness and texture - "smoother" than in Wicked Good slippers. I expect it to be exceedingly durable through hundreds of wearings.
The lining follows the lines of the boots' leather uppers: where the rubber begins, the shearling ends. At that point, it transitions to a thick, quilted, cushy texture which extends through the toe of the boot, as well as the full length of the bottom (underneath the removable foam footbed). Full shearling lining would have been preferable from my always-freezing perspective, but I honestly can't complain about the quilted material either. The shearling will do a great job keeping wind and cold from getting down my legs, and the quilted lining will provide a happy-medium temperature on my feet.
Because of the cute turn-down option on these boots, the gusset doesn't continue the full length of the tongue. Rather, it extends up to about the third eyelet (from the bottom). Thus, the boots are really only truly waterproof to about 3" or so. Tightly laced, though, you should have pretty good snow protection beyond that point as well.
I tried the boots on both ways: cuff turned up and turned down. The turned down position certainly looks cute, but I found that the flaps brushed against each other while I walked. It also seems that dirt would quickly mess up the pretty shearling. So I don't think I'll wear them this way very often, if at all.
When I put them on (after carefully lacing them up!), I squealed to my husband, "Look! Aren't they cute? And so warm!" He's apparently not in the 'so cute' camp, but he just doesn't get rustic chic ;-) Personally, I think they're wonderfully adorable and I can't wait to wear them next winter with jeans tucked in, or with tall socks and a dress (like my Signature cotton chambray dress, perhaps?).
I'm so glad I got these, and you will be too. If you're at all hesitating on the purchase: buy them! You won't regret it!
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
Love these boots, they served me well this winter. Got lots of compliments about them. I do, however, have two complaints.
1) I don't know if anyone else had this problem, but I found that a lot of moisture built up in the boot. At first I thought it was letting snow/slush in, but I think it might be that the shearling just makes you sweat.
2) The insole of the shoe wears out pretty quickly. Not sure how I'm going to replace this.
Overall though, I would definitely recommend this as a winter boot! Changes it up from all the Sorel and Uggs out there.
These 10" Shearling-Lined L.L.Bean boots seem to run large - I ordered my size and ended up with two sizes smaller. They come in Narrow, which is a requirement for me. They're very well made and I expect to enjoy them for a long time. Bean's customer service is fantastic - and the boots are great, too!
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected, these boots are the best!
I have narrow feet -- AA width and a AAAA heel. Boots in a narrow width are few and far between; so, when I saw these boots in Narrow, I ordered them! And, they did not disappoint. Great fit, Great look. I have been an L.L. Bean customer for decades: quality products, fair prices, and great customer service. You can't beat that.
