I work at a wildlife center and have cleaned and hosed out many enclosures in these boots, since I first purchased them almost 2 years ago. They are just perfect for this task. They keep me quite dry and continue to be very flexible. They slip on and off easily. I would buy them again, but doubt that I will need to for some time.
I loved my wellies, and I wore them a lot. However, I noticed after a year of owning them that the rubber around the ankles was cracked and splitting. I expected higher quality from LL Bean. I am returning the wellies, as I am unsatisfied with the construction. I am not sure if I will order new ones from them again to replace the ones that have split.
I used to love these boots, 15 yrs ago I got 4-5 yrs of wear, they were taller 13" or 14" and rubber never cracked. The boots now are shorter and in less than one year the boot rubber cracks all over and the inside wears out just above the heal, I can live with the inside wearing but not the cracking. I returned the first pair and got another and it did the same thing..I'd pay more for good wear and extra height. I wear these almost daily to garden, hike with my labs & lake kayak. I may buy another pair just because if they crack I can return to get another pair so will get 2-3 years out of them. But if the poor quality continues I will purchase a taller more durable brand, even if it cost more... Come on LL Bean get back to better quality and offer some extra height!
