LL Bean 16" Bean Boots

[Nattybumppo]

I've been wanting to order a pair of these for some time. I finally have the resources for it and am wondering if anyone else has a pair and what they think for hunting...

[Roger Norris]

They are great, but I have switched to the Schnees version.

[Nattybumppo]

How come? What's the difference?

[Roadkill]

I wore'mine when I lived back east. Too many rocks and uphills here

[David Yukon]

I love mine! With a set of BAMA socket, they are even better! they are light comfy and water proof!
and made in the US!!

[Pat B]

I use LL Bean 14" boots and have for years. Be sure to ask for sppe lacing hooks. I've hunted GA, SC and NC over the years and never needed more boot. They worked great in Colorado too.

[straitera]

Big Bean fan for years. Never had the 16" but evertything else. Gumshoe sole is the trick.

[toddster]

I have a pair of the LL Bean Maine hunting boot.  I put off for years using the cheap ones.  Two years ago, I took the plung, at first you may not notice, but once they are worn in a little, man like air.  Great quality, waterproof as long as I treat it once a year, comfy, quiet, light and lifetime warranty, did I mention comfy, never did real good stalking till I had these.  Looking forward to winter, want to try and use artic shield covers over them to keep warm

[Vesty]

14" Maine Hunting Shoe here. A classic and for good reasons. Well made, versatile,very comfortable and can have new bottoms put on.

[Kapellmeister]

I wouldn't say they have a lot of support if you were to do a lot of hiking in them, but I use the Maine Hunting Boots and really like them alot.  I have really bad feet and use orthotics in them.

(And there IS a difference between the Maine Hunting boot and the "Bean Boot".  The rubber is softer and the leather more water resistant in the Maine Hunting boot.)

[Stick n' String]

I bought the pair I currently hunt with now in the summer of 1993. I treat them once or twice a year with olive oil and the uppers are like glove leather. Most comfortable pair of boots I have ever owned.

[Hud]

I have had the 10" Bean Boot with steel shank, rubber bottom in insulated. Use for working in wet season, but would work for hunting in mild/wet climate. Not suited for cold, snow & ice. Slippery on wet hillsides, and lacks ankle, foot support for rocky terrain. Currently have a Cabela boot with a side zipper & rubber bottom. Basically the same boot. The bottoms last about the same. They might be perfect for GA

[smokin joe]

You can't go wrong with them. I started buying 12-inch LL Bean Main Hunting Boots back when they were about $35 a pair. I have completely worn out two pairs -- both of which I had rebuilt by Bean once each. I am now wearing my third pair. They are a quality product and LL Bean stands behind everything they sell. If you are not 100% satisfied they will refund your money -- no questions asked and no time limit. You can't beat that guarantee.

[Nattybumppo]

I appreciate the input. I checked out the Schnees and ended up buying them. Leather looked a little bit better.

I will post a report when I get them and get a chance to hunt in them!!!

[WindWalker-AK]

Mr. Nattybumppo,
I use both Schnees and the LL Bean Maine Hunting shoe in 16".  The Schnees works better than the Bean when hunting hillsides and prospecting in the streams due to better traction and ankle support.  The down side is it picks up more mud.
The Bean's work better when stalking/still hunting due to the thinner/softer sole.
Both have served me well over the last 25 years.

Best Wishes

[graybarkhunter]

i am getting some ll bean maine 16'' boots for christmas this year(hopefully) ..are the bean maine hunting boot 16" snake proof?? i know its leather and some tell me it is snake proof and some others tend to disagree.. any first hand encounters? thanks

[hawkeye n pa]

I bought a pair of the LL Bean 16" boots for this year.  They have been real handy crossing the creeks with as much rain we have had.

Pants stay tucked in all day and my pants don't get all muddy.   I've worn the LL Bean boot in the shorter version for 30 some years.  One of the best all around boots for sneak hunting. IMO

[Nattybumppo]

Originally posted by graybarkhunter:
i am getting some ll bean maine 16'' boots for christmas this year(hopefully) ..are the bean maine hunting boot 16" snake proof?? i know its leather and some tell me it is snake proof and some others tend to disagree.. any first hand encounters? thanks

I wouldn't count on anything like those being snake proof. The leather isn't thick enough. If you want snake and waterproof try Chippewa. Best ones made besides russell IMO.