Thoughts on the L.L. Bean 10" Main Hunting boot?

[ChasingWhitetails]

I've been considering getting a pair of these boots for hunting. I spent too much $ on rubber boots in the past that only last a season or two before they begin to leak. Is anyone wearing them and can give an honest review? Most of the reviews on their website are by folks wearing them to hockey games, walking their dogs etc... I want to know how well they function in the woods for hunting purposes.

[scott myers]

I've worn bean boots for years for darn near everything.  I upland hunt in them mostly anymore but they are a great boot.  The only negative I can say at least that I have experienced is in snow and mud they don't grip well at all.  If it's wet, flat country or early season they are awesome.  I've used them back east and out here In the west.  The warranty is amazing.  I will tell you while Im still wearing a pair I have been using schnees for big game and they are built crazy good.  Same warranty, built tougher and are a little heavier.  More expensive yes....but overall a better built boot.

[nek4me]

[Paul/KS]

I have a pair of the Schnees as well and they are some quality boots for sure. Better traction type of sole that the Maine boots too.

[cacciatore]

LLBean are very quiet and I use them in the Rockies early season elk hunting when the ground is dry, at the first drop of rain only a fool would wear them.
For cold and wet weather the Schnees, Whites and similar brands would be much better

[J. Cook]

I have a pair that was an edition that has the more rugged lug style sole.  I love them - BUT it did take some break-in to get them comfortable.  They aren't as warm as I thought they'd be and the liner pulls out when I pull my foot out - that's annoying.  But overall I really like them.

[Kip]

I have a pair of 10"bean boots.Really like them early hunting season but in Louisiana knee high  rubber boots are what we need.I added extra hooks for fast on and off really like them that way.I bought a brown pair of uppers this last time instead of the tan I have used for years.

[Pat B]

I've been wearing LL Bean Maine Hunting Boots for almost 50 years. I learned from my aunt, an avid fisherwoman how well they serve in wet conditions.
I have a pair of 10" now that after 6 -8 years need to be resoled. I've worn 12" or 10" for every hunting season since I began hunting in 1979 and most were resoled once(I think that all they will do).
 Now, I only hunted in GA, NC and SC with 2 trips to Colorado but for me, they are the best hunting boots to wear. When the soles are almost worn out they make great sneaking boots.

[LookMomNoSights]

I have the tall Beans too.   I love them,  for what they are good for.....they have limitations.  Depending on temp,  you can adjust your "insulation" via the use of different socks....as they are un insulated.  They are NOT for sitting any length of time in the cold.  As mentioned above,  traction can be an issue in wet or snow. Early season right thru til it starts to be 25 or colder,  they are great. I don't do much stalking,  but have a feeling they'd be pretty good to that too....

[Sam McMichael]

I like them in our milder southern temperatures most of the time, but I do find them slick in wet weather and cold in winter weather if the thermometer dips more than usual.

[meathead]

If it’s above 32 degrees I am usually in them. The thin sole of the Maine hunting shoe is what I like best. If you are looking for a durable boot with a ton of ankle support these ain’t it. If you are looking for a dry, comfortable boot that allows you to feel what’s under your feet they are the ticket.

[Bowguy67]

I wear bean boots for archery hunting all the time. To me there's no break in and they're a great compromise with the rubber on the bottom. Full rubber causes me to sweat.
Guys mentioned the soles not being great. They aren't crazy but I'd say sufficient. I wear them for work too as it's often muddy, wet, snowy, etc.
Today was single digits. Working, checking coyote snares in the snow on the mountainous powerline behind my house I never slipped once and I was hurrying.
These boots are old and have some slight spots with very light tread. I also have a balance issue from a surgery. I don't feel handicapped wearing the boots even a tiny bit.
The cons to me are they aren't the warmest when it gets real cold and you gotta sit. Gonna need something else imo. I also use em upland hunting, judging little hounds which requires running.

[BAK]

Not for me.  Had a pair years back and did not like them.  Poor tread and not waterproof.

[Terry Lightle]

Never had a pair of Bean boots,but do love my Schnees which are similar.Would be great if you could try on some and see what fits best.
Terry

[ChuckC]

I have had several pair over the years and when these wear out i will buy another. My favorite early season deer footwear.  As was stated above, within their niche they are great, but they have limits.  You heard them above.

[JohnHV]

I've been wearing them for going on 35 years.  Been using my current pair for about 10 years. I agree with the others that the unlined models are not for cold weather, no insulation at all!  But from 40 to 85 degrees they are great.  Very soft rubber bottoms, like moccassins.  Very quiet.  Uppers need some sort of waterproofing.  I use Montana pitch blend and they are good for most applications here in Georgia. I find them very comfortable with a pair of medium weight wool socks.

[Hopewell Tom]

I've had 6 or 7 pairs of Bean Boots, in various heights. My one pair of Schnees are superior in many ways. The Bean Boot bottom is very good for sneaking, slippery in the wet though.
The Bean Boots are good too. It's a tough question. Montana Pitch Blend is my preferred coating for any leather upper.

[Carcajou]

I have a pair of size 10's with buff leather, and shearling lined..bought em here a few weeks back, beautiful, but a little snug on me, I'll let em go for 75.00 TYD. cost over 200 new

[goingoldskool]

I got a pair early last summer to go elk hunting in Colorado.  They run a bit big and followed the recommendation to order down. They are amazingly comfortable right b out of the box!it did snow on us at elevation and I did not have any trouble with slipping nor cold. I was wearing heavy wool sock with them.

I waterproofed them and not one leak. I continued to wear them back here in NW Missouri during our deer season with no complaints.

I would also recommend getting the hooks instead of the regular eyelets as it speeds the donning of them exponentially....

Soles are soft enough to feel the ground, but still offer protection.

I can't say enough good things about them!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,
Rodd

[Pat B]

Oh yeah, speed hooks are the way to go. That's what I've used for years but you have to ask for them.
 I've hunted in mine down to the upper 20s and wear wool socks with cotton over them for wicking.