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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: ChasingWhitetails on January 02, 2018, 11:48:00 AM
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not for me. Had a pair years back and did not like them. Poor tread and not waterproof.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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I agree with Felix, light weight is okay early season, but better go with the best you can afford when the weather is wet, cold, rocky etc. Good fitting boots are paramount. I would add Danner, but make sure you try some out with a base layer sock and medium or heavy weight, whatever you plan to use. Smart socks and merino wool are great.
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I have worn them for years, and got the tall (16 inch) version a couple of years ago. For $1.50, Bean will put the speed hooks on, and they are the ticket, especially for the tall boots.
I wear them in the high country as well as lower elevations when the weather is mild.
Great boots for sneaking;quiet as moccasins.
(https://i.imgur.com/Clro7H8l.jpg)
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I have worn this boot or the Cabelas copy for years...great early season or cool weather boot. When wet I tend to wear my Lacross rubber/neoprene boots...late season will wear the Bean style boots unless below 30s and then I put on my Lacrosse Ice Kings. LOL
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Bought mine last year and wore them in the snow and cold in WY for bunny hunting. I had good grip in snow but could see in wet they might not work so well. My feet did get cold if I stopped too long, but Bean makes a wool insert I am going to try. Great boots to stalk in especially in the Sept elk and deer here in WY. Wish I knew about the speed lacing I have to get up half hour early to get them on.
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Thanks for the input guys!! I hunt flat land in NW Ohio, no rocky terrain here. I would say I'm a fair weather hunter for the most part. I like the idea of the rubber bottoms for scent control and especially waterproofing. I do cross some small creeks at times to get to my stands. I believe the Schnees and the like would be over kill. I do have a couple pair of the Cabelas outfitter boots that I use out west chasing elk so the Beans will be primarily for deer hunting here in NW Ohio. There is a Bean store in Columbus and will be down there anyway for wife's side of Christmas over the MLK holiday weekend. I may stop in there and try a pair on. After listening to you guys, sounds like the lace hooks are the way to go as well. Thanks again!!!
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I agree with all above. Just know the difference between Bean Boots and Maine Hunting Shoes. Bean Boots have a harder sole for walking on pavement, and cheaper leather uppers, and are probably what you'll find at their store. Maine hunting shoes have a softer sole for woods hunting and you might have to order them and wait weeks, I think they're great, I wish I had ordered the speed hooks. Keep the leather well protected, Montana Pitch blend is another great product, and the threads from leather to rubber packed full of waterproofing and you'll be able to cross streams with no problem.
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I've used the 6,8, and 10 inch versions of the Bean Hunting shoe. They are very quiet and light weight. Probably the best all around hunting boot I've used. Recently I developed neurapathy in my feet and stopped using them because they are loose fitting. I put some Two Tracks wool foot beds in and then my orthotics and that solved my problem. It is tricky getting them sized and you may need to add a foot bed or wear thicker socks. Adding the wool foot beds and the orthotic takes up just enough space that it is perfectly snug the way I need them.
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They are well made and bean backs anything they make .
I wouldn't try to walk 20 feet on slick or slightly steep ground in them .
They are not waterproof , almost draw water uphill.
For hunting in slightly rough terrain or worst get something else
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I used mine last night for a quick tour around the property with my snowshoes (6 degrees with about 18" of snow on the ground and still falling - gotta love the lake effect). They work great with the Iverson Bindings on my snowshoes.
I have been using them since the early 80's and find them very adaptable to most conditions. They are the perfect fall and spring boot here in the midwest for cool and damp conditions with temps below 60 degrees. I can wear them in winter as long as I stay active. I have used them mule deer and elk hunting and had no problems with traction in the areas I hunted. They are the perfect boot for still hunting providing protection from the elements but still allowing a measure of feel for the ground.
I personally like the tread on them because I find aggressive treads fill with mud and end up not providing traction but leaving you carrying around a couple pounds of mud. Then when you get in the treestand the mud just falls off making noise when it hits the ground.
I am surprised by the number of comments about them not being water proof. I have not had that problem. Like any leather boot, you have to treat the leather regularly with an appropriate sealer. I have found an annual application of Sno Seal keeps them water proof, allowing me to cross shallow creeks and puddles when needed, and to hunt in generally wet conditions.
They do not work well any time you are inactive in cold conditions such as for stand hunting in the cold below about 30 degrees. Also I do not use them for packing weight in steep conditions though they work fine for backpacking on gentle slopes. I have not used them in extremely rocky condition so cannot comment on how they would perform under those conditions.
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I love them for everything. Own 3 pair! Had one resoled.
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My pair have been sold.
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Spring, through early fall, I love these boots. I have them for stalking and are great. I have heard that the other two Montana companies make great ones even for winter. But Maine LL not for winter
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Have 3 different heights-moccasin, 10 and 16 inch. After35 years had the 10 inch ones resoled for$39. Mine have always been waterproof. They have their place, side hills and slick surfaces are bot it. Quiet. I use mine for rabbits every weekend here in NV. I have worn them from AK, to TX to NC and now in NV. They have a place in all my hunting plans. Condition the leather annually, send them to Bean for new bottoms-cannot get better than American made
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I've been using them for close 40 years and are my go to hunting boot The newer Gortex LL Bean hunting boot has the Gortex liner sewn in now. At first I didn't like the idea but they are very easy on/off. Liked the older model also because you could pack a extra Gortex bootie.
Not warm enough for me for stand hunting under 20 F, but I've wore them down to 0 F sneak hunting. For warm feet in the gortex model I recomend going up one size for room around your toes. In the uninsulated model with light weight socks usually down one size.
As for traction I have wore them in Elk and Potter county mountains. Its a matter of foot placement and being able to "feel" the ground. Native americans didn't have lug soles.
The are extemely slippery in mud though.
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I have been wearing LL Bean Hunting Maine "Hunting Shoes" for years, all heights, all permutations- years back they were all the same boot, but at some point they made a distinction between the "Hunting Shoe" and the "Bean Boot" -- another capitulation to their increasingly yuppie, non-hunting clientele I guess.
The Hunting version is currently described as having more supple leather and more flexible soles than the citified version. It also only comes in only a couple of heights, and dark brown only.
I love these boots, especially for early season. For colder days I have a larger size that I can wear with heavy socks and a couple of insoles. The grip of the soles is not the best, but works most of the time. It can also be a struggle to get them on over heavy socks-- the price you pay for a good ankle fit.
I tried an insulated pair of the yuppie version last year, and wound up returning them. They were heavy, not warm and the leather was sub-par. Went with the larger size heavy sock solution, which is lighter and warmer. Bean's used to make a version that had a felt full liner, like Sorel's. I wore mine out-- wish they still made them as they were the lightest winter pac I have had.
The one critique I have is that when you have them resoled, which is a great idea, they will often start to leak along the seam. If not on the first resole, on the second for sure. No amount of snow seal or caulk fixes this. Which accounts for why you need more than one pair over time. I am always going to have Bean boots as they are the most useful boots, over a wide range of conditions, that I own. Having said that, if I lived in the mountains I would probably be counting on a pair of Schnee packs for their more aggressive sole.
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I hunt mostly gently rolling hills and my Maine hunting boots are what I wear until the temps fall below 32 on a regular basis. Been wearing them for over 40 years.
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I’ve hunted in them for 40 years.
All over the world in various terrain.
Not for those with week ankles or balance issues!
The hunting shoe is the closest thing I’ve found to water proof bare feet. Very, very quite!