Looking for a good pair of stalking boots. I was looking at getting a pair of the LL Bean boots. But there is no Bean store locally. My feet are odd sized so I have to try on every pair of boots I buy. The question is- Are Bass Pro's version of these boots close to the Beans? The sole looks similar and is pretty flexible. And they are only about $50. Anyone tried them? Thanks once again.
I have been using the Bean boots for more than 30 years elk hunting in the Rockies. They are pretty tough and waterproof. Several years ago I tried the Cabela's version, cheaper, but they leaked like a sieve. I have no experience with Bass Pro's version, but I would be skeptical and certainly would test them for water proofness as soon as they come out of the box.
Try the Bean Boots. I have been wearing a pair for years and love them. Bean are also great about returns and exchanges. Call them and talk to someone about your foot size and I bet they can help you out.
I was a long time advocate of Bean boots, until I got the Schnees' version....no comparison. More expensive, but worth it.
To be fair, it took me 12 years of hard use (in the woods, not on rocks/mountains) to wear out my favorite Beans.
I bought a pair of LL Bean Maine Hunters on-line this past fall. They were a little too small, but I had no problem at all returning them and getting the next larger size. I, too, was skeptical about buying a pair of boots without trying them on. But their customer service was fantastic and I got my new pair within a couple days. BTW, I had a catalog with a free shipping offer, and they applied this to my order for the correct size boot.
You can't beat Bean. Their customer service is the best.
There is no comparison in the quality between the two. Plus the bean boots are made in the USA. I have the Maine hunting boots and love them. Save yourself some money in the long run and buy the bean boots.
I have a friend here who deals with LLBean all the time because they pay for return shipping, and that is from Alaska. Check on it.
I have had great luck with the Bean Maine hunting boots. Made in the USA and a great company to deal with.
DD
LL Bean don't sell no junk.......
Great top of the line stuff, even the wool products are really nice.
Bean Boots are fantastic!!! I have had one pair since 1979--the rubber bottom needs replacing, but they do that too--and another pair since 1987. One is 16" tops and the other is 12".
At one time you could trace your foot send it in and tell them what kind of socks you plan to wear--heavy or light--and they would fix you up.
All the threads above are true. LL Bean is a great company. "You get what you pay for".
My Bean pacs are just now cracking and need to be replaced. They are about 20 years old (or maybe older). If they still make them as well, then they are worth the extra money. Once upon a time, they would put your old leather uppers onto new rubber bottoms like a shoe maker could, and charge you a smaller amount. I no longer see that offer available. Was kinda nice, but I certainly have gotten my money out of them.
The rubber Bean boots equal sweaty feet. Get the Danner jackals.
The Bean boots non-breathability compared to the Danners equals cotton vs wool.
Are the jackals waterproof or water resistant? This is another must. I have looked at the jackals.
I like my Bean Maine Hunters, but they make my sock pull down into the boot. May be the geometry of my big feet!
Take a look...
http://www.danner.com/product/jackal+gtx+uninsulated+hunting+boots.do?search=basic&keyword=jackal&sortby=price&asc=false&page=1
Silent but deadly, the Jackal™ GTX® boot is built on the Phantom™ outsole, perfect for stalking in all terrains. The thick, cushioned EVA insert and flexible platform allows for quiet tread and great ground feel. A GORE-TEX® liner provides breathable, waterproof protection and the full-grain pigskin leather offers rugged abrasion resistance.
BOOT FEATURES
100% waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® lining for the ultimate in comfortable, breathable waterproof protection.
Mossy Oak® Obsession™ camo pattern keeps you concealed in the field.
The Danner Phantom outsole is the ultimate outsole for stalking. A thin rubber shell cups the foot and lets you feel the ground. It's very quiet and cushioned due to the thick EVA insert. This is a perfect solution for hunters trying to maintain their cover.
Soft yet rugged pigskin leather offers abrasion-resistance in heavy brush areas.
8" of support.
Extremely lightweight at 42 oz.
Ok thanks mojo. I'll look into them as well.
I'd listen to mojo....the dannars are great
I have a pair I have worn for maybe 20yrs.and they need to be sent in for a new bottom but I just keep patching the bottom for now with some "SHOE GOO" till I can get them in. Got a pair of the same type from Cabelas and there is no comparison!Like Roger said ya might try the Schnee's,I haven't tryed them but they are supposed to be the best,don't know how they could beat a bean boot though?
The nice thing about both LL Bean and say Cabela's for the Danners is, order a pair of both and send back the ones you decide not to keep.
If you don't have sweaty feet, I'm sure the Bean's would be great boots. But if you have sweat issue's, not matter the sock, you'll want to get those Bean's off after an hour or three.
The Danners feel like you're walking in a very light tennis shoe. Maybe the most comfortable things I've ever worn.
Just make sure when breaking them in you wear new sox. They'll creap'em down on ya as you walk. Kenetrek makes a good version to. That style boot is the most silent rubber shoe or boot you can buy.
LOVE the ll bean boots! i've got both the low and medium high sides - just great for tramping in the bush and wetness.
Bean Boots are great, have been wearing them for 20 years.
I agree with mojostick. the Bean boots are fantastic....BUT, if your feet sweat easy you wont be happy.
I've owned up to three pair at once for 35 years or more. They are great in anything but mud, snow, ice on hillsides. You'll bust your butt.
Definitely a Bean fan!!! Have had several leather top gumsole bottom offbrands that leaked. Beans don't. I have size 13 Maine Hunting boot worn once way too hot for Texas. Interested?
Ditto on the hillsides. Here in Pennsylvania you will need ski lessons if you try to traverse the sidehills in a pair of Bean Boots. I have a pair, but they are not what I wear on the mountain side.
George,
The only thing I had at Denton Hill last year were Bean boots. Can you imagine?
Thanks anyway Straitera. About 3 sizes too big.
Mojo, if you have the Danners, have you ever worn them in the snow/ ice/ in creeks to prove their waterproofness?
I have insulated and non-insulated BEAN boots. They fit great and no sweaty feet. Jim in Maine try a thick sock or two, that may keep your socks from coming down. It is one of the quietest boots to sneak around in. They still do the bootom replacements I believe.
I have the Danners, been in rain, wet snow and wading up a creek bottom tryin to put the sneek on a cow elk....no leaks.
Good deal. That's what I wanted to know. Thaks 4dogs.