Which would you pick ?

These will be for winter hunting , zero temps ... extreme frosts , up to 12" of snow , rocks, mountains and wet slushy winter rain forest ...

any opinions welcome .....

Ben, they changed the Bean boots a few years ago.  Schnee Hunters all the way. Tney have worked for me in every condition you describe.  One other option;  I have not tried Kennetrex yet, but Jim Winjum who used to own Schnees runs Kennetrex now.  They look to be a little more "agressive".

Ben,  I own them both..like them both.  The Beannies for spring/fall and the Schnee's for the conditions you listed is how I use them.

Thanks Steve .. I have llokled at the Kennetrex based on another fella's advice ...they are pricey but get great reviews

I'll look for a good deal on some Schnee's then

Thanks Nate ...

I too have both shoes.  The LL Beans were bought in the late 80's when they carried them with 'Bean Bob' soles - I particularly like these soles for hunting in steep terrain/side sloping (I think their cable tread would be an ankle twister here in Colorado).  I like the Beans a lot for fall and spring wear with moist, muddy conditions and little snow or cold - I don't think you would want to wear them in a tree stand/non-mobile hunting situation when the temps were below 30d.  I bought the Schnee's because the Beans wouldn't keep me warm when hunting late season (below 30d, heavy-deep snow).  Each boot has its place and I like them both for the right condition I described...but for the conditions you described there is no doubt in my mind that you'll be happier with the Schnee's. I've heard lots of good things about the Kennetrek's but it would come down to $$ for me and I have been very happy with the Schnee's.

Schnees, and I like the mid calf length as they feel more like part of your leg and not klunky. I have their warmest ones.

I was a Bean lover forever.....but they changed (like Steve said) . I don't even consider them now. Schnees all the way. I have had a pair for 5 years, and I wear the heck out of them, including chasing rabbits through the briars. Top notch quality.

The only way I would choose the LL Bean boot would be if Schnee's stopped building boots......

Another vote for Schnees. I have them for the conditions you describe and colder. Sometimes my feet even feel too hot in them! Excellent quality throughout.

I have always had Schnee's, but if you look they just jumped all their prices $30-$40.  The 10 inchers are now $239.

I had seen a pair of Hoffman's and checked them out, made in Idaho, cut their teeth making smoke jumper boots.  I tried them and I have to say I like them, plus the 14 inchers were $175 or $185.

D.P.

Schnees for me as well.  I have a pair of old bean boots that I haven't wore since I've gotten my schnees.  Which is ten years ago, some of the best money I've spent.

Schnees hands down, the rubber is heavier and the leather is thicker then the bean boots I have had. I put a pair of insoles in the hunter's I have now and they are the best hunting boots I own.

For stalking and no traction issues I do love Bean boots too, but for insulated and light boots with a bob sole, schnees all the way.  I wear both all the time.

Get BOTH.  


They really are two different boots. I've got the LLbean 16" hunting shoe as they are actually called and also the 16" Shnees with the insulation. I had first bought a pair of the Schnees 16" uninsulated but found the rubber and leather too stiff or a combo of that and found them uncomfortable on my ankles. I sent them back and got the insulated ones.

Insulated schnees are a great colder weather and or deep snow boot with great fit,comfort,durability, and traction.

LL bean is a really comfortable spring, summer, early fall boot type of boot. the leather is still thick yet plyable so it fells good but should still hold up really well. the rubber boot portion is softer for greater feel for stalking type of conditons. Traction is better than the large chain link tread style like on the lacrosse burly rubber knee boots but yeah it won't be as good as the schnees air bob type of bottoms.

So yeah two different boots. But to answer your question, get the tall insulated schnees.

Schnees I have three pair and love them.

I got a pair of Hoffmans and I like them.

Schnees here too, especially if you're going from snow to rocks to mud back to snow on steep terrain.

Schnees for me.

schnee's