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LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Review

These durable duckboots are the perfect cross-over, both stylish and capable with excellent durability
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LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Review (When we needed to get the fit dialled, we could just crank on the laces!)
When we needed to get the fit dialled, we could just crank on the laces!
Credit: Richard Forbes
Price:  $259 List
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Manufacturer:   L.L. Bean
By Richard Forbes ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 12, 2024
54
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 18
  • Weather Protection - 25% 4.0
  • Comfort - 25% 7.0
  • Traction - 20% 4.0
  • Warmth - 15% 8.0
  • Wearability - 15% 4.0

Our Verdict

Our testers have spent a lot of time on farms in rural Maine, and while you're up there, you can't stomp in a puddle without splashing someone wearing the LL Bean Boots. After spending the winter and spring in them, we understand why. They're both stylish (according to certain taste) and impressively capable workhorses. We also know, from surveying infinite reviews online, that they're still handmade in Maine and regularly last for decades. We wish they had a slightly grippier outsole, but beyond that, they performed well in our tests. Discover its ranking against rivals in our comprehensive review of the best rain boots.
REASONS TO BUY
Storied history
Great crossover performance
Stylish
Proven durability
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Unremarkable traction
Editors Note: On June 12, 2024, this review was updated with comparisons to similar products.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Crossover Rain Boot
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Men's Rain Boot
Top Pick Award
Best for the Worst Weather
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Top Pick Award
Most Stylish
Price $259 List$137.47 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
Check Price at Amazon$60 List$220 List
$199.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
54
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66
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This is a classic boot with a strong following thanks to excellent durability and a likable styleThese boots are comfortable, warm, and fit perfectlyThese boots are too much for urban use, but are perfect for those who require top-notch warmth and water resistanceIf you're looking for a classic rubber rain boot, this is one of the best we've found at a solid priceIf you want a boot that looks and performs as good as it feels, this may be the boot for you
Rating Categories LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex... Bogs Workman The Original Muck B... Baffin Enduro Blundstone Thermal...
Weather Protection (25%)
4.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
3.0
Comfort (25%)
7.0
8.0
4.0
6.0
9.0
Traction (20%)
4.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Warmth (15%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
3.0
8.0
Wearability (15%)
4.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
9.0
Specs LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex... Bogs Workman The Original Muck B... Baffin Enduro Blundstone Thermal...
Weight per Pair (size 13) 3.91 lbs 5.11 lbs 5.35 lbs 5.49 lbs 2.93 lbs
Flood Height (inches from bottom of sole to lowest point at top of shaft) 8" 14.75" 17.60" 16.30" 6.70"
Mouth Circumference (inches) 15.50" 16" 15.25" 17.50" 9.75"
Lining/Insulation Thinsulate 7.5mm Neo-Tech waterproof insulation Fleece Synthetic Thinsulate
Upper Material Full grain leather Neotech/Rubber Rubber Rubber Leather + Elastic
Outsole Material Rubber BioGrip slip resistant outsole MS-1 molded outsole Rubber TPU Outsole
Insole Cushioned footbed Modular Algae-based EVA footbed EVA molded midsole with contoured footbed and 2mm thermal foam underlay Gel-Flex shock-absorbing heels and midsoles Removable sheepskin insulated insole
Unique Features Steel shank Seamless Construction to reduce weight + Heel Lock Neoprene shaft, thick insulation, and aggressive outsole Aggressive outsole Cushioned Midsole
Width Options Narrow, Medium, Wide Regular Regular Regular Regular, Wide
Sizing info Order next size up Order next size up Order next size up Order your true size Order next size up

Our Analysis and Test Results

Ever since Leon Leonwood Bean started making Bean Boots in 1911, they've been popular. You've probably seen a pair on someone's feet, especially if you're from the Northeast. And while they've become a highly sought-after boot over the last decade, there's a good reason. Regardless of whether you like their looks, they last forever; they're warm, waterproof, and will fit just about anyone (as long as you wear thick socks). While they don't have the same heavily-lugged outsole as some of the competition, they make up for it with their handmade construction and solid weatherproofing. As a result, they're stylish and casual enough for kicking around town and are also fully legitimate workboots.

Performance Comparison


ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - these boots are worthy of their classic reputation.
These boots are worthy of their classic reputation.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Weather Protection


While you can waterproof the unlined LL Bean boot with waxes, we went with the Gore-Tex/Thinsulate lined version to test one of the more protective variants.


When we got them, we were impressed — the lining goes all the way up to the top of the boot, so we got a full 8 inches of waterproofing. Other low boots we've tested over the years have been docked points for their low gussets, so we were happy to see the extra lining here.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - the goretex/thinsulate lining was crucial in making these waterproof...
The GoreTex/Thinsulate lining was crucial in making these waterproof up to the top right out of the box - otherwise we would have needed to apply sealant to the leather.
Credit: Richard Forbes

We weren't sure how waterproof the lining would be, but after 30+ minutes of wading around in Western Montana rivers and creeks in spring floods, we can say they're pretty darn waterproof. And while we haven't done this yet, we're planning on sealing the outer leather, which will keep things even more watertight.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - at least with the gore-tex/thinsulate lining, these boots are...
At least with the Gore-tex/Thinsulate lining, these boots are waterproof all the way up to the top of the shaft.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Comfort


We sized the LL Bean up a bit, and they were super comfortable with thick socks. We also really appreciated the Gore-Tex/Thinsulate, which is lined with microfiber and helps keep things cozy on chilly mornings.


One thing to mention is that the uppers are made of thick leather, so they may be a bit stiff to start with. Just keep wearing them — they'll break into your foot soon enough and become much more comfortable.

We weren't super impressed by the insoles on this boot. We pulled them out, and they were remarkably floppy in our hands, especially in the forefront. This doesn't seem to be a new issue, and some reviews we found recommend getting LL Bean's shearling insoles to help add some heft and warmth. As is, these weren't the worst insoles in the test, but they also weren't the most supportive.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - the stock insoles could be a bit beefier, we don't love how floppy...
The stock insoles could be a bit beefier, we don't love how floppy they are, especially in the forefoot.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Traction


This metric is where the LL Bean didn't wow us. While they performed better than some of the more casual low-topped boots, we felt that their “cable-pattern” outsole wasn't deep enough to grab onto loose or slick material. Other boots feature deeply incised lugs, while these tend to slip a bit more. They are perfectly adequate on most surfaces but get a bit squirrelly on wet wood and mossy rocks.


For what it's worth, LL Bean Boots are resole-able, so if the cable pattern wears away over time, you can send them back to Maine to get spruced back up.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - their lugs aren't super deep, so they're a bit slick on slippery...
Their lugs aren't super deep, so they're a bit slick on slippery surfaces like damp logs.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Warmth


We were impressed by how warm these boots are. The version with Gore-Tex/Thinsulate lining kept our feet surprisingly toasty in the cold Montana winter, and we barely noticed, even when we'd been out in the snow for a few hours.


The lining has microfiber on the inside, so they are warm almost as soon as you slip them on in the mornings. These boots did well in our ice-filled bathtub test, and we barely noticed a chill, even after 10+ minutes.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - these boots were cozy and warm enough that we chose them to comfort...
These boots were cozy and warm enough that we chose them to comfort our feet after a long day in ski boots.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Wearability


Any laced boot will require a bit more work to get in and out of, but because we're lazy, we tied “Eastland Knots.” This turned them into slip-ons, allowing us to tighten or loosen them easily without tying our shoes. We liked the well-stitched heel loop, which meant we could pull them on quickly. We especially like the leather uppers, which, after time and use, will become more and more weathered and broken-in.


We realize the LL Bean Boots might be polarizing stylistically. Not everyone grew up in the Northeast, where duck boots are a completely normal style. But duck boots have become positively stylish in the last decade, so we're confident that if you like the look, you can get away with it — though the further you are from Maine, the more comments you might get. In the same way that XTRATUFs mean Alaska, Bean Boots signify Maine and New England.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - if they're your style, we're confident you'll like how these boots...
If they're your style, we're confident you'll like how these boots fit and perform.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Fit


There are a lot of forum posts and reviews about how Bean Boots fit, and there's a lot of advice out there. Here's our take: they're meant to be worn with thick socks. Most folks recommend buying your size, which will have a bit of room for thicker socks. We really like having some extra toe room, so we sized up a size, and they still fit fine. If we really want to get them snug, we just tighten down the laces.

Getting down to specifics, our Brannock measurement is a US size 12. We bought a size 13 for these, and they fit just fine. Our feet are a D width, and these were perfect. For narrow or wide-footed folks, these also come in a narrow width (B) and a wide width (EE), so you should be able to find something that fits perfectly.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - even in a light graupel-ing (look it up), these fleece-lined boots...
Even in a light graupel-ing (look it up), these fleece-lined boots were impressively warm.
Credit: Richard Forbes

Value


We know the Bean Boots are on the more expensive side of our test, and we're not arguing they're a budget buy. But no other boot in our test has the same number of testimonials guaranteeing their durability. Countless reviews discuss how these boots have lasted decades (with a few factory resoles). No other boots in the test have that kind of proven longevity, so sure, these are a bit pricy to start with, but they're pretty much certain to last. In our opinion, that makes them a pretty great value, especially considering their impressive performance in our other tests.

ll bean 8" gore-tex/thinsulate - for boots handmade in the us, these are well worth the price.
For boots handmade in the US, these are well worth the price.
Credit: Richard Forbes


Should You Buy the LL Bean 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate?


After years of living in Maine and the Northeast and seeing others wear these boots, we were excited to try them out. And, in our opinion, they lived up to the hype. They fit well, are warm, comfortable, and impressively waterproof. While their traction leaves a bit to be desired, they still outperform more casual boots in our test. We're confident that these boots are a great option if you're looking for a stylish but fully capable workboot.

What Other Rain Boots Should You Consider?


Looking for an option that's a little lower on the price scale? Check out the Huk Rogue Wave. It performed similarly to the LL Bean, but where it lacks the same warmth, it makes up for in traction. If you really need that same coziness in your boot but still want that better traction, check out the Blundstone Thermal Chelsea.

Richard Forbes