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L.L.Bean’s Legendary Boot, with a Coveted Upgrade, Is Ridiculously Affordable Right Now

Same iconic look with an extra layer of protection.

the neck of a Bean BootL.L. Bean
black and white headshot of brad lanphear

By Brad Lanphear

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What can I say about L.L.Bean’s legendary Bean Boot that hasn’t already been said 1,000 times?

How about that one of the toughest and most functional iterations is currently ridiculously affordable?

aL.L. Bean Gore Tex Bean Boot
The Bean Boot with quilted Gore-Tex lining.
L.L. Bean

The Maine outfitter is notoriously tight with discounts on its sole remaining American-made footwear collection, but a few times a year, two or three versions slip through to the sale section.

As part of L.L.Bean’s big summer sale, only two versions of the Bean Boot are discounted with a full range of sizes available. One retains the boot’s unmistakable appearance while discreetly reinforcing the upper with a notoriously rugged material. (More on the other one below.)

an LL Bean Bean Boot from the top
The Gore-Tex lining adds durability and weatherproofing without affecting the iconic look.
L.L. Bean

The 8″ Bean Boot with Gore-Tex insulated lining doubles the durability and weather resistance of the duck boot, which is already tough as nails. Unlike the flannel- and shearling-lined Bean Boots, this version is appropriate for year-round wear.

Weather or not

If the Bean Boot has one flaw, and I’m nitpicking here, it’s that moisture can seep into the leather upper. Even with the triple-stitched welt on the rubber base and the full tongue gusset, the standard boot is permeable above the ankle.

the heel of an L.L. Bean boot
The Bean Boot is still hand-made in Maine.
L.L. Bean

The Gore-Tex-lined version reinforces the leather upper to prevent moisture from getting in. It also adds some insulation, but not enough to make it strictly a winter boot.

Gore-Tex is breathable, and this quilted version evenly distributes the light insulation. This upgraded Bean Boot is just as practical in a summer downpour as trekking through the winter snow. Just make sure to adjust your socks accordingly.

Availability and pricing

The L.L.Bean Bean Boot 8″ Gore-Tex Insulated is available from L.L. Bean for 31 percent off during the brand’s summer sale, dropping the price to $179, which is only $30 more than the standard Bean Boot.

Best of all, the complete size range is still available, and there are limited sizes in the narrow and wide fits.

The other Bean Boot on sale right now with complete size availability is the 1912 version, which has a chocolate brown leather upper and a hunter green rubber vamp. It is one of the best-looking color variations and is just $109 with the current discount.

About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.

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