These Iconic American-Made Outdoor Boots Can Last 60 Years or More

Way back in 1912, when Leon Leonwood Bean set out to make a boot that would keep his feet warm and dry during hunting trips in the western Maine backwoods, he probably had no idea his footwear would still be thriving more than a century later.

Indeed, it had to be the furthest thing from his mind when 90 of the first 100 boots he sold, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, were returned.

See, as innovative as his fusion of a leather upper and rubber sole was, the single-line stitching was not tough enough to reliably hold the two elements together. 

L.L. Bean

Retooled to last

Bean issued refunds and then took a step that would forever change the course of his business, hunting boots and outdoor foot comfort in general: He sourced more durable rubber and introduced triple-line stitching, merging the rubber with the leather so securely, the boots are still made that way today — and can last more than a lifetime.

In case there were any doubt, L.L. Bean has again partnered with New York-based vintage menswear brand Wooden Sleepers to source vintage products, following last month’s Field Coat drop with one featuring Bean Boots (and Chamois Shirts).

Brian Davis/Wooden Sleepers

That means the size 10s you see on this page date back some 60 years to the 1960s. Joining them and pair of sizes 13s from that decade are several from the 1970s and 1980s.

There’s some wear and tear, sure, but they’ve aged incredibly well and can still stand up to rainy backwoods conditions today.

Timeless and tireless

So, what qualities have enabled not only the design but the actual substance of what was originally called the “Maine Hunting Shoe” (and often referred to as Duck Boots) to endure? The modern version of the boots adheres to a similar recipe.

Each pair boasts a high-quality supple leather upper, brass eyelets, a dual-density insole for comfort, steel shank for support, waterproof rubber boot bottom and classic chain-tread outsole for reliable traction. 

Brian Davis/Wooden Sleepers

The boots are assembled by hand, requiring the work of dedicated stitchers who are trained for half a year before stepping up to the task. 

“To this day, we’re proud that Bean Boots are made by hand by our dedicated stitchers in Maine — just like the original,” says Shawn Gorman, L.L. Bean chairman and great-grandson of the brand’s founder. “That hand-made quality is part of the magic of the L.L. Bean Boot.”

One other longevity factor that can’t be overlooked is the fact that L.L. Bean will resole your boots (in a facility not far from the Freeport, Maine factory where they are made) for a reasonable fee ($49+), adding years to their lifespan.

Brian Davis/Wooden Sleepers

Now, do they actually keep your feet warm and dry? One of GP’s own, former style editor Evan Malachosky, reviewed them in the drizzly city of Pittsburgh somewhat recently.

“These boots worked well in every situation, thus confirming their ability to keep your feet dry no matter how much (or which kind) of precipitation you get,” he concluded. “Plus, given the raised heel and 8-inch shaft, you’re guaranteed to keep dry even if the water level rises past puddle-height.”

Safe to say, unlike those early adopters, modern buyers probably won’t be returning them anytime soon.

Availability and pricing

At press time, several of the Wooden Sleepers-sourced Bean Boots are still available. Time periods range from the 1960s to the 1980s, sizes range from 8 to 13 and prices range from $150 to $375. (A number of vintage Chamois Shirts are still up for grabs as well.)

Of course, you can also snag a brand-new pair of classic 8-inch Bean Boots for $149. Beyond that iconic model, there are literally dozens of variations on the boot for both men and women, too.

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Men’s Bean Boots, 8″

• $149 at L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Women’s Bean Boots, 8″

• $149 at L.L. Bean

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