Men’s LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots Review

Bottom Line

The LL Bean 8” Bean Boots are stylishly casual and exceedingly comfortable pair for romping around town in sloppy weather. The leather upper and lacing system allow for an adjustable fit, the durable rubber bottom is highly weather resistant, and the custom-compound outsole sports excellent traction on a variety of terrain.

We don’t recommend Bean Boots for the worst weather. For those looking for more protection in extreme conditions or for heavy-duty work, you’ll be able to find other great picks in our guide to the best rain boots. But this LL Bean staple is a great value for rain, mud and other wet conditions.

How We Tested

We tested the LL Bean 8” Bean Boots over several months during the brisk cold of the Colorado fall season. We waded through streams in Boulder, CO, took them on casual night walks through the city, and even got them up to 13,000’ in the high alpine in mid-November.

Quick Specs

LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots

Best Duck Boot Mid

CleverHiker Rating:

4.6/5.0

Price:

$149

Weight (Pair):

3 lb. 6 oz.

Height:

8in

Insulated:

No

Pros

• Stylish to wear around town
• Comfortable
• Adjustable lace fit
• Flexible enough for driving and casual wear
• Versatile

Cons

• Not the best heavy-duty option
• Short height limits weather protection
• Leather needs time to break in

Fall color walks have never been better. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

Weather Resistance

For a mid-rise leather duck boot, the LL Bean 8” Bean Boots are as weather resistant as it gets. We took the Bean Boots into a variety of conditions including simply standing in a snowmelt stream up to just below the ankle cuff. Suffice to say there was no water penetration or leakage during this test – something we were curious about given the lace-up style fit.

If you’re looking for a boot for protection in the harshest of elements though, you might want to go with something taller, as the mid-rise won’t work for big splashes or deeper snow. And, we don’t recommend these for super wet and messy days because the lace system can get soaked and collect snow in gnarly weather. But we’re a fan of this boot for the conditions it’s made for – rain, mud, and wet conditions.

These boots are fully waterproof and ready for wading into the shallows. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

Comfort

The LL Bean 8” Bean Boots are top-notch when it comes to comfort and the ability to wear for extended periods. The flat lacing system – combined with the flexible leather upper – lets you adjust the fit, security, and pressure around the calf and ankle. This flexibility grows over time as you break in the leather upper. During our field tests, we could drive, bike, squat, and kneel with ever-increasing ease in this rain boot.

The pull tab on the heel makes slipping the Bean Boots off and on a breeze, too. It’s a large enough loop to accommodate bigger fingers. We were also impressed with the addition of the steel shank, which runs heel to toe in the boot, offering additional support.

The LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots are one of the few rain boots with an adjustable laced fit. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

Traction

The LL Bean 8” Bean Boots offer a well-rounded versatility when it comes to traction and grip. We tested the Bean Boots by walking around on slick river rocks and river logs and found the traction was sufficient to maintain a sense of safety and balance.

We also took the Bean Boots up to 13,000’ on rocky terrain where we encountered bits of mud and ice during an unusually dry November. They handled these situations as well as our tester’s trail running shoes.

Kicking back for a little hike break with the LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

Warmth

For an uninsulated rain boot, the LL Bean 8” Bean Boots handled cold conditions better than expected. Around town walks in sub-freezing temperatures at night in Colorado went off without a hitch, especially when paired with a thicker pair of socks. Our snowmelt stream test also revealed no cold spots, likely due to the thicker sole and well designed toe cap.

The downside is that your socks are the insulation, so on especially frigid days it might require an extra thick pair to keep your toes warm. That being said, this guide focused on rain boots – not winter boots.

Even standing in a snowmelt stream, the LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots provide solid warmth. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

Should You Buy the LL Bean 8in bean Boots?

The LL Bean 8” Bean Boot is a wonderful choice for those looking for a comfortable and chic boot for rainy days around town and casual winter conditions. However, if you’re looking at an extremely cold forecast or need boots for rugged outdoor use, you may want to look for a more insulated and durable boot. The Bean Boots combine well-rounded performance with style, making it a versatile rain boot for daily wear.

The LL Bean 8″ Bean Boots are one of the few rain boots with an adjustable laced fit. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)

What Other Men’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?

If you want to explore other rain boots that offer a bit more protection or warmth, here are a few from our rain boots guide to check out:

Bogs Bozeman Mid Insulated Review: An insulated mid-length rain boot made versatility in mind. A step up in protection and warmth while still retaining flexibility and comfort for extended use.

Kamik Forester Review: A value conscious, fully waterproof, and insulated option for harsher conditions, offering more warmth and protection.

Muck Boot Wetland Review:  An excellent option if you want to retain maneuverability while adding protection and warmth for outdoor work or activities.

You can also find the Bean Boots available with a flannel, fleece, or shearling lining if you’d like to explore even more warmth and comfort while retaining that around-town style.

These boots are quick to slip on and off thanks to a comfortable pull tab. – Photo Credit: Ian Atkinson (CleverHiker.com)