UNIFORM | Duck Boots


I'm a purist when it comes to duck boots, I go L.L. Bean all the way. Both of my parents have Bean boots in their front hall closet that are older than I am—because that's how long they last. As fall approaches I get nostalgic for first frosts and mud puddles, especially as summer will continue here for at least another month or 12. What about you? In or out for duck boots?

8" Bean Boots ($89); Asos lace-up duck boot ($101); Lands' End duck boot ($70); L.L. Bean Signature waxed canvas Maine hunting shoe ($139); Bass Hadwin duck boot ($80); Tretorn Klipporone boots ($140).

The original, designed by Leon Leonwood Bean in 1912, who famously said, "Outside of your gun, nothing is so important to your outfit as your footwear." Above photo by George Stock in 1941 (back then Bean boots fetched between $3 and $9 and the boot holders just 30 cents).

Comments

Jane Flanagan said…
IN!! I love them and, like you, it's L.L. Bean for me all the time!
Anonymous said…
Just bought the canvas ones in blue. They look frikkin sweet with jeans.
ND said…
I love duck shoes! I wore them all the time as a kid. I could really use a pair nowadays.
Anonymous said…
The way the weather is getting in Northern Europe, they will soon become an essential wardrobe staple! Climate change is doing weird things to the seasons.

I actually haven't ever seen any duck boots in the shops here though, I always thought they were more of an American thing!

Cakes
http://www.cakesandshakes.wordpress.com
Akvilina said…
This boot has such strong sentimental value to my years in the US. Where I'm from, nobody wears them, nor seen them before, so i get a weirded out look once in a while, but couldn't be more proud of this indestructible fall/winter shoe. I am currently spending some months in Scotland and duck boot feels so right for this climate and landscape!
Unknown said…
I always buy the boy's bean boots - I have a small foot, thankfully, and they are cheaper.
trip said…
Who really needs anything other than the ones from LL Bean, though? I've got three pairs; original 10" Maine Hunting Shoe, the rubber moc, and the LL Bean Signature waxed canvas 10" ones. I could probably find another couple of pairs I like too.

For women, the 16" waxed canvas ones they're currently selling at LL Bean Signature are awesome (though pricey).
Anonymous said…
Yes! I also have three pairs of Bean Boots. I'd never go with any other duck boot.
Cyd said…
Hi Lizzie!! I love my LL Bean duckboots! I bought them for my 13 year old son and then had to have them myself. I'd take them over wellies any day!
Unknown said…
Oh yes. I have the signature waxed canvas L.L. Bean's. I have a nostalgic love for them too. Last December when it was super rainy I got to charge puddles in them like no other. Seriously, people at Trader Joe's were amazed at my walking thru puddles skills.
Tonia said…
Bean boots all the way! My husband has a favorite old pair of L.L. Beans and they go with everything.
Wendy said…
In, all the way, just wish I had an excuse to wear them here in Florida (where people adorn socks with their flip flops when it gets cold... meh.)
Eleanor said…
I have had the same pair of duck boots for about 17 years.
Loving the new LL Bean Signature ones that are knee high!
I swooned over them on my blog not too long ago.
Anonymous said…
I ride in jeans and duck boots for hacking and galloping, a habit i picked up in Maryland exercising timber horses. You can go right from the horse to the wash rack! And Bean will put on new tops when they wear out.
Anonymous said…
The LL Bean duck boot in their moccasin model (lowtop, so you can slip it on) is *amazing* for rainy but still warm weather, fyi. Love them.
Anonymous said…
plus, the Bean boots are still made in America!
gia said…
I've heard they aren't that warm, though I adore the look of them for real winter months. Maybe with major wool socks.
Lizzie said…
L.L. Bean has a version with shearling lining, which I would recommend highly!
Lizzy Fallows said…
My mom & dad always had the mocs in our front hall closet. They had them in tan/blue so I lean toward them as my favorite. Does anyone know which color was the original? Tough call on black v. brown v. blue!
Magooner said…
my Bean boots are my most favorite possession, and I cannot wait to wear them. I am a little annoyed at long island for not always having the weather that makes them a staple. I am longing for Northern New England and the St. Lawrence valley.

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