Ditching the duck boots, need new ideas

[ChicagoJohn]

I picked up the 10" LL BEAN shearling duck boots. While a beautiful boot, after just 2 weeks of wearing them to and from work they have become absolutely unwearable.

The problem is that Bean sewed nice shearling onto the upper leathers, but where the leather meets the rubber bottom, there is nothing! No padding or anything. So when you walk, this huge rubber seam rubs up and down the back of your heal. Thinking I just needed to break them in, I kept trying but eventually I created a massive knot in the back of my heel and it hurts like a sonofabitch.

So I'm returning these. At the $130 price point - what is a quality alternative winter boot? I need it to be water proof, warm (Chicago), and decent looking.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Ouch, that doesn't sound pleasant at all! Sorry to hear they didn't work out for you. I got the 10" with thinsulate; thankfully I haven't had any issues with comfort.

It's tough finding something that's well made, waterproof, and stylish at the $130 price point. I'd be interested in other options as well.

 

[ChicagoJohn]

Nobody wears winter boots? Seriously?

 

[Spats]

What about one of the iterations of Sorel? They're like Bean, but with removable insulating liners. That's what they use in Maine... http://www.rei.com/product/674940

 

[ChicagoJohn]

Originally Posted by Spats

What about one of the iterations of Sorel? They're like Bean, but with removable insulating liners. That's what they use in Maine... http://www.rei.com/product/674940

I looked at those online today but had never heard of the brand. They are quality?

 

[anonomouse]

Sorel is good stuff. take it from someone who lives 200 miles south of the arctic circle.

 

[Smartalox]

Sorels are made in Canada. Trust me, we know about winter boots up here.

http://www.sorel.com/

The original company was bought by Columbia Sportswear.

 

[greekonomist]

Originally Posted by ChicagoJohn

I picked up the 10" LL BEAN shearling duck boots. While a beautiful boot, after just 2 weeks of wearing them to and from work they have become absolutely unwearable.

The problem is that Bean sewed nice shearling onto the upper leathers, but where the leather meets the rubber bottom, there is nothing! No padding or anything. So when you walk, this huge rubber seam rubs up and down the back of your heal. Thinking I just needed to break them in, I kept trying but eventually I created a massive knot in the back of my heel and it hurts like a sonofabitch.

So I'm returning these. At the $130 price point - what is a quality alternative winter boot? I need it to be water proof, warm (Chicago), and decent looking.

I don't want to be presumptuous, but did you try wearing them with thicker socks?

 

[romafan]

Are you saying that duck boots are stylish?

For stylish there are any number of the C&J, Grenson, EG models, but for real winter insulation and protection from the elements I think you have to abandon style and go w/ utility. Look at the Filson Uplander. Also, Schnees has a duck boot-like version that might be better (plus it has the cool little fringy thing): http://www.schnees.com/product_categ...inch-hunter-ii

Muck Boots look interesting. Danner makes a good boot. Sorels are for hardcore cold. For a cool custom pair, look at the West Coast Shoe Co. http://www.westcoastshoe.com/wesco/

I'm pretty sure Ed has a pair of these: Attachment 17112

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by Smartalox

Sorels are made in Canada. Trust me, we know about winter boots up here.
Sorel boots are made in China now.

Baffin is another alternative (still made in Canada). I've also had good luck with Filson boots over this last winter.

 

[TBSDSpaniard]

for something a little more stylish....ummm warm and not too ugly try PAJAR or BLONDO both Canadian companies one of them from Quebec....where they know a little more about snow and slush

 

[suitforcourt]

Sorels are made in Canada. Trust me, we know about winter boots up here.

http://www.sorel.com/

The original company was bought by Columbia Sportswear.

Unfortunately, not anymore. Mostly made in China!

 

[suitforcourt]

for something a little more stylish....ummm warm and not too ugly try PAJAR or BLONDO both Canadian companies one of them from Quebec....where they know a little more about snow and slush

Picked up a pair of lightly used Pajar on eBay for $100 (all in). Normally sell for $400+. Will put them into my rotation with Nike ACG, Salvatore Feregammo, and Martinos (another Canadian brand to consider).

Otherwise, I deploy Swims and Swims Mobster, or my waterproof dress shoes.

 

[comrade]

For the high net worth crowd Ludwig Reiter has a solution:

https://www.ludwig-reiter.com/en/traktorstiefel-s-586-rpd-nft-2z-gj

https://www.stylebop.com/en-us/men/...NG_US/Ludwig+Reiter/&partner=bing_stylebop_us

 

[suitforcourt]

For the high net worth crowd Ludwig Reiter has a solution:

https://www.ludwig-reiter.com/en/traktorstiefel-s-586-rpd-nft-2z-gj

https://www.stylebop.com/en-us/men/...NG_US/Ludwig+Reiter/&partner=bing_stylebop_us

Those are pretty sweet!