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Duck Boots

godofcoffee

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Maybe this is more of a street style question, but imma try my luck here first. I'm thinking of picking p a pair of L L Bean duck boots, but I'm not sure how high of a rise to get. I'm pretty lazy about putting boots on, so I'm wondering if I can get away with the gumshoe boot (just one step above the moccasin in height). The problem is that I do plenty of walking, and I live in an area that gets a lot of snow (although the sidewalks are well kept, I like walking through the snow). Do you think the gumshoe boots could fly, or should I just suck it up and get the 6"?

Here they are, for reference:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/19069
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/31178

Relatedly, do you guys think there are better options out there? I'm a law school-bound college senior and a pretty casual dresser, so I figure I could wear these puppies until the soles wear out.

Thoughts? I hope that duck boots aren't too egregiously preppy for SF. People outside NE probably don't even know what I'm talking about.
 

Another New Yorker

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Originally Posted by godofcoffee
Maybe this is more of a street style question, but imma try my luck here first. I'm thinking of picking p a pair of L L Bean duck boots, but I'm not sure how high of a rise to get. I'm pretty lazy about putting boots on, so I'm wondering if I can get away with the gumshoe boot (just one step above the moccasin in height). The problem is that I do plenty of walking, and I live in an area that gets a lot of snow (although the sidewalks are well kept, I like walking through the snow). Do you think the gumshoe boots could fly, or should I just suck it up and get the 6"?

Here they are, for reference:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/19069
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/31178

Relatedly, do you guys think there are better options out there? I'm a law school-bound college senior and a pretty casual dresser, so I figure I could wear these puppies until the soles wear out.

Thoughts? I hope that duck boots aren't too egregiously preppy for SF. People outside NE probably don't even know what I'm talking about.

Love em in the south. they're great. Depends on where in New England you are though. Cambridge or somewhere with a little less snow control. We light snow and heavy mud so I wear that exact pair.
 

cptjeff

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You could get away with the low ones if you're wading around in dry snow, it more or less just brushes off your sock. Anything wetter, and you're going to want a nice high boot.

I would just go with the 6 inch. Get a little more warmth and support.
 

TACO_FLAVORED_KISSES

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Great looking boots, would love to cop some, but i'll be going going back back to cali
 

godofcoffee

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Originally Posted by Another New Yorker
Love em in the south. they're great. Depends on where in New England you are though. Cambridge or somewhere with a little less snow control. We light snow and heavy mud so I wear that exact pair.

Interesting - I'm in New Hampshire right now, but will move next year either to Cambridge or Connecticut.

Wack that you can get them in the South, I've never seen L L Bean stores south of Connecticut.

Originally Posted by cptjeff
You could get away with the low ones if you're wading around in dry snow, it more or less just brushes off your sock. Anything wetter, and you're going to want a nice high boot.

I would just go with the 6 inch. Get a little more warmth and support.


I think you're right. I'm just being lazy - I hate taking more than a second to put shoes on. But gumshoes don't make any sense in NH winters.
 

F. Corbera

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Bean boots are horrible winter boots.

They're made for muddy woods, mud implying liquid water.
 

godofcoffee

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Interesting - what's the problem? A lot of people around here have 'em, and seem satisfied.

Originally Posted by F. Corbera
Bean boots are horrible winter boots.

They're made for muddy woods, mud implying liquid water.
 

Cary Grant

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Originally Posted by godofcoffee
Interesting - what's the problem? A lot of people around here have 'em, and seem satisfied.

Slippery on ice in my experience... not great for icy snowpack traction ie sidewalks.
Certainly is durable and a classic.
 

NoNothingGuy

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Hey man, L.L. Bean is a catalog/online company in 99% of the country, so sure you can get Bean Boots in the South.

I recently got a pair of the gums and wore them up to the NC mountains to cut down a Christmas tree with my daughter this past weekend. I'd say there was about 3 inches of snow on the ground and it was already spilling into my socks.

If you are in the NE, go with the 6".

FWIW, I got the insulated ones and I love them. Very warm, but not the best on ice. That being said, nothing is great on ice.
 

philosophe

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Originally Posted by NoNothingGuy
FWIW, I got the insulated ones and I love them. Very warm, but not the best on ice. That being said, nothing is great on ice.

Insulated is the only way to go for the winter, but they are lousy on the ice. I'd look for boots with a better tread.
 

hboogz

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Either people intentionally don't discuss how slippery these boots really are in tightly packed snow or ice patches (common in city environments) or they actually are slip-resistant (which i doubt) And it's that feeling that's always prevented this city kid from buying a pair.
 

godofcoffee

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Man, you guys have given me a lot to think about with this slipping-business. I never regret vetting my purchases at SF first.
smile.gif
 

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