RL Raleigh Boots

[alliswell]

Thoughts on these boots from RL? Better than Bean Boots?

RL duck boots

Bean Boots

 

[kaxixi]

Cannot answer your question, but these have been available off and on at GVH for some time, for much less.

Edit: not *much* less after the additional 30% off.

 

[Flursheim]

Tough call. Let me explain......

I've worked on projects with RL designers before and I know they always seek the best companies to produce their OEM products. I own several boots from RL in the past that were simply top notch BUT I never had to pay the full price for any of it. If you don't mind paying that kinda price and this is more a fashion thing that anything else, go with the Raleighs but consider kaxixi suggestion about looking on GVH.

If this is meant to be used as work boots and you're gonna abuse it, go with the Beanies. I've also own a couple of LL Bean boots that I've literally put through the wringer and they've all held up well. If I am not mistaken, the original boots are from them.

 

[mr monty]

Tough call. Let me explain......

I've worked on projects with RL designers before and I know they always seek the best companies to produce their OEM products. QUOTE]

Do you know who makes shoes in Italy for RL?

 

[Flursheim]

Unfortunately I don't. I've been out of that part of the business for some time now. During my time, a good number of their boots were produced in England by a now defunct company called Playboy (no kidding).

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

Thoughts on these boots from RL? Better than Bean Boots?

RL duck boots

Bean Boots

Apples and oranges - the RL's are all leather except for the sole (I have an older pair of the low-cut version) and the LL's are all rubber except for the leather top. The RL's are not the best choice for wet weather whereas the LL's are made for that. The RL's look nice for styling around town.

Also, Bean will replace or refund the boots anytime and will refurbish them down the road. Obviously, RL doesn't. The 'Made in Maine' quality has been very good for a long time.

 

[Catechumen]

The two boots aren't even remotely comparable: Bean was designed for function, RL is designed for fashion.

It would be comprable to taking a Filson wool Mackinaw and then sending it off to Italy to be "updated" and made in a delicate cashmere.

If you want a boot to wear in rain, muck, and mire and then have the ability to have new bottoms attached in 20 years, get the Bean boot. If you want a boot that has the appearence of a Bean boot, with superior leather, but little of the functionality, get the RL boot.

I still have have the 12" Maine Hunting shoes I bought from Bean circa. 1986 - I've had them in field and snows from NJ to IAand the beer soaked wood floors of my fraternity house in between, and they are still serviceable. I wish it snowed down here just so I could wear them more down here in GA - there's a great feeling of invulnerability wearing them in bad weather and walking with indifference through slush, muck, and snow drifts. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing those RL boots - they're silly, imo.

 

[Ich_Dien]

Excuse my ignorance but what on earth are these remarkably hideous boots used for, they obviously have a practical use.

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by jimmyoneill

Excuse my ignorance but what on earth are these remarkably hideous boots used for, they obviously have a practical use.

Either or both? Perfect for wet London weather.

 

[Catechumen]

Originally Posted by jimmyoneill

Excuse my ignorance but what on earth are these remarkably hideous boots used for, they obviously have a practical use.

Among other things:

http://tbn0.google.com/hosted/images...f3a247d7_large

 

[Ich_Dien]

Ah. I just use Hunter Wellingtons.

 

[edinatlanta]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

Thoughts on these boots from RL? Better than Bean Boots?

RL duck boots

Bean Boots

Bean.

No question.

The RL make you look like a poseur IMO.