Sorel boots are often equipped with an initial waterproof treatment, which can be applied using a waterproofing spray or a shoe protector spray. For water-resistant leather, use a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. If you’re looking for waterproof boots, look for the Waterproof Technology label to ensure they’re completely waterproof.
To maintain your Sorel boots, start by cleaning them with a soft-bristled brush and a damp cloth. Apply a waterproofing spray specifically designed for nubuck or suede. Always test on a small, clean area before using them.
When cleaning Sorel slippers, start by removing loose dirt or grime with a soft brush and creating a mild cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Most hiking boots are factory-treated with a durable water-resistant membrane underneath the leather. However, fully waterproof boots are seam sealed and won’t be submerged in deep water.
Laces and zippers incorporated in Sorel footwear are not waterproof. Before starting, determine the type of leather your boots are made of. Most boots come with a waterproof sealant from the factory, but after many wears, they may lose their waterproof properties.
Sorel boots are 100% resistant to moisture, making them suitable for rainy days. Their range of men’s rain and waterproof boots ensures feet stay dry and comfortable, allowing you to confidently step out in any weather without worrying about soggy socks or chilly feet.
📹 Not As Waterproof As You Think… LL Bean vs Sorel vs Sperry
LL Bean Boots, Sorel, Sperry, and Walmart boots all claim to be water resistant and even waterproof. After reviewing all of the …
Is it OK for boots to get wet?
Leathers like suede and nubuck can become discolored or develop water stains if they don’t have a waterproofer on them. To prevent this, use a water-proof protector spray before getting wet and avoid wearing them in rainy or wet conditions. For exotic leather, avoid wearing them in wet conditions and use a water-repellent spray.
If your cowboy boots get wet, pat them down with a rag to remove excess moisture and let them air dry. Avoid heat, radiators, fireplaces, and hairdryers, as they can cause the leather to lose its luster and texture quickly. Instead, find a cozy spot at room temperature and let nature do its thing. To maintain their shape, grab newspaper and stuff them. If you’re feeling fancy, use the boot tree provided with all Alvies boots, which acts as a personal trainer for your boots.
Once your boots are dry, give them a gentle brush or cloth to gently brush off any dirt or debris. Treat your boots to a nice conditioner and cleaner, but every leather is different when it comes to care. Alvies has a series of care guides available to help you care for different leathers.
In summary, it’s important to follow these guidelines when caring for your boots. If you’re wearing exotic leather, avoid using heat, radiators, fireplaces, and hairdryers, and allow nature to do its thing. Once your boots are dry, gently brush them off with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
How long does waterproofing last on boots?
It is of the utmost importance to regularly waterproof boots in order to safeguard against the accumulation of stains, the detrimental effects of water damage, and the deterioration of natural leather oils. It is recommended that this process be repeated every three months, with more frequent applications in regions with high precipitation levels.
Why are my waterproof boots wet?
Waterproof boots can become wet inside due to poor-quality materials, thin, unconditioned leather, poor stitching, and improper care. To keep feet dry in leaking boots, wear a waterproof Goretex boot liner or have your boots repaired. A waterproof liner will keep your feet dry, but the main issue is that the more water your boots take onboard, the worse their condition becomes. Regular treatment and proper care can help prevent moisture loss and ensure the longevity of your boots.
Are sorels really waterproof?
Sorel shoes and boots are durable and attractive footwear options that offer high water resistance. The choice of materials, such as leather or suede for the shell and rubber for the soles, ensures the footwear looks great and holds up well to use. These materials already have moisture resistance, making them warm and comfortable even in cold temperatures. The shells are treated with a waterproof sealant before quality inspections, ensuring they can withstand years of use. This sealant is effective even in snowy winters, ensuring feet stay dry and warm.
Rain can occur in other seasons, but Sorel boots made in Canada are suitable for warmer seasons and can still keep feet dry if needed. These boots are suitable for both winter and summer wear, making them a reliable choice for those seeking a comfortable and durable footwear option.
How long do sorels last?
Sorel Boots are a popular winter boot in Montana due to their durability, lasting for over 10 years despite heavy daily use. They are exceptionally warm, providing temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to -100 degrees, making them popular among outdoor workers. There are several styles available, with the rubber bottom style being the most popular. Sorel boots are constructed with leather uppers and a rubber lower bottom, which is crucial for those spending time outdoors in wet snow, deep puddles, or thick, wet mud. The rubber bottom is particularly important for those working in wet snow, deep puddles, or thick, wet mud.
How long should waterproof boots last?
Waterproof hiking boots’ durability depends on factors like wear frequency, weather conditions, and care. They should last a couple of years without proper aftercare, but with proper care, they can keep feet dry for many more trips. Regular cleaning and reproofing are recommended, especially for avid hikers. To clean and reproof hiking boots, remove laces and insoles, brush with a soft bristle brush, scrub with footwear cleaning solution like Nikwax Cleaning Gel, and stuff with newspaper or tissue paper. Allow the boots to dry naturally, not near direct heat. Re-proofing may be necessary, and replace laces and insoles as cleaning affects waterproof performance.
Do snow boots need to be waterproof?
Snow boots are classified as either water-resistant or waterproof, with most being waterproof due to their deep snow depth. They offer moisture protection with waterproof soles made of rubber and PVC. They consist of a water-resistant upper and a waterproof membrane, allowing moisture and perspiration to escape while preventing water and snow from seeping through. The waterproof lining covers a large area above the soles, making them snowproof. Insulation options include woollen blend, faux fur, and fleece.
Should I size up or down in Sorel?
The Sorel size chart is reliable, but some customers may find their boots slightly large. If unsure, it is recommended to go down half a size to your normal shoe size. Sorel boots are sized in US and converted to UK sizes, so the sizes may not match perfectly. To find the best size, use the chart and measure your best fitting shoe or boot from end to end with a tape measure. The Sorel Winter Boots and Shoes are confident in their fit due to their experience, monitoring customer returns, seeing customers wearing them in their Snowboard Shop, and their long-standing sales.
Can you waterproof boots that are not waterproof?
To maintain suede boots and shoes, avoid applying cream or wax to the material, as it may matt down the nap and darken it. Instead, use a conditioning and waterproofing spray after cleaning the footwear, applying it quickly and evenly, and re-applying at least two to four coats. Dry brush the shoes and stain clean when needed, and remember to reapply the spray after each use.
Not all leather boots and shoes are created equal, and some are designed for hard-working environments and require more substantial waterproofing. It’s important to know the type of leather you’re using, as some are more prone to color changes. For stubborn stains, use high-quality saddle soap, which has restorative properties and can rejuvenate the leather. Apply it sparingly with a wet sponge or cloth, work up a small lather, and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
If stains persist, repeat the process. Allow the boots to dry for 24 hours. If you need a gentle cleaning or are concerned about darkening the leather, opt for a gentle liquid cleaner. Always follow the instructions and use a gentle cloth like a microfiber towel.
Can you wear sorels in the snow?
Both Business Insider and Gear Junkie lauded the Sorel Joan of Arctic boots for their versatility, citing their suitability for both snowy hikes and fashionable après-ski wear. The boots were lauded for their waterproof construction, sealed seams, and vulcanized rubber soles, with one reviewer even suggesting that they inspire a certain longing for inclement weather.
Do I need to waterproof my sorels?
SOREL boots are waterproof or water-resistant but not meant for deep water submersion. Fully waterproof boots are seam sealed and can withstand submerging in puddles but not large bodies of water. Access to this page was denied due to suspected automation tools, Javascript disabled or blocked by an extension, and browser not supporting cookies. Enable Javascript and cookies on your browser and avoid blocking them from loading.
📹 Why is There No Positive Reviews of Sorel Caribou Boot? (CUT IN HALF)
Sorel Caribou Boot Review – The Sorel Caribou Boot is rumored to be the best winter boot but all of the reviews of Sorel on …
My parents gave me a pair of LL Bean boots for Christmas 38 years ago before I went to college. I have worn them a lot through the years. The soles were completely bald so I dropped them off at the Bean retail store. It took two weeks to ship to Maine and back, and $40 and I had a basically brand new pair of boots. New laces, tread/soles, and inserts. Incredible value. Good to see them do well in these tests. Love these boots.
I’m actually shocked the Bean boots did the best on waterproofness. (Former Bean Boot factory worker here, back again!) The ones without Gore Tex aren’t made to be waterproof at all, and the Sorels ARE supposed to be sealed. Yikes! By the way, Bean Boots can be made much more waterproof by taking a thick dubbin like sno-seal along that big line of stitching. Really shove it in with your thumb, or a toothbrush. But really, if you’re gonna stand in water, get rubber boots. If you’ll just be passing through streams and puddles, Bean Boots will do fine.
I was a hunter who used LL Bean boots in many outdoor adventures. I routinely wore out a pair in a year or two. For me, waterproofness was desirable but not the main objective. It helped to treat the leather uppers with water resistant waxes. I chose these boots because they were light, and thus didn’t contribute to exhaustion after miles of walking. Their soles didn’t load up with soil even when that soil held a lot of clay. Above all, I appreciated the fact the boots were flexible enough to let my feet feel the ground. Knowing what I was walking on helped me avoid falls.
I would love to see this test redone with the boots being properly waterproofed. None of these boots claim to be waterproof over the rubber, however you can make them waterproof by buying a waterproof boot guard, (LL. Bean sells one) it a beeswax based dressing that you can use to condition the leather, you can also pack it in all the seams to waterproof the boot. I live in Maine where LL. Bean originated- everyone here knows that you have to waterproof your boots, unless they are specified to be waterproof.
The large grommet boots you buy with liners LL Bean and Sorrel. There is also something called a Gators these covers keep water from coming over the top. No boot is waterproof when punctured. My Sorrel Boots are over 40 years old with fleece liners for warmth and gator covers to keep dry, if needed. You have not tested everything but temperature and comfort.
I love my LL Bean boots. They’re the same as what you tested and they’re 20 years old. (Resoled once by LL BEAN) I use them for fishing in the rain when the shore is muddy and wet. I have a heavier and thicker insulated pair for winter use that are over 23 old. They’re also great boots that will last if you treat the leather every now and then. Occasionally i wear neoprene socks with both sets of boots to keep my feet completely dry and warm.
I love LL Bean. Best brand in America. I will go out of my way to give them my business on everything. I could share a dozen stories of how great they’ve been to work with on everything from camping gear to fly fishing equipment to clothing. I only wish they had more products I could buy from them. Not kidding. I grew up in MA, now live in MO, and whenever I need something I think they might have they get my first and last call.
I have had many pairs of LL Bean 16″ Maine Hunting Shoes and have not ever had a problem with them leaking unless the water went over the top of the boot. I did always use some of the Bean boot wax on them really wiring it into the seams. This included extensive time spent traipsing around in salt water and brackish marshes for hours at a time. Never got my feet wet unless the water was over 16 inches. Even then, if was just a moment, my heavy wool socks absorbed the water before it could get all the way to my feet. I have also worn Danner’s and Rockies. The Danners are awesome, the Rockies are good and none of them leaked. The Danners and Rockies have Goretex so you don’t get the sweat problem the Bean boots can have.
Having lived in New England (CT) for over 9 years, the folks I see wearing Duck style boots do so pretty exclusively in the winter months as a dedicated snow boot. Shoveling snow from the driveway, brushing snow off the car to get to work, to keep feet warm and dry from snow and slushy puddles as they walk about. I dont know anyone who uses these boots for hunting of any kind. But, it does almost seem as though having a pair of LL Bean duck boots is mandatory as a condition to live around here.
Had my first set of sorel’s for 35+ years worked in those for the first 3.5 years almost daily drilling well’s, amazing boot. Bought a new even nicer model of sorel’s used around the house during winter only shoveling snow taking the trash out that minor stuff. The new ones fell apart in 3 years. The rubber cracked and chunks the size of golf balls fell off, the rubber shattered like glass. The seams and leather cracked but the laces still look like new haha. I will never buy sorel boots again it broke my heart that that company sold out like all the rest. Going to try the LL bean on your recommendation. Thanks for sharing your article.
The puncture test is quite good – would be interesting to see how other boots you’ve already done articles on fare in this. It’s also interesting to know if there’s a correlation between puncture resistance and surface grip. E.g. if you need softer material to get better grip, but that increases your risk of a puncture, that’s valuable information.
I have a pair of the old LL Bean Maine Hunting boots, I believe 8″. Probably 30+ years old, got them used for 20 bucks, half size or so too big on my feet but always wore with thick socks. I’ve worn them for creek wading and had the water up to the very top of the boot. For years I never had any leaks, though now one of them has a tiny leak. Hardly noticeable however. They aren’t very comfortable in my opinion, but great wet weather shoes. I wear them everyday in the winter working on a snow crew.
Well done. I use this style of boot for sailing, since they are easier to remove than sailing boots should you find yourself in the water, they can be adjusted to your foot more comfortably, and they are often lined for cold weather. One factor you didn’t address, and couldn’t address, is how well they fit. Unfortunately, the Beans are not at all comfortable for me, and I wear a boot made by Superior, available at, ironically, Walmart. They are lined with Thermalite and are very comfortable. I’ve worn them for years with success. One issue sailors care about is how skid-proof they are on a wet deck and these fit the bill. Thanks for the test, really appreciated.
Seems like sorel has become more of a fashion statement than an actual practical winter boot. I bought my wife sorel’s because all the women were wearing them so of course she wanted them because it was in style, and she couldn’t be outside for long at all and her feet often got wet just from snow melting on them. I bought her baffins and she can’t believe the difference.
A big thing to remember is that with waterproof boots, once wet they stay wet. Non-waterproof boots designed correctly will be dry enough after a little bit of rucking and walking around. Meanwhile with my waterproof sets if I get the water level high enough to soak in, they are still wet even after a day or two.
I’ve been perusal your website for a long time, I love your content. I have to say, I love your puncture setup. This is exactly the kind of thing I would see in actual research. I know you semi-jokingly said it’s garage science, but it’s real science, too! We’re all out here putting together these kinda janky rigs, because there’s no tool for exactly what we want. Keep up the great stuff 🙂
As a suburbanite living in the South, I don’t slog through swamps while hunting muskrats (or whatever the heck lives in swamps), but I do occasionally need to shovel a couple inches of snow off my porch stairs and sidewalk. I really didn’t need big snow boots, but I needed something waterproof. Last season I bought some LL Bean gum boots and am very happy with them. Obviously, if you live in Nova Scotia or the Arctic Circle, you’ll need something more substantial, but these are perfect for me.
Wow! Great article and it’s really cool that you and your team took the time to come up with the puncture test. I agree, maybe not the most accurate, but certainly cool! As a result of your series, bought myself a pair of the LL Bean boots! A lot of these manufactures should be thanking you and your team for your articles and opinions since you have to be influencing their sales on some level! As an example, two weeks ago the LL Bean 8″ thinsulate was backordered until March! Maybe that was due to Christmas, but your website may have had something to do with that as well! Keep-up your great work and it’s great to see the other website collaboration like in Stridewise and Trenton and Heath!
I worked landscape construction throughout the 90s in Sorels, slogging through Colorado snow, rain and mud at new construction sites, and my feet never got wet and never got cold. I can’t speak for the other brands, but I still have those same Sorels, and they are still flawless boots for their intended purpose. For full submersion, I have some excellent Mares fins; use the right tool for the right job…
You should also mention that L.L.Bean will re-build your boots (new bottoms, laces,insoles, and repair uppers if necessary) for a very reasonable price, and return them quickly. I have a pair that is over 35 years old, and I wear them very often in the winter. They have been re-soled at least 5 times! I think it coest about $35 to resole them.
The Kamik Yukon 5 and Yukon 6 would have been an interesting addition to the lineup. Made in Canada, they are duck boot line with an aggressive lug pattern and full gusseting up the length of the tongue. No clue as to whether it’s also seam-sealed as well, but it feels well-built and — hypothesis — could sit between the Sorels and LL Beans for both the waterproofing and puncture tests.
You have to see what leather Bean boots you are buying. Some models have non waterproof uppers and the tongue gusset is very low, like 2nd or 3rd lace hole. These are the fashion models for walks to Blue bottle coffee. While others are treated with waterproofing which can wear off over time. And some have added goretex. The 10″ main hunting boot uses a different leather that is 100% water proof made so in the tanning process. The only water that can get thru is the top of the shaft or the sewing where the rubber is joined with the upper.
Wow, growing up in Canada I always thought that Sorel was and is the benchmark for winter boots. I guess WAS. (Didn’t know they had been bought out by Columbia.) Have been living on the west coast for 20 + years and have not needed a true winter boot, but am moving to snow country in 9 months and will need a good winter boot soon. I will not consider Sorel boots as an option, now.
I have worn the L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Shoe for decades while waterfowl hunting in mucky, and marshy places. My feet stay dry, considering normal perspiration. These boots seem fairly immune from puncture in marshy areas with beaver cut “punji stick” tree remains. They are not the most comfortable boot for long road hiking, but in wet terrain they do the job well, and are a robust, long lasting boot.
When I used to live in Michigan i walked everywhere all year (2-6 miles a day). I had a pair of Sorel winter boots. They kept my feet dry through slush and puddles as long as the water didn’t go over the top of the boot. They were also very well insulated, I would wear normal socks and never got cold. I had them for 3 years of heavy seasonal use and they were still like new, I highly recommend them
Years ago I had Sorels with felt liners. They leaked where the tongue met the bottom leather. I used my hand stitching tool with waxed thread and also used some Goop liberally. I won’t say they were perfect but I could wade a stream while hunting without getting my feet soaked. I also had silicone treated hiking boots that leaked even after treatment where the leather flexed on the side. I also switched from silicone spray to Sno Seal treatment with beeswax. Better but not perfect. I found that wearing polypropylene sock liners at least made the boots comfortable to wear even if they got a little wet. A layer of goop in the flex areas helped but would wear off. It’s been over 30 years since I’ve hunted where I also needed to hike and cross streams. Newer boots with Cordura nylon reinforcement at flex points and goretex seem to be better altho I’ve worn holes in the goretex sole. I think the search goes on for the perfect hunting boot. Lightweight, warm, waterproof, comfortable as a running shoe,, abrasion resistant, with good traction on ice and snow. I remember rubber packs even before they came out with insulated ones and perusal the progression thru silicone leather, lug soles, mini lugs. goretex, insulation, cordura nylon, side zippers. Next thing to tackle is getting the boot on when you turn 70.
These type boots are not really for standing in a creek or standing water…more for sloshy snowy rainy here there hikes, no? I wear rubber boots for rain A N D gardening-I wouldn’t wear my Beans or Sorrels for gardening because never fails that something gets way too soaked and I have to walk through it or stand in it-I just never thought they were made for that type work but my rubber boots are *I bought a size larger and if it’s cold | snowy, I layer in wool socks which works awesome for short winter snowy garden type work **like setting up food and water for the birds last snow storm.
Recently acquired 2 pair of Chinese made duck boots. One is Polar Edge with a leather upper. The other is Game Winner with a Cordura upper. They have kept my feet dry in damp conditions, and when the garden hose was splattering all over them. These were found in nearly new condition on a vacant lot along with some other good stuff, where some lowlife had dumped. At least the price was right. I have always considered duck boots to be used on soggy ground and getting through shallow puddles. I have a pair of RedBall knee high rubber boots I bought some time in the 80s. Don’t wear them often, but they are still in great shape and pliable. I apply some 303, or Griot’s Garage Rubber Dressing to them once in a while. Now there is TrimSerum, which may be even better. These products would be good for the rubber parts of duck boots.
I had a pair of SORELS with almost no use on them, and the upper completely split from the sole. The boots were basically new, but SOREL refused to replace them because they were out of warranty. Bad construction, not wear, was clearly the cause of the failure, but they refused to back their product. Last pair I’ll ever own.
Love bean boots. I would always sport a pair during the winter. Great for rainy days, or when the ground is so muddy due to spring rain storms and snow melt. Great, practical, and can even be fashionable. I love mine and have owned them for years! Very durable and my feet have never been wet from a puddle or from rain
I know you wont see this but I have a few ideas of how to improve the test. I know the point you are getting at with this test, however is it really a real world functional waterproof test? I have seen people do tests before where they stood in lakes for periods of time but I dont think that really give an idea of a boot is functionally waterproof. The reality is most of these boots are going to be worn in snow, slush, rain, and maybe slightly swampy muddy conditions. The wearer is going to be moving a round a bit, ( walking and lifting their foot up and down). So when you step in puddles you’re not really soaking the entire boot since the boot is going to displace some of the water. It will splash on to the top, but the water isn’t going to have 20 min of straight time trying to work into ever single nook and cranny. What I would prefer to see with these boots that might be more realistic is a shower test with water being showered on to the welt between the rubber and leather to see if there is more penetration as its more realistic. If you want to simulate puddles, us your same tank test, but fill with a little less water, an create a crank that raises and lowers the boot over and over throughout the period. As I said before, most of the time when people are outside, they are stepping in water which cause more displacement and splashing rather than straight soaking. Would also be good to test the boots sitting in snow since sitting in snow is a bit different than just one big puddle.
I agree on the boot type for conditions thing… For me personally, duck and pac boots are worn in snow and slush conditions and rubber boots are for tromping through the mud, swamps, and flooded basements. I’ve got Kenetrek Northern pac boots and when worn in the snow and slush have never had a hint of leakage even when occasionally crossing the open water of a small stream or swamp. They have a fully gusseted tongue with a false tongue. I’ve had Sorrel 1964 boots in the past that were good in the snow but the Kenetrek is a much more refined boot. I’ve had various brands of tall rubber boots but they all cracked over time and leaked… I consider them to be disposable.
An idea to improve your puncture testing rig: Put the jig with the hole inside the boot (I think that jig was a really neat idea) and put the jig with the boot on a scale. Then you could have a frame above the boot, from where you apply the force maybe with a screw or with a lever. That way, you could apply pressure more evenly and get more accurat results. You’d still have to figure out the details of this contraption, but I hope you get the general idea
When i buy boots i always use military grade silicone,at least two coats on all seams and stitching. then the waterproofing dubbin or similar is used twice after warming the boots by a fire or heater. then, as a last effort i use seam wax made for this purpose. Then i’m almost good to go. but nope. then i snag a water shoe waffle type breathable insole and place that under my normal insole. this works as i always buy my boots a half or one size larger. the only way to truly test a boot for waterproof on the seams is to wear it in water and have the compression of the feet and that makes the air flow in pulses that can actually make a suction to draw water in. so the boot or footwear must be used many times in water for testing. Seeping in is a lame ass way man. you may agree,or not. My boots don’t leak until i step on a nail and yank it out. cheers and thanks for all the hard work and time making this article
Loved this episode! My only complaint is that the odds of a puncturing event going for the thickest part of a sole …very doubtful. Yeah, these style boots are almost purely for snowy types of weather with little to no chance of any serious puddles. I have a pair of Military Muk-Luks that I would never wear if there was a chance of wet puddle weather and only in deep freeze snowscapes. That’s even with the commercial waterproofing I applied. Thanks again for an awesome episode.
been wearing LLBean boots 35 years,,,,,The Maine Hunting shoe still have my original pair been resoled once by LLbean * rubber bottom also have the 100 th anniversary model with red sole and the slip on model and the short boot ” leather and the 3 eye shoe with rubber bottom,,,,,great boots made in USA and all are resoleable from LLB A++++++
I never get two of the same from bean. I ordered 3 separate times for these boots and i did not get an actual “pair”. I also couldnt get them on even over 3 different sizes. Freaky. I took the hint and stopped trying. Also my Sorrels are gusseted like the bean boots and I’ve had no issue with water. Interesting tests. Very informative.
I have one pair of snow boots i’ve loved for over 10 years, they’re an old style of sorels that they haven’t made in a while: conquest carly. I still haven’t identified why those specific ones don’t suck when every other sorel i’ve had is not great (either too warm for working in, slippery on ice, or the lining on one pair wasn’t even glued down so every time I pulled my foot out the entire lining came with it). I’ve also had keen, merrell, etc. I finally had to break down and buy a used pair of the carly’s this season bc the rubber finally cracked on my original pair. I would love to see a breakdown of features on more winter-specific boots!
Waterproof is a great selling point but most shoe adverts don’t have much to say about it. They might have a picture or a article that shows water splashing on them and off them but that’s about it. Then when you buy them and eventually wear them on a very wet day your socks get wet. So, you feel like you’ve wasted money. You might even trash the boots in a review — as I have. Investing in waterproofing waxes is a good backup plan even for the best ‘waterproof’ boots.
Bean boots ftw. Have had a pair for 7 years. Usually use them for snow removal or ice fishing. Been in some slushy conditions on the ice with standing water in any direction and still maintained dry feet all day.. Just don’t stand on your feet all day with them. They’re miserable after 4 hours standing.
This is good to know! I live in the metro Vancouver area so, like Maine, we get a TON of rain, especially in the winter! We’re also supposed to get an L.L Bean store in the fall, so I might check out the boots when the place opens. I have an UGG duck boot knock-off right now that’s wearing out, so hopefully by then I can replace them with a good pair!
Hey Weston! I liked the puncture resistance test and it would be intersting to see how some other boots score on that, like for example vibram lugsoles and oak bark tanned leather soles, etc. You could also extend the sole resistance testing with an abrasion test of some sort, maybe using a sanding machine or so. Lastly, now that I am already taking the time to comment (which I rarely do), one component that your “quality comparison” articles would benefit from would be to mention how build quality can stand in conflict with comfort from a certain point onwards. This is something that people easily forget when looking for good, durable boots.
Bean boots are not for wading. They are more for mud or snow. and only a certain amount of that. During WW2 my father served in Italy and they remained stuck in roughly the same,artillery position for 130_days.It began to rain,the Italian winter,I think.His boots were always wet and some men started to get trench foot. He wrote to my grandparents and they got a pair of LLBean boots which were much drier.I think he greased the uppers to make them better.
I wonder if you should have used a foot form, leg form, so that you could have laced them tight against that so that the seal is a bit better. Just a thought . I have some bean boots and they are really good and warm, but not completely waterproof . They are great in deep snow pack and I have wool felt footbeds in them and they make a big difference . They definitely have soles that last .
I’ve been wearing llbean boots for many years I just donated a pair from 1982. I did have a pair of Herman’s Survivor duck boots, a few years ago just for rainy days, not for days in the field or on the stream. They were great boots too. I don’t believe they are made any longer. Anyway, I will only buy Bean boots, they really are that good. BTW-someone told me that they are waterproof, but not meant to stay in water-like a trout stream…
Good stuff! Fun article and well done experiment. Confirms what I had thought. I have been a bean boot guy for 20 years. And only 2 bean boots in that time. Both still functional, one is the low cut shearling lined. One is the thinsulate + goretex 8inch. Both fantastic. Never had a wet foot unless except the low cut ones when a puddle goes over the top or step in deep snow. Duh, that’s why I have the 8inch. Bout time for a resole on the shearling pair, but I can’t say enough about the quality of bean boots.
To me, this style of shoe is great when the temperature drops below freezing. Wet snow can get through the lower part of a normal boot, but it generally does not get through this style of shoe. These boots are a lot warmer than wellies, so they are great for winter. On the other hand, these shoes are fairly heavy and cumbersome, so if you don’t get snow where you live they might not be the shoe for you.
One test that would be kinda cool to see is a test for how hard or soft the rubber compound used for the sole is. (Probably something using a very fine-grit sanding belt and a timer to test wear at the ball of the foot and at the back-outside edge of the heel?) For some things it’s a good tradeoff if you want absolute grip, like with climbing boots or rain boots. But for other things like hiking boots or workboots, a more abrasion-resistant/longer-lasting outsole might be more valuable for most consumers.
L.L. Bean started out making these rubber boots, that was the first product Bean made then mass produced. They know how to make them. Everyone else copied the style because they’re so popular. The Walmart boots are just a fashion nightmare. Our family buys all our outerwear and camping gear from L.L. Bean they sell great products and stand behind them. Sure they’re a bit more expensive, but as they say, you get what you pay for.
Ok, so where to get seam seal tape to improve boots I already own? Add an Amazon link in the description section. Puncture resistance of them all … 6-14 lbs is the range of sports shot-puts so hardly any difference at all when a boot wearer is going to be ten to twenty times heavier when stepping on something.
No boots are waterproof over the ankle (Lots of boots companies won’t protect the seams over the ankle to lower their price) It’s also not waterproof over the zippers because you can’t waterproof them.. Usually companies have a warranty on the first 6 months if the water infiltrates. you simply have to go back to store, they will test it and do an exchange. Plus it’s winter boots not rubber boots. No one walks in a 1 feet deep puddles.
These are fancy versions of the boots we have been using at the stable yard for years (we call them mucker boots or mucking out boots). Usually the Velcro fasten version is better as it keeps the water out at the top part – laced tend to leak by design. Very few people go for laces.Most are also insulated pretty well with a thermal lining. Also the versions we buy are pretty cheap compared to these. I suppose you really are just paying for a name. I remember the ‘duck boot’ becoming trendy a few years ago and I found it hilarious. I’ve been wearing this style of shoe around the stable yard since I was 9. They are not fashionable but do a good job of keeping the heat in and the water and horse manure out!
I don’t know if it would’ve made a difference to the results, but those scales / load cells have such a low refresh rate that it can skew the results if something important happens between updates. Another website was using a winch with one to gauge when things broke, the results were wildly inconsistent because things happened faster than the scale would register.
I have LL Bean boots. I treated the seams and all of the leather up to the top with Sno Seal which is mainly bees wax. They are waterproof now. That is all you need to do. That is what people always have done to boots like these. No one ever expected the leather and seams to be waterproof without treatment. I treat all of my leather boots with Sno Seal as I have done for 35+ years.
Thanks for the test! LLBean boots are great (I live in Maine so there might be some pride in that statement), they are not only functional but stylish. The one problem I have come across is their narrower toe box. Next to all the comparisons here you can see how much narrower they are. This prevents proper spreading of the toes needed for healthy foot structure and can contribute to or exacerbate bunion or diabetes issues. It also makes for colder toes because thick socks mean even less room. I wish they would eventually widen that toe box in the standard boot. Otherwise, these are great boots!
Wouldn’t it make more sense to get rain boots? … Or work boots I’m the style of rain boots they have the comfort of work boots but the waterproofness to the knees they even come in steel toe.. and I once steppes on a nail and was thankful I wore boots that day lol.. and they also sell waterproof sprays that work pretty well
When I need waterproof, nothing (in my opinion) beats dunlop puroforts for waterproofing and comfort in one. They’re steel toed work boots but feel like slippers. Although I managed to have a stick puncture right through the bottom and slip by my foot…. The damn stick hit the shank, then simply slipped around it up into the botton.
I don’t even see a need for duck boots in my life. Not sure what niche they would fill. For my needs —in a snowy, cold climate— these are my must-haves 1. Good quality, waterproof, supportive hiking boots for hiking. Who would even hike in a duck boot?! 🙄 Asolo is my favorite, but Solomon makes great insulated winter hiking boots, perfect for snowshoeing. 2. Well-insulated snow boots. I prefer the higher-end Sorel models. The cheaper Sorels aren’t as warm. Good for bitterly cold days, but not supportive enough for hiking. 3. Hunter mid-height wellies for casual wear during spring thaw or heavy rain. No chance of leaking with these babies!
I bought two ll bean 3eyelet boots. The first boot tongue was oversized and they agreed and took it back. The second boot was so uncomfortable I returned it too. The discomfort surrounded the heel, for some reason the heel is smaller than the boot, looks glued on, making walking painful as the weight is not evenly distributed. Size, I wear 13, ordered an 11 and still too big. Also laces were too short and difficult to tie.
Would love to see you test the Sorel Caribou, and it’s knock off brand versions. Any boot dunked deep into water is going to leak at the tongue, there’s just no avoiding that. If you truly want waterproof boots, they need to be like fishing boots or rain boots that have no tongue and are designed to be submerged. Maybe try testing by not completely submerging them? I think Sorel got cheated a bit in this one. As for Walmart… they’re so poorly made they’re already on my avoid list.
I’m having a hard time finding a fully waterproof lace-up steel/composite toe (required) boot. I drive a concrete truck and we’re constantly dousing our boots with water, when cleaning our trucks, when getting loaded, and on the job site stepping into mud puddles. It’s very frustrating getting my socks soaked every day.
😂😂😂 you had to make a test to try if it leaks above the rubber. So funny. As a person who lives in the northern parts of Sweden more north than Alaska, I’m used to wet snow and wet forest in the spring and autumn. We have booths for different kind of weather – and no one I know would assume that the leather parts are waterproof.
Sorel duckboots: I had less than 200 miles on my sorels when the sole came off from the toe to the heel and was flapping around. Fortunately I was just half a mile from the car so I did not have to silly walk too far. I was able to fix it with shoe glue, I will only wear them for shopping now, but I shall never buy a pair of sorels again. My wife has had a pair of walmart duckboots for 20 years, still doing well.
Old Sorels would be much better. Unfortunately the company went bankrupt in 2000 and got bought by Columbia who moved the production of Sorel boots from Canada to China. They were originally made for outdoorsmen and stood up to harsh Canadian winters, now they’re a fashion brand for winter Starbucks runs sadly.
I’ve been looking at the Vans ones since I need something with no heel, but I’ll have to try some stuff on. I don’t have anything waterproof, so I need to find something. At least I have some ideas for what to look for. I normally wear barefoot shoes or toe shoes, but I can’t find waterproof ones in Canada, and anything minimalist tends to have more leaks around the seams since the soles don’t go up as high. So I’ll see what I can find that would have that kind of seal, and still be as flat as possible since I have a disability where I can’t wear anything with heels more than maybe 5mm for any amount of time.
I prefer waterproof work boots and have yet to find anything as waterproof as cheap George (Walmart) rubber boots bottom to top. They aren’t pretty, and they need to have a good footbed added. However, they sure are dry. I live in the south, we generally call them chicken house boots. I really appreciate your website. I go through work boots like crazy trying to find the best balance of quality/fit/utility.
Sorel boots were actually very, very waterproof when the Kaufman Rubber company made them. I sold hundreds of them when I worked in retail and I can’t remember one single person complaining that they were not waterproof. As a Canadian I was very proud of this company. Columbia Sportswear bought the name maybe 25 years ago and moved the productions to Vietnam and China. I am not sure but I am guessing they don’t use the same material now. It would be too expensive.
To the poster, if you read and answer these: the fabric just under the edge of my steel toe, right above the knuckle of my toes..the fabric wore thru. Is there any way to fix that?? Also if I ended up just buying new boots, is cutting thru a pair of used Irish setter Farmingtons something youde want to do? See how a pair of 2 or 3 year old irish setters held up? I think theyre still great, im really not ready to give them up unles that toe starts to really get me me.
All the nail test really proved is a nail will go through any of these boot soles with much less than a persons body weight, (and to wear safety shank boots where there’s old boards with nails). It’s not really indicative of general wear due to the force being confined to such a small area and such a hard material (steel nail point). Some kind of wear test where a boot is repeatedly pushed down onto sharp rocks would be more realistic for most use cases (can use a cam/piston for the repeats, maybe an old bike would work). Then test with water after a certain amount of wear see if the cracks leak.
I’ve completely worn out 2 pairs of LLBean ‘lounge boots’. They aren’t offered every year. They are a pull on style with leather top and rubber foot. No laces.I am a farmer and unless the slop comes over the top of the boot, they do not leak. Period. If you remove the much and waterpoof your boot top a couple times/year they will hold up for several years. The muck in a wet barnyard, when you raise livestock, is acidic. These boots don’t care. I wish I would’ve paid closer attention to the ‘lifetime guarantee’ LLBean attaches to all their products. My late husband told me they would fix or replace my boots indefinitely. They have priced themselves out of my pocketbook. I wish I could have one more pair, now that I’m in my old age, but have to settle for lesser boots.
I would never wear a boot like this if I needed 100% waterproof (even if it says so on the side of the boot). I just thought it was common sense. If I needed water proof, I would wear waterproof socks under the boots or another style boot. But in most cases I just needed water resistent. I would also treat the leather and seams with NikWax, it made a big difference using the Nikwax.
I will say this… When you buy from L.L. Bean, make sure it doesn’t say “imported” in the catalog. I’m from Boston and when I was a kid, we used to drive to Maine just to shop at L.L. Bean. Nearly everything there was made in the USA and many products were made right in Maine. You can still find the occasional USA made item there, but now just like every other corporation in America, most of their items are made in Asia. I’m not saying that everything made in Asia is junk, I’m just saying they’re not worth the high L.L.Bean price.
Im a land surveyer, waterproof boots are like,….90% waterproof. Doesnt matter how much you pay, how high they go or anything. My feet will ALWAYS be wet after spending 12 hours in the bogs. Even with the chest high fisherman boots. The only difference is they last longer when theyre not cheap. Walmart boots last 2 months, Sorel for a year and a half. Ends up being the same in the long run.
Never had a pair of Sorels let me down in terms of waterproofing, but then again I’ve never had a pair made overseas. From what I’ve heard, their boots took a dive in quality as the company outsourced their manufacturing. I assume they lowered their standards and quality control at the same time. It’s a shame, but at least there are a lot of good-condition vintage pairs floating around. They tend to be very affordable too.
A few years ago I bought a pair of insulated Muck Boots on a whim when a boot shop was going out of business, then it happened to be the coldest winter in YEARS, but with those boots they were so warm I barely even needed socks. Since then I’ve gotten a pair of composite toe Boggs as well and I’ve been so satisfied with this style of boot I’ve never looked back. I know they’re not leather, but it would be nice to see you do a article series on these insulated mud boots.
this was not a good experiment… just using a wooden beam to hold the boots down in the water is not putting them under the conditions u would go through in nature. what u need is an actual foot in the boots wear each pair and put them through the same hike w various water crossings, through rain and mud or if u think just simple submersion tests tell which is best then put a foot like structure to fill out the boot as it would be worn..
I’m a veteran so I stick to my military issue boots for all things. They are a bit more expensive than L.L.Bean, but not much. Also, very comfortable and will last ages if you’re not in active combat. My husband makes fun of me and says to our kids all the time ‘your mom wears combat boots!’ If you’re old enough, you’ll get it! 😂😂😂
I bought my first pair of Sorels on recommendation by my work supervisor in the late 70s when I had to do a work assignment in Montreal in December. I was a snow newbie from Vancouver and after completing the job it was my overkill winter boot in snowless Vancouver for nearly 30 years. It lasted and lasted but finally had to throw it away after the heel had worn through. I was excited recently to buy another, and wow – what a mistake. As your test showed, I remember my 70s pair I could wear it for hours in the freezing -25c working outside in Montreal and my feet never felt cold. This new pair I was standing around in just below zero here in Vancouver and I couldn’t keep from shivering. But now after perusal your article, totally makes sense the difference of then and now.
When Sorel was made in Canada, they were the best winter boots I’d ever worn. Since the sales of the company, they have become just crappy synthetic boots definitely not worth $150.oo. The original Blizzard boots I bought had a steel toe and were still the warmest boots I’ve ever owned. They also lasted close to 10 yrs of everyday use in winter. I’ll never buy another pair now that they aren’t made in Canada and don’t have half the quality.
Bought a pair in the ’70s when I got my first job. Wore them for winter work and play for YEARS, then used them “as needed” when the outside job changed to inside work. Overall, I owned those boots for about 20 years. The only reason I got rid of them was the stitching between leather and rubber failed. The wool booty was real wool and about 1/2 inch thick.
Natural rubber on the original boots is superior to the synthetic lower used today. My 30 y/o boot has no sign of cracking. The 100% wool lining is also better. I would never buy another pair of Sorels. Watched friends boots fall apart over the years. Big question is if Columbia produces a genuinely comparable boot to the original caribou, is the consumer willing to pay $400-500 for the pair. I know I am. It would be the last pair I bought. Today’s disposable society has destroyed most products. Shame.
I definitely want to see an old boot cut in half. My biggest problem with anything made by columbia is that it always feels like it was made for Amazon HQ employees who want to look outdoorsy, and not actually made for outdoorsman. I’d love to see the tangible quality differencein something pre and post Columbia
I have several pair of Sorels of various ages. There is definitely a huge variation in build, warmth, and fit, even in the same line. The Canadian-made are definitely superior to the Chinese-and-elsewhere boots. You can tell quality by the sole thickness. (I wear them as deep-cold outdoor work boots.) I put a layer of Russian wool felt in the bottom. Wool charcoals and fragments into ash. Synthetic melts.
I worked at Columbia when they bought Sorel. For the first few years they were producing Kaufman designs, but the bean counters caught on and started the de-contenting process. I have a pair from around 2002, elk hide uppers and 9mm wool felt liners, thick quality rubber and Vibram soles. I soak the uppers with Huberd’s oil every year, the rubber is still pliable.
When doing burn tests, I’d suggest swatching them, so taking a chunk out to test, for wool you’re looking for three things: 1) wool won’t “catch” so when you take the flame away, it won’t continue to burn 2) like you said, smell of burning hair 3) fabric will char and you’ll get a chunky ash. Doing smell tests one after the other without swatching means you’re still kind of smelling the other samples, especially with strong smells like burning plastic or burning hair, swatched fabrics you can remove and isolate the samples.
Grew up west of Ottawa in the 70’s and 80’s. If it was going to be -40, these were what you wore that day. The inner bootie used to be quite thick wool felt, which was nice, because even when it got wet, it was still reasonably warm. We’d take out the wet liner, invert if over a heat register, and perfume the house with wet wool smell. Sure would be curious to see what a pair of that vintage were like in comparison.
I had owned a pair of Sorels for almost 30 yrs, winters at 6+ months long where I live and I got a lot of use out of them. They were great. I didn’t know Columbia bought them, but 2 years ago when I replaced them I didn’t even consider Sorels because when I picked them up in the store I could tell immediately they were cheapo knockoffs of the ones I was replacing. Even though the price tag for them was shocking. I found a pair of store brand boots for 1/3 the price of these Sorels, have actual wool blended liner, a thicker liner, thicker rubber, and a shank. They have kept my feet toasty warm for 2 winters now. I think you hit the nail on the head when you surmised they’ve become a fashion brand. 100%.
I had an original old school pair, they were waterproof, thick heavy duty rubber soles, heavy thick water proof leather as well. The came with thick felted wool liners, and they were 100% wool. And the insoles were about half and inch thick of really dense felted wool. They lasted forever and were super warma dn water proof, back when they were made in Canada. I’ve also had a pair of new ones that didn’t last one winter season, the newer ones are just cheaply made trash.