Bean Boot Guide

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I waited until after Labor Day to post this because it feels weird posting about a fall/winter boot while it's still 90 degrees outside! But anyway, bean boots are an essential in any woman's closet. Whether you live in the city or the country, if you live in a climate that gets chilly, the bean boot will save the day. 

An iconic classic, bean boots are unisex and timeless. My dad still has his pair from when he was in college. They're well made, practical and in the past couple of years, they have become 'in'. Having grown up in Bean Boots, there are now a lot of options and depending on where you live, your needs may differ. Here is your guide to getting the perfect boot! 

Boot Height

There are several heights available. The moc is more lovingly referred to as the 'duck boot'. This is great for late spring or early fall rain. They slip on. I had a pair in college and they were perfect for the southern winter. I think these are the least stylish of he boots and more of a guy's shoe.

The 6 inch is the next level. This is perfect for those who want the look of the boot, but don't need extreme coverage or warmth. This is the most popular height. 

The 8 inch (regular version here) is what I have. I think this length looks best with leggings because they're a little higher up. I also like that they work best in deeper snow and offer more coverage. They didn't offer this version when I bought my boots, but if they did, I would have gone for them. I love the look of the tumbled leather. Just note, that these would need to be treated for water/snow because they don't have gore-tex. 

The 10 inch are high. I think they're intense, but would be great for someone in New England. 

Add Ons

You can choose to have your boots with extra specs such as gore-tex, thinsulate, shearling lining, shearling foot beds, etc. Since I wanted my boots to be super warm and specifically for snow storms/apres ski, I got my 8" with gore-tex and thinsulate. They truly keep my feet warm, even in negative temps. 

Gore-text: Waterproofing and windproofing but still breathable. Great for rain and snow. 

Thinsulate: A light synthetic layer added for extra warmth. This is what you want if you want to wear them in snow. 

Sizing

They run big.  I suggest sizing down an entire size. I wear a size 8 and my boots are a size 7. I can still comfortably wear thick socks. L.L. Bean does not make half sizes. If you find yourself between sizes, you can choose the larger size and get the shearling inserts to fill the space. They take a while to break in, because they are stiff, but once they are broken in, they're unbelievably comfortable. 

How to Wear Them

Last winter, I wore them from  my car to the office, so I basically wore them with everything, but would change into other shoes once I was in the office. If I plan on wearing them all day, I usually like to pair them with leggings or skinny jeans. I like them best when a slight cuff of my camp socks stick out at the top. As a side note, camp socks are great because they wick away moisture (aka melted snow). My go-to outfit is a puffer vest or Patagonia's retro-x vest, an oxford cloth button down, skinny jeans and bean boots. 

Do you have bean boots? My suggestion is to order now. As the weeks roll on, they will become backordered. I know a lot of people ask for them for the holidays, however, by that time, they become backordered until March! Right now it looks like all sizes are in stock, so act fast! Have a fabulous day!