LL Bean/Chippewa Boots

[IndianaBogart]

I got a pair LL Bean Engineer boots made by Chippewa for Christmas, and had been meaning to post them on here, but hadn't got the chance.

First off, they're a great pair of boots. Materials, construction, appearance, etc. All are top shelf, IMO. I don't think I could tear these up if I tried.
As I posted a while back in this thread (viewtopic.php?f=16&t=33376&hilit=ll+bean+boots)), they could be a good pair of close enough Indy boots. They're plain looking and have a vintage look about them, and they're tough as nails.
They took some getting used to from my Todd's boots, but I love them.
I had seen where a few other members had a pair of these and had nothing but good things to say about them, and they were 100% right.

Nothing too exciting I know, just thought I'd share with you guys, for anyone interested.

[Photoss]

Excuse me, sir, but ;0




That is good news though, I've been thinking about picking some up for a while.

[nicktheguy]

I would really like to see pics of these boots myself too. They sound good.

[Chewbacca Jones]

I love mine. I wish they came in black!

[IndianaBogart]

Sorry, I don't have any pics to show you guys, but here's the link to the LL Bean page they're on: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... -sub2&np=Y

Photoss, I had been thinking about getting a pair for a while too, and then Todd came out with his boots and I got those and was satisfied for a while. But then I wanted something a little more rugged and these fit the bill perfectly. (Nothing against Todd's boots of course, just not quite as rugged as I would prefer, but still see regular wear.)

I would encourage getting a pair Photoss. They're not cheap, but they're handmade in the US, so you're getting what you pay for.

-Bogart

[Chewbacca Jones]

Here they are "in context" with my Indy gear last year.


But don't think you've escaped your obligations, Bogart! We want YOUR pictures.

[nicktheguy]

Say are those capped toes? Very cool!

[IndianaBogart]

They are indeed cap toes. Which I really like because it gives it an "older look" to it...if that makes any sense. Looks like something Indy would have worn.

[nicktheguy]

I agree.

[Dragonlady Jones]

Those are sweet boots. Good work! I think I may be in for a pair...

[tym]

Just uncovered this thread as I've recently become interested in these boots. I'm glad to hear that they're top-notch for relatively little money. How is the sizing?

[Chewbacca Jones]

Dead-on with mid-weight socks.

[twilekjedi]

I love LLBean. Usually great quality stuff. And if you have a problem they have the best customer service. The boot's a great close-enough, I agree!

[tym]

Well, I guess it's time for me to dispense with my cost containment for the month.

[tym]

Dead-on with mid-weight socks.

Good to know. I used the local shoe store's Brannock device and I look to be just shy of a 12C on the right and 12D on the left with mid-weight socks. I didn't measure the arch length.

I assume I should up-size a fraction to 12D based on the Bean/Chippewa sizing?

[Chewbacca Jones]

That's sounds about right, tym. Worst case, you'll need to wear slightly thicker socks, or pick up a thin insole from a dollar store. But I doubt even that will be necessary.

[tym]

^ Thanks! The 12D boots are earmarked for future purchase.

[tym]

Just ordered 'em. We'll see how good the fit turns out to be.

EDIT: Received them today. They seem big. Without the laces on, if I push my toes up to the front end of the boot, I can fit maybe two fingers behind my heel. However, with the boots laced up they seem better, but I think that's just because the laces secure the boot around the ankle. I've ordered the 11.5Ds and will see if those fit better. I hope I don't need to go all the way down to a 11D! Return shipping and handling is $6.50.

[IndianaBogart]

Just ordered 'em. We'll see how good the fit turns out to be.

EDIT: Received them today. They seem big. Without the laces on, if I push my toes up to the front end of the boot, I can fit maybe two fingers behind my heel. However, with the boots laced up they seem better, but I think that's just because the laces secure the boot around the ankle. I've ordered the 11.5Ds and will see if those fit better. I hope I don't need to go all the way down to a 11D! Return shipping and handling is $6.50.

That's about how mine fit too; lots of toe room. But they fit great once they're laced and tied. I've had mine for about four months now, and I love them more everyday.

=Bogart

[tym]

^ Thanks for the input. They do fit a lot more securely when fully laced, but I want to give the 11.5Ds a try and see which size feels better on my feet. I'll be sure to report back. Incidentally, the 12Ds have about one index-finger-width of room behind my heel when I push my toes fully forward in the boot; I overestimated above.

They do seem to be a very well-made boot.

[Chewbacca Jones]

See, now I was taught from childhood that there should be about a fingernail width space between your big toe and the front of the shoe. Lees would mean too small, more would mean to big. Using a measuring device and buying according to that is consistent with that.

So, I suppose that pushing your foot forward would result in what your describing, tym. Of course, I notice that many people wear their shoes smaller than they should. If that's what your used to, it will feel strange to have room.

[tym]

^ Interesting. I know my mom used to go by that rule when I was younger and my feet were still growing but since that time have generally gone for a tighter fit with my shoes. Ultimately, I'll compare the 12Ds and 11.5Ds and see which ones tend to fit better. I wore the 12Ds around the house today and they seemed comfortable enough.

I suppose I could stick with the 12Ds and add an insole like you've suggested to make things a tad more snug.

[Chewbacca Jones]

Well, as long as the 11.5's are coming, I'm interested to see the results.

On another note: sweet boots, huh?

[tym]

On another note: sweet boots, huh?

Totally! And it's great that Bean only charges $6.50 for a return, which makes it easy and affordable to play around with sizing.


EDIT

The 11.5Ds arrived today (no pics yet) and they seem a better fit with mid-weight socks. There's still enough spare room for my foot but without my foot sliding around in the boot as was the case for the 12Ds. Given that my sizing is between 11.5D and 12D with mid-weight socks, I'd recommend that future purchasers with intermediate foot sizes round *down* to the nearest half-size.

Now it's time to break 'em in!

[Jack Flanders]

I used to own the Aldens but I never wore them, the LL boots are functional AND cool.

[Indiana G]

i debated buying these over the hawthorne iron ranger boots from red wings. same style and these were more cost effective. i rethought my choice the 2 days it took me to break in the red wings....the most pain i've endured for such a pricey boot. the only reason i picked the red wing boots was cuz i always wanted a pair of red wings .....the original choice for indy remember? got them broken in well enough that i survived walking around LA for 3 days with 'em on during last years visit to big tony.

i betcha that these are more comfy out of the box though.......i guess high heels would be more comfy out of the box than the red wings

[tym]

My boots have been holding up well since I bought them...a bit of wear on the heel due to my walking pattern.

However, today I noticed that at the edge of the shoe, there's a bit of separation between the upper and the sole distal to the stitching. I think this is probably from stepping in a puddle which caused the leather to swell a bit and separate. Is this something that I should rebond/reglue or is it not an issue at all?

[Chewbacca Jones]

I would give LL Bean a call. They may be aware of the issue and know what to do.

[Indiana Greg]

I gotta pair of these that were "imperfect"a few years ago at SG. Other than a yearly resoling and a bit of repair to the R. toe cap stitching, these have been the best boots I have ever owned, & I OWN some boots, brother! I give 'em two thumbs up both for look & construction...my .o2

[tym]

Since the gaps were so minor, I wound up re-gluing them myself with some Loctite epoxy I had handy. If the issue worsens, I'll definitely get in touch with Bean.

[Rambler]

I have had a pair of the LL Bean Katadin Iron Works boots for over a year. I bought them at a Bean outlet as Indy close enoughs to actually use as boots. I have used and abused them for slogging through mud (the leather is oiled); up and down ladders; all day on a cement machine shop floor and general "adventuring". They have help up very well. All I have done is clean then and apply Pecards.

A note about sizing. If you are actually going to walk in boots all day, you need to account for swelling of the feet. While this varies by individual person, everyones feet do it. A boot that just barely fits in the morning can be rubbing the dogs raw by evening. ymmv

regards,
Rambler

[Indiana Greg]

I LOVE THESE BOOTS!



Durable. resoleable. I wear these more than any other boot in my collection. A real "go to" piece. Have never failed to satisfy. And a great looking period feel.

[tym]

Since the gaps were so minor, I wound up re-gluing them myself with some Loctite epoxy I had handy. If the issue worsens, I'll definitely get in touch with Bean.

As an update, there have been no further issues after a few dabs of epoxy, though I do have some Shoe Goo on hand just in case.