Carey — This is a frequent and good question, as recent as less than a week ago here. So if you have the time and energy, search around a bit and you’ll hit gold so far as a variety of experience and advice. For my part — 30+ years living and elk bowhunting in CO — it’s L.L. Bean’s “Maine Hunting Shoe.” Period. I have bragged on this great minimalist boot for so many years, I can’t believe they haven’t sent me one single free pair of boots! 😛 Ahh, but I love them anyway.

Seriously, I spend almost all of my hunting time sneak hunting, stalking bugling bulls, or sitting on stand. If you plan to “walk and talk” (aka “bugle pollution”), you will want something a bit less sensitive and a more supportive. Depends on if you are seriously hunting, or just walking. Lots of folks don’t make a distinction, but they eat less wild meat than those who do make the distinction. 😀

Dave,

Please help me with this! I’ve always wanted to try them, but every boot I’ve ever tried on (not the LLBean version though…) had the junction between the rubber and the leather that killed your foot.

Which model is your favorite? It is time for me to finally get a pair!!

Thanks Dave!!! todd

Todd — I’ve never had this problem with any rubber boots, including Bean, Schnee or El Cheapos. Likely has to do with the distinct build of your foot — maybe wide and/or high arch? All I can say is that I’m on my second pair of Beans (they last forever and when you wear something out, sole or uppers, Bean will do a full rebuild for $40, so that they last for two forevers) and never had that problem. Most Bean wearers get a half to full size large in order to accommodate extra socks when it gets cold. You can always return them after an indoor test wear. Be sure to get the “hunting shoes” and be sure to request speed laces. Cheers, dave

Todd,
I’ve also used the Bean boots for nearly 30 years. (not the same pair) I have never had the problem you mentioned but my Uncle got a pair of the look alikes from Cabela’s and had that problem. He had to “work” on the excess rubber on the inside with a fillet knife to get them to stop rubbing his foot. You won’t go wrong with the Bean boot. Just pick the height that fits the type of hunting conditions in your area and if you are a half size get a size up.
Duncan

Thanks guys!!!! I have a friend who has Schnee boots and they “rub him the wrong way”… 😯

Your posts helped me a ton!!! Looks like “bean shoes” for me!!

todd

I like all leather, fewer seams means less chance of leaks and rubbing and I also like the support, however it’s hard to beat the recommendations above.

Make the effort to remove insoles and ensure they are properly aired at night.

My Bean boots became wearable only by adding a footbed to solve that problem at the seam.
It might have something to do with following Bean’s advice to buy a half size larger to accommodate thick socks. I have feet with quite a low volume. I think I might have been happier overall if I’d bought them in my regular size.
(For the record, the Maine Hunting Shoe version is by far the quietest footwear I’ve ever had on my feet.)

I used to buy the lacross rubber bottoms similar to the ll beans, but found they don’t have much traction in the steep country. Dave, how are the beans on a slope?

Eids — I always wear an insert in my Beans as well, though I can’t recall if they come with the boots or I added them.

Clay — My Schnee rubber boots — Guide Boot I think it’s called — have the same crepe soles as the Beans and they are fine on anything dry. But they’re awful on wet steep slopes. I’ve learned to compensate, and even lug-soled boots tend to fill with mud and effectively have no tread when you need it most, so I see it as a wash. Definitely don’t want to step with Beans on a down aspen trunk or limb with the bark off when it’s black-wet — the interaction is slick as deer guts on the doorknob. Nothing is perfect but I, me, myself, will stick the the Beans as overall best hunting boot I’ve ever owned. You have to experience the quietness yourself to appreciate it — like waterproof, scentproof moccasins. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😛

They are great for slipping through the woods(no pun intended) quietly. Back when I hunted on flat ground the lacross is all I wore. I wore holes in the bottoms of several pair.

I bought a pair of Danner pronghorns a while back and, while they’re a comfortable and lite boot, the gortex is a joke. I’ve warrantied 2 pairs that started soaking up water like a sponge after 2 months use. Even with reglar grease. Anyway, I think it’s time for a change.

Clay,

I have a pair of schnee uninsulated boots with the airbob sole. you can still feel the ground with them but not as well as with the bean main hunting shoe with the tire chain tread. I use mine back pack hunting in the mountains and pheasant hunting here in SD since they give me more ankle support than the beans. If I am hunting out of a base camp for elk or sneaking through the shelter belts after whitetails I use the bean shoes. Both give me good arch support but if you have bad ankles from previous breaks the schnee’s will support the ankle better. It is all just a matter of preferance.

Good luck with your choice.

Troy