Can’t say about this exact boot, but several years ago I had boots that looked just like them (not sure of the brand).

I had never had foot problems until I wore them on a twleve mile (back in the boonies) turkey hunt.

The trip in wasn’t a problem. After sitting and calling for a while, I decided to move to another location.

Once on my feet I found I couldn’t walk. The pain in both feet was unreal.

Needless to say, the trip back to the truck was almost unbareable.

Since then, I’ve had to have surgery on both feet and crenge everytime I see a set of boots with that look.

Troy

That’s Mr. Shhhhhhhhh BHFOC.:D

Todd — I’m a long-time cheerleader for the LL Beane Maine Hunting Shoe and wear them for virtually all my hunting, unless it’s so cold I need an insulated boot. They’re fairly priced by today’s standards given the excellent quality. They’re as waterproof as any boot you can find short of milking boots, they’re light and if you keep them clean they are as close to scent-proof as any boot you’ll find, and they are quiet enough to stalk in. What they SUCK at is climbing trees, the soles lacking an aggressive tread. (I’m not looking for excuses for falling from a tree a couple of months ago, but it did involve a foot slip that I doubt would have happened with a lug-soled boot.) So in sum, they are my absolute favorite fair-weather hunting boot, unless you’re climbing around in trees.

So far as your question, Todd, I’d personally say no way are those cosmetic changes worth an extra $30. What most hunters can benefit from is requesting speed laces, which come at no extra cost I believe, but you have to ask for them. And believe me, Montana Pitch Blend is the treatment to use, not SnoSeal.

If you’ve had your main hunting boots that long, your backup boots will probably last forever! 😆

Patrick — Smarty pants! 😳

David Petersen wrote: Patrick — Smarty pants! 😳

😯 Who me?

I started wearing the LL Bean Maine Hunting Boots as a result of reading about them in TBM. Boy, have they lived up to the good reputation. I have hunted in them for the entire deer season, which in Arkansas means temperatures from 65 to 20. I have been very pleased with the comfort, sneaking-quiet soles, and ability to shed water.

As Dave said, get them with speed laces.

Personally, I wouldn’t pay an extra 30 dollars for the anniversary model. I would buy the regular ones and get two great pairs of wool socks with the extra 30 bucks.

Jody

Another high quality boot made in Bozeman,Montana is Schnee Boots. Although pricier than L.L. Bean I like their sole design for the sort of areas I hunt.Your text to link here…

Todd — I believe the website recommends a half size large, which I always get anyhow so’s to have room fcr heavier wool socks if it’s cold.

Schnee makes an excellent boot, but nothing as light and quiet as the Bean unlined MHS. My “heavy winter boots” are a pair of, I believe, Outfitter Schnees. They have a Thinsulate liner and, like the Beans, gum soles with adequate but not aggressive tread.

Dave, Sno-Seal has always worked well for me. I have both unlined and Thinsulate boots for whatever the weather brings. I’ve had my original unlined boots for so long that when I put them on they seem to lace themselves !!! 😉 Bullseye