While Thinsulate is top-quality insulation for winter weather, these are simply not built for frigid temperatures or deep puddles because there isn’t a proper lining inside of the leather upper. During the weeks I spent testing these boots, the lining was not thick enough to keep my feet from getting cold and wet, even with thick socks. While they’re a better choice for spring or fall if you have the patience to break them in, they are simply not equipped to handle winter. You’ll also skid over ice as there isn’t adequate traction on the soles.Ĭonsumers often mistake the classic Bean Boots for winter boots because of the Thinsulate insulation and rubber bottom. The leather is stiff and rough on the inside, as it brushes up against your ankles and is just uncomfortable overall. The only way that I could avoid getting blisters on my heels during the walk test was to tie the laces almost uncomfortably tight. They're arguably even harder to break in than Doc Martens (and I would know). The major failing of the classic Bean Boots is that you won’t know if they work for you until it’s too late to return them.

How the shearling-lined boots compare to the classic Bean Boots The only thing I didn’t like about the shearling version was the traction, as I slipped a bit while walking over ice. They held up much better than their classic counterparts during the submersion testing (where we sloshed around in ice water), so you can believe that the leather is, in fact, waterproof. The rich brown color is beautiful and easy to match with most outfits, and it's dark enough that it won't look dingy with regular wear. The boots are made of supple leather that the brand claims will get softer the more you wear them. The fleece is soft and lovely, and I could tell it was high-quality the second that I stepped into them. Despite having only 200 grams of insulation, the addition of the sheepskin puts the shoes' heating power on a whole other level. You don’t even need wool socks to keep your feet toasty. The first thing I noticed about the shearling-lined Bean Boots was just how warm they are. The soft interior is like a hug for your foot. Here's why I recommend the fuzzy Bean Boots and why I'd skip the OG Bean Boots for winter wear. If you've been considering purchasing a pair of Bean Boots, you might be wondering how the shearling-lined Bean Boots stack up to the original-and which pair should you buy, if any.

Apparently, I can drink ice-cold beverages in ice-cold weather without a care but I need my feet to be nice and toasty. Soft, cozy, and cute all in one, I fell in love with them. The L.L.Bean shearling-lined Bean Boots, however, are a completely different story. The verdict? It may be an unpopular opinion with Bean Boots enthusiasts, but I am not a huge fan. We tested the boots via a combination of real-world use and lab procedures, including submerging each boot in four inches of ice water and taking long walks to see how each one would hold up.

I got the chance to try them during the testing process for our guide to the best winter boots for women. Surprisingly, I have never owned the L.L.Bean 8-inch Thinsulate Bean Boots, although my dad swears by them. Seriously-I am so New England that I’ll drink iced coffee in 20° weather. As a lifelong New Englander who lived in a log cabin until I was six, I love L.L.Bean.

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