Customer Reviews L.L.Bean 8" Bean Boots GORE-TEX®/Thinsulate™

All my family have has Bean Boots and were very happy with their buy. I was a little hesitant because they kind of looked too clunky for my liking. Well to my surprise I was given a pair of the Gore-Tex/ Thinsulate for Christmas and I LOVE them!!! Got a chance to wear them this week as we got a fair amount of snow o n the weekend. They're not too bulky or heavy to walk my dog in, and kept my feet warm and dry. I Would make sure when buying to try them on with thick socks. The only thing I found a bit of a challenge is the laces were a little shorter then I would have liked, plus waxy which makes it a little harder to tie a bow. However, while walking I never had a problem with laces coming undone:)

The boots are great but I don't like the fact LL Bean charges you for return shipping for exchanges. That is irritating.

I love these boots--they are beautiful and super warm. However, I wear a women's size 10.5, and the fit was too snug (I had to send them back). I should have ordered an 11. The inside of the boot is a little smaller because of the insulation. If you wear a half-size, order up!

I've been looking at purchasing these boots for awhile but couldn't quite justify the steep price. Finally decided to just jump on them, especially because they're usually out of stock around this time of year. I was really torn about sizing. From reviews online and LL Bean's suggested sizing, we're supposed to order 1 whole size down. Well, normally I'm a 7 in flats, 7.5 in boots, and 8-8.5 in running shoes. For context, I usually get a 7.5 in keds and I recently purchased Birkenstock sandals in a size 7 (38). I was iffy about getting a size 6, since I'm never a size 6. But I was worried a 7 would be too roomy. I went into stores to try both and ended up getting the 7. The 6 fit perfectly on me (I was wearing thin running socks) though my toes did feel a bit pinched at the top. The 7 definitely gave me more wiggle room, but not uncomfortably so. Because I plan to wear thicker socks, I think going with the 7 was a good choice. Plus I heard feet expand over the course of the day! Hope this helps anyone who is also unsure about sizing. Oh--one last note. I'd say I'm an average to narrow foot width. I tried the Medium B in both 6 and 7 and maybe the 6 could've worked if I ordered the wide instead. Other misc notes: Yes, it was a bit tough to squeeze my feet through both boots due to the narrow opening, but I also have somewhat narrow ankles so it didn't bother me too much. Some other reviewers also said the boots were too stiff and cut across the top of their feet. I didn't have that issue, though the shoelaces are very stiff. Also, I haven't used them outside yet, so can't comment on their warmth or durability just yet. I'm hoping they live up to their name!

I followed the size & fit suggestion that says "half sizes, order 1 sizes down. 9, 9, order 8". We'll I'm a 9 wide, so I ordered an 8 wide. They are too short - my toes touch the front, so am returning for a 9 wide.

The Gore-Tex Thinsulate boot is a great boot for very cold conditions, when you're planning on spending extended amounts of time outside. Plus, it's totally waterproof. My biggest issue with this boot is that once you get inside, it's way too hot because the Gore-Tex traps heat inside the boot. I would say this boot is best if you work outside, or are shoveling snow for long periods of time. If you want a boot that is both warm and fashionable, and is not too hot, especially if you'll be wearing the boot inside, I would go with the Thinsulate without Gore-Tex or the Shearling lined because wool doesn't get as hot. I wear a 6 in women's shoes and bought a 6 in the Gore-Tex Thinsulate, and though they were roomy, they fit well with a thick wool sock.

Would give these 4.5 stars if I could. After doing some extensive research, I decided to get the gore tex version to use as my winter boots. I typically wear an 8-8.5 and have between normal and wide feet. Tried the normal width size 8 in store, which I found to be too narrow - my feet are also slightly pronated, and my inner foot went over the sole and poked out weirdly. Wasn't uncomfortable, and the length was correct, just made my feet look weird. Ended up ordering the wide width in a size 8 and they fit much better. Still a little narrow for being a wide width in my opinion, but they're manageable, and still a good length (leaving just a little bit of room). I was wondering if I should size down to a 7, but I'm glad I stuck with the 8 - I think the gore tex lining "takes up" some room in the shoe, so they end up being TTS with midweight socks, plus I don't like my winter boots to be super snug. The leather is a little stiff out of the box but I know they just need some time to break in. Quality wise, they feel and look fantastically built. Plus, there's a joy that I get knowing these are handmade (loved the card from the shoemaker included in the box!). Can't speak to the durability as I've only had these for a few weeks and only worn a few times, but I hope they hold up through the New England winter.

Ordered for my wife's birthday. They arrived much later than indicated when I ordered them. My wife loves them

I purchased these boots in an 11d which would be the wide width. They look like nice boots and I was looking forward to the warmth and waterproofing, however, I have a long and narrow foot, and the 11d was just too short. I wish companies would realize that not all women wear a size 7 etc., that a size 12 would be accessible to some of us. This lack of size's requires me to look at the men's boots, which end up being heavier and more clunky then I prefer:(

Bought these to trek back and forth to University with, and while they did do a good job of that my feet stunk like crazy all winter. Unless you plan on pulling out the lining after every wear the boots will likely not dry out completely, leaving them pretty smelly. And the lining is not removable so you can't wash it. I will be returning these for the unlined version. As for the sizing, I normally wear a size 8 however after reading the reviews about them running small I ordered a 7. They were a bit too tight, so exchanged for a 7-wide and that was perfect!

Boots run narrow for my feet also a little to small. The representative suggested to order size smaller if I wore thinner socks. I gave boots to a family member who was happy to have. Will order a different pair hoping they fit better. I have had my other LLBean boots for 30 years so I know the quality is good.

This seemed like a good boot - I read all the reviews. I have very wide feet, my left wider than the right, and I ordered the 7W. I am normally an 8W, but when speaking to customer service and reading all the reviews - it was recommended to go down a size, which I did. The size 7W seemed to fit good. I was looking for something to walk the dog - waterproof and warm. This might have fit the bill - but I never wore them outside. The tops of them hurt my legs - they were too stiff, and I did not like the laces - I decided I would prefer a zipper. So I cannot adequately give a good review for these - as I never wore them outside. I tried them around the house, and they just did not fit the bill for me. I am still searching for the right boot.

Hard to go down size because my foot is wide. Which made the length of boot to long.

These boots are helping me survive my least favorite season of the year. They keep my feet dry, warm and comfortable. The only reason I put 4 stars is that I wish I would have gotten the wider option and I didn't feel like it was clearly explained that with a big thick pair of woolen socks and maybe another smaller pair of socks (I hate cold feet) that they would be quite snug. I'm and 8.5 normally, so I got the 8 normal width. Without huge socks, they fit perfectly and are actually a little loose, so I love that. Just make sure that if you are going to pile on the socks, you may want to get the wide option at purchase. You will not be upset with your purchase. LL Bean boots for life.

I ordered my wife a pair of these for Christmas. At the time they were offered with a nice discount, 20% off! They were very specific that you should order a size smaller than the person normally wears. My wife wears a 9 usually so ordered an 8. They came today. WAY too small! Bean is good about returns but now I have to pay FULL price and we have to wait for what looks like 6 more weeks before they arrive. I wish I had never listened to them. If you look at the reviews most folks seem to think they run about true to size.

I've waited years to spoil myself and get these boots. And I am beyond thrilled to have them. I got to break them at our annual high school's Thanksgiving Day game. There was rain and cold weather for the game this year and my feet were snug and warm between the camp socks and the protectiveness of the boots. This helped keep the rest of me cozy and able to really enjoy our traditional outing. And the home team won! Love these boots, looking forward to owning them for many years and many New England winters to come! P.S. - THANKS BRADY & THE LLBEAN BOOT Team ;)

I have wanted Bean Boots for a few years now but have always waited too long and missed my chance. Finally this year I ordered in September so I would be sure to have the boots for the winter. It took me awhile to find the right style and size for me so I hope this helps you. I tend to have cold feet so I wanted the Thinsulate boots for the most all-season versatility with just a little extra warmth. As a 7.5-8 I ordered the size 7 and size 8, because I knew I would want to wear warm and fluffy socks in the winter. They came and were both too big for me! So I ordered them in the 6 but worried those would be too small so I also ordered the Thinsulate & GoreTex boots in the 7, thinking the added padding might make them a fit. I was very lucky and able to use a promotional offer on these so I wasn't too upset to bump up to the higher cost boot. When they came the size 7 GoreTex was the winner with the size 6 Thinsulate boots being too small. They are not as versatile for warmer weather but I wanted to have the right fit above all! So my recommendation is that if a boot is just a bit too big or small, try adding or loosing lining in the same size to find your Bean Boot! I wore them the first weekend I had them for a cold, windy and rainy day of tailgating. I put them on at 9am and wore them until the football game ended around midnight and I was on my feet for most of the day! Combined with the LL Bean camp socks (and an extra pair of cotton socks for when I went in the game) my feet stayed dry and warm. Most importantly my feet weren't at all sore the next day. I look forward to wearing these throughout the winter!

I bought a full size down to wear with light, thinner socks as recommended but I had to remove sole inserts so boots would not be so tight in the toes. I still like the boots- very warm and cozy. Next time I will order a bigger size.

The leather is stiff. Be sure to apply several costs of mink oil paste to soften leather and a coat of LL Bean Boot Guard to make leather water resistant. I wear a size 9.5 to 10 in shoes. I ordered size 9 in these boots. I would not want them any larger. I wear a mid weight to heavy wool sock with the boots. The foot bed is very comfortable. I like the fact the boots are tall enough (8") to wade through several inches of snow and look professional enough to wear in a business office setting.

Being an 8.5 I ordered an 8 and a 9 because reviews said the boots ran big. With thin socks the 9 definitely fit and the 8 was small. They are also very, very stiff at first so I wouldn't order them right before I needed them for a trip!

I order the Women's L.L.Bean Boots, 8" Gore-Tex/Thinsulate in a size 7. Usually I am a size 7 in all shoes, but these were a bit too big in length for me, so I suggest ordering a half size smaller. Maybe with thick socks they will fit better.

These boots are great! I was so worried about the sizing, as they are made by hand and supposed to be larger than usual, so I went down one size and I'm so glad I did. Even with a very thick winter sock, I have room so my feet are not squished. I wear a size 8 in flats and a size 8.5 in gym shoes. I ordered a 7 in this shoe (no fur lining on the bottom) and the fit is great. They may feel a bit snug for a few days but after they loosen up they are incredibly comfortable. They are also great in the rain, and even when the weather is in the 50's, they are perfect to wear. I trek to work every day and they are light enough that I'm not struggling to walk nor am I sweating like crazy. The only downside is that they are not ice resistant on their own. Even walking across the street with ice is nerve wracking, so I'd suggest if there's any chance of freezing rain or ice where you are, get the no slip/ice walker attachment.

Sizing is a bit tricky with these boots. I had to order a size smaller and the wide width to get the proper fit. These boots are comfortable and get more comfortable as they are broken in. The Gortex lining is a nice feature, but can be a annoying when trying to get the boots off - it sometimes comes out of the boot with my foot. Overall though, I'm happy with my purchase and am sure they will serve me well for many years to come.

I have plenty of boots, but nothing that was truly both warm AND water resistant. These are perfect for slushy walks with my dog, to the train in Chicago, or cold football games! Size Assessment: I'm a size 7 (sometimes smaller) and I ordered a size 7. I was nervous because of the other comments and if they had a 6.5 they'd be perfect probably, BUT a six would definitely have been small/tight. They are a little long, but it actually works out for when you wear thick socks and because the ankle and width is good your foot stays secure. I think the Gore-tex liner helps too.

After waiting all this time happy to finally receive my boots. Have no need for them now, in the Southwest! But looking forward to using them in cold and wet weather. I ordered 2 pair, medium and narrow bc I have narrow feet, but the medium came first and even those were snug! So I cancelled the narrow. Don't order narrow unless you have ultra narrow feet ! One other thing was that I noticed the lining came out after I pulled them off. After a chat with customer care, it turns out they are made that way (only attached at the top), so you can pull out the liner to dry. Made sense but LL Bean should put that in the specs