L.L.Bean or Sorel Boots (Chicago: buy, construction, stores)

[space115]

I'm not sure if I should get the ll bean boots with 200grams of thinsulate and goretex or the sorel 1964 waxed canvas with felt liner. Which is better for winter here in Chicago? Thank you..

[rca215]

[chet everett]

There are a whole lot of functional and style questions one ought to consider with either of those footware options. The Sorels are awesome for things like sitting at Solider Field during a January play off game but you will look like a backwoods freak anywhere else unless we have a blizzard. The LLBean stuff is similarly popular with people that actually do things like tote shotguns into the woods and blast away with pheasant but if you need to walk around all day the relatively old fashioned construction / lack of support are not kind to ones feet / legs / back walking on pavement or even actually out hiking on slipperly trails...

Given the fact it was over 60 yesterday and will likely be similarly far above normal I would not be in any hurry to blow nearly $200 on this kind of very specialized footwear.

[space115]

Thanks but just cause it was in the 60s yesterday doesn't mean I don't need to get a pair of winter boots..

[rca215]

Just cause you need a pair of winter boots doesn't mean you need to over-analyze the specs of said boots.

They're both fine and both probably overkill for your typical Chicago boot needs.

[chet everett]

They are overkill and sort of "fringe" in appearance. If you have been around the more fashionable parts of region you'll see there are a wide range of options that would work for both most office situations and various "normal" outdoor pursuits -- there simply are not many Chicagoans that spend a signficant part of their time on Saketchaun mine sites or Maine pheasant hunts...

[space115]

Sure..if you choose fashion over function..

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by chet everett

There are a whole lot of functional and style questions one ought to consider with either of those footware options. The Sorels are awesome for things like sitting at Solider Field during a January play off game but you will look like a backwoods freak anywhere else unless we have a blizzard. The LLBean stuff is similarly popular with people that actually do things like tote shotguns into the woods and blast away with pheasant but if you need to walk around all day the relatively old fashioned construction / lack of support are not kind to ones feet / legs / back walking on pavement or even actually out hiking on slipperly trails...

Given the fact it was over 60 yesterday and will likely be similarly far above normal I would not be in any hurry to blow nearly $200 on this kind of very specialized footwear.

I agree, if these boots are really $200, skip em. You don't need to spend more than $100 and can spend less quite easily.

[chet everett]

Functional boots for the kind of conditions likely to be encountered in Chicago are available from a wide range of sources and can be made in ways that don't draw attention to them or their wearers.

Lots of people buy winter footwear at stores like REI or Lands End or Nordstroms that do an excellent job of keeping your feet warm / dry and resist salt stains while still having a very mainstream appearance.

[snoylekim]

I've used Bean Snow Sneakers for the last 4 years .. they're perfect and not over-the-top Nanook of the North ... Insulated just enough and pretty snowproof .. and you don't necessarily need to swap them out once indoors ( your feet won't roast ..) ..