Calling all LLBean Katahdin Iron Works Boots owners

[ChaseCanoeClub]

Bumping the thread.
These bad boys are turning 9 years next month.

more pics

How many resoles?

 

[scrwl]

How many resoles?

I didn't own those for the first few years but I'm quite sure those are on their original sole! Not a part of my current rotation anymore cos they're a bit too small for me.

 

[scrwl]

UP!

These are still a solid part of my F/W rotation! -17 celsius and my feet are warm & cozy!

 

[Phalanx]

Hey guys, big footed guy here who's very interested in picking some of these up. Would you say these are true to size? I'm a 14B (supposedly) on a Brannock device with my right foot being more of a 13.5. Since I live in the UK, I don't want to have to import a huge number of different sizes to try. Would rather get it right first time

 

[shade]

UP!

These are still a solid part of my F/W rotation! -17 celsius and my feet are warm & cozy!

Those look great with the resole .

 

[7_rocket]

I went to the LL Bean Canadian website but I don't find these on the website anymore. Are they discontinued?

 

[suitforcourt]

One of the last American made pairs. Chippewa for LL Bean, Katahdin Iron Works. Bought them NOS on ebay for $90 which is a total steal. I love how Chippewa feel on my feet. No break in at all.

 

[otc]

I almost never wear mine anymore, but I still love seeing this thread get bumped with new pics! I might suggest turning up the cuffs on your jeans when you wear them? Doesn't have to be a full roll to the top of the boot, but a single flip would provide a nice visual contrast and the boot has plenty of height that you wouldn't be showing sock or anything.

As to why I never wear them:
1. I rarely wear denim these days and they don't go with my other pants. I also mostly wear thin dress socks and the boots fit better with a thicker wool or cotton sock.
2. I got a warranty replacement a few years back and I just never liked the color/finish on the new pair as much (they got real dark when I treated them).
3. I don't own a motorcycle anymore, and I usually rode in them.
4. The stock soles are terrible in ice/snow.

On the original pair, I was thinking about solving #4 with a commando sole (or christy, or honestly, even dainite would be better), but it feels silly to replace what is almost a brand new sole.
I live in Montana now, so...I might end up rotating in more denim which would solve #1.

 

[suitforcourt]

I almost never wear mine anymore, but I still love seeing this thread get bumped with new pics! I might suggest turning up the cuffs on your jeans when you wear them? Doesn't have to be a full roll to the top of the boot, but a single flip would provide a nice visual contrast and the boot has plenty of height that you wouldn't be showing sock or anything.

As to why I never wear them:
1. I rarely wear denim these days and they don't go with my other pants. I also mostly wear thin dress socks and the boots fit better with a thicker wool or cotton sock.
2. I got a warranty replacement a few years back and I just never liked the color/finish on the new pair as much (they got real dark when I treated them).
3. I don't own a motorcycle anymore, and I usually rode in them.
4. The stock soles are terrible in ice/snow.

On the original pair, I was thinking about solving #4 with a commando sole (or christy, or honestly, even dainite would be better), but it feels silly to replace what is almost a brand new sole.
I live in Montana now, so...I might end up rotating in more denim which would solve #1.

Yeah, most stock soles aren't meant for snow and ice. I'm getting new soles on mine to be used in winter. I find Christy and Dainite aren't meant for snow either. Consider the original lug, or montagna.

This pair, I will get a leather wedge build up and then an outsole like kletterleft for traction.

I have many pairs of selvedge where I roll the cuffs. Slimmer pairs I prefer not to.

 

[PANJ]

Just found this thread and decided to share my LL Bean Katahdin boots (with Bean cords, coincidentally); got these 8 years ago. Used for everyday wear (nothing heavy duty) and they have served me well. Original laces broke a few years ago so replaced with Cobbler’s Choice flat laces.