Those boys look like they’re showing off their new Bean hunting shoes.





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Bought my first pair of Bean boots in 1960, when I was on a college tour at Bowdoin and Colby colleges. The old store sure wasn't anything like today's homogenized, pasteurized computerized joint

When I lived in Maine during the 1980's I always found it interesting that the L.L. Bean store was open 24/7. They sold some great items and many of them were made right there in Maine.

Across the street from L.L. Bean was a small sporting goods store called Mel's Sports. His advertisements read "We give you the attention the bigger stores can't."

I shopped the original store three or four times.
Old creaky wooden floors and not especially neatly organized .





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Bean's just isn't the same Ol' Beans that it used to be.

One thing I've never liked were Bean boots, not since I fell on my backside as they slipped. Worst sole ever unless you know it's bone dry out.

Ditto - I took so many bad falls wearing those things - snow, moss-covered rocks, muddy slides, etc. Luckily I never damaged a gun. Last time I bird hunted in Maine in noticed the dairy farmers all wearing Muck Boots. I tried a pair and never went back to the "chain tread" Beanos. War, as toast and sure footed, I've worn them ever since.

The soles on mine got so thin I could feel every pebble, plus (and I hate to admit it) bending over to get them on and laced up became a workout; haven't worn mine in years. I've thought about getting new rubbers put on but never got around to it. But I will have to say, for me anyway, a pair of 16" Bean's just looks right :). This was my first bird with a Parker by the way...

https://i.imgur.com/oHroERul.jpg

Phil, I knew you were a kindred spirit. I wore my 16 inch boots for years, but eventually, they did not have the support I needed. Oh, for those Kodachrome days of 30 years ago!

I still wear 16" Beans, here I am with a grouse ,20ga Trojan and 16" Beans in Maine