The history of duck boots, hunting shoes

Duck boots LLBean, Jinji Paris.

Posted Sep 25, 2022, 2:00 PM

The first pair of duck boots was designed by Leon Leonwood Bean, a hunter based in Maine, in the northeastern United States. Annoyed to return from his excursions with soaked feet, he was inspired by the rubber boots of hunters, to imagine a pair of shoes that would mix the waterproofness of these boots and the resistance of a hiking shoe. He immediately launched one of the most emblematic American brands, LLBean, which remains the absolute reference in terms of outdoor. The brand’s reputation is largely built on this hunting shoe designed for loose terrain, very resistant, made in the United States and inexpensive. Originally, this model was more popular on the east coast, where the climate is more humid and the terrain flatter. The natural rubber sole perfect for snow and mud, wears very quickly on asphalt. For a long time in Europe, duck boots were only found in the pages of fashion magazines, or on the feet of connoisseurs returning from the United States. In the 2000s, they experienced a boom in popularity with the preppy style. Jake Gyllenhaal or Meghan Markle are followers. They can now be ordered or found at local retailers.

Material The outsole is natural rubber, vulcanized to a dark rubber which is itself triple stitched to a leather upper. Which makes them waterproof, insulating and virtually indestructible.

Rating New version, obviously LLBeans, still made in Maine. Second hand, especially in the United States. In Europe, plan a little treasure hunt, as the models in circulation are so rare. On the LL Bean site, around 270 euros (with taxes) or at Jinji, in Paris, 185 euros.

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