Fashion: My L.L.Bean Wellie Review

Last month, I reached out to American classic L.L.Bean to inquire about their rain boot collection, and I’m grateful to L.L.Bean for sending me a pair of their tall black wellies and wellie warmers. When I prepared this style post, I hadn’t yet worn my wellies too much, so I couldn’t do a full review. Now, though, since the arrival of quite a bit of rain and slush, I have plenty more to say! Care to read on?

As I mentioned in my last post, I was completely impressed with L.L.Bean’s social media team, PR pro, and online chat personnel. I received excellent and speedy customer service, and my initial reactions were positive. I do already own an L.L.Bean personalized duffle bag, and it has passed many tests over the years, so I had high hopes for the boots. Thankfully, things are working out very well!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-2Here I am on one grey rainy December day wearing my L.L. Bean wellies. I paired them with leather-detailed pants, layered black tops, and a classic Longchamp bag.

The boots fit my foot perfectly, and they’re very comfortable for walking around. I do walk a lot (to work, to the grocery store, to the library, to cafés, etc.), so I’m not lying when I tell you that they’re comfortable for walking (as much as walking in the rain is comfortable – ha!).

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-1I still feel put together even thought I’m wearing rain boots.

When I originally placed my order, I wasn’t 100% certain that the boot would fit comfortably over my calf (I do have issues with this with some companies). After asking the online chat person about the sizing, I felt more confident. The boots do fit over my calf easily – even with the wellie sock – and the elastic feature on the back increase the comfort level. The boots sort of just move with me as I walk if that makes any sense. The fit is true to size. I’m normally a size 8, and I ordered size 8, and they even fit well when I wear  the wellie sock.

White-Cabana-LLBean_2back elastic feature

There are loops at the top of either side of the boot, and I hang on to these as I pull the boots on. Easy.

White-Cabana-LLBean_1

loop detail

Another feature I surprisingly like is the buckle detail across the top/side of the foot part of the boot. These make the boots feel unique, substantial, and a bit rock-and-roll.

White-Cabana-LLBean_3the buckle

The sole is thick and sturdy, and I feel very stable as I walk through puddles or slush (you can see evidence of those puddles right there on my boots).

Finally, the boots come in at a fair price point considering the rain boot market. The boots are $89US, and the wellie warmer socks are $24.95. L.L.Bean offers free shipping and an unbeatable guarantee, which are bonuses in my mind.

So, as you can gather, I have only positive things to report about my new wellies. They get my stamp of approval!

White-Cabana-Wellie_rain Boots_LLBean-3Let’s all take another moment to stare at the boots, shall we?

Many thanks to Rox-Anne for taking these photos during one random post-café-meeting photo shoot! Boot photos by me.

Rainy days..

..are perfect for fun white rubber boots!

Initially designed for sailing use (see that no-slip gum rubber sole?) Tretorn Skerry‘s rain boot is, as the website concurs, also perfect for urban escapades.

The Skerry boot has a slip-proof gum rubber, is made PVC-free with a matte finish. The lining is micro fleece and has a removable Eco OrthoLite insole.

Genius and chic.

Tretorn Skerry rubber boots, $36 on sale