Sperry vs. L.L.Bean vs. Sorel vs. Hunter: Which Brand Wins the Duck Boots Showdown?

• What Are Duck Boots?

A duck boot is a waterproof, shoe-like boot that has a rubber lower section and a leather or waterproof textile upper. Originally designed for hunters in the early twentieth century, the duck boot is essentially a pair of rugged galoshes with a leather ankle-supporting shaft stitched on. Duck boots typically feature a raised seams or ridges on the toe, and a rubber outsole that’s molded around onto the upper (some makers will utilize a commando sole or other rugged outsole). The upper will typically be made of leather or rubber, with a bellows tongue to ensure the boot is watertight.

• Sperry Duck Boots Review

Sperry Brand History and Origin

Sperry or Sperry Top-Sider is an American brand of boat shoe designed in 1935 by Paul A. Sperry. Sperrys, or Top-Siders, were the first boat shoes introduced into the boating and footwear markets. 

The Sperry Top Sider was designed by Sailor Paul Sperry after he had a terrible fall that almost claimed his life on a boat. In order to proffer a lasting solution Paul Sperry drew inspiration after watching his dog glide through a slippery surface on ice. The Sperry "Top-Sider" boat shoe that was introduced and featured a canvas upper, herringbone siping, and a white outsole to prevent the shoe from leaving dark scuff marks on a boat's deck.  The Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. later partnered with Sperry on a design using specially tanned water-resistant leather, which became the familiar Sperry "boat shoe". 

Sperry Duck Boots Prices:$49.99-$99.99

Sperry Duck Boots Design & Style

The Sperry Duck Boot is Sperry's take on the classic Bean Boot originally invented by L.L. Bean. They have a waterproof rubber foot box and an upper that is constructed from rawhide leather, with rawhide barrel tie lacing and rust-proof eyelets. Lined in micro-fleece, they are exceptionally cozy. Other features include a side zipper and a non-marking rubber outsole with Wave-Siping tread. 

Sporting a high level of fashion, the  Sperry Duck Boot is one of the most urban looking of all the boots we reviewed. The dark barrel laces and the subtle heel provide a nice, feminine look. Overall, they are cute and highly versatile with various outfits. You can easily wear jeans over them, or in them, and you don't have to worry about looking too "rubbery" when wanting a shoe to keep your feet dry.

Sperry Duck Boots Quality & Material 

Sperry’s Saltwater Duck Boots put a heavy focus on fashion with a stylish low heel and three beautiful colorways to choose from including gray, tan/navy, and tan/dark brown. They’re also very wearable in wet conditions, with good cushioning and a warm microfleece lining that makes them more comfortable than typical rubber boots. We love the chic look of the barrel-tied lacing and the fact that there’s also a zip closure for easy on and off.

The boots feature a premium leather upper and a fully waterproof rubber shell. We found the latter sturdy yet flexible and effective at keeping our feet dry even when splashing through puddles. The boots fit true to size, feeling pleasantly fitted through the sides of the foot and heel with enough space to wriggle toes comfortably. They’re breathable and sturdy enough to handle multiple different terrains. 

Sperry Boots Fit

While Sperry offers whole sizes from 5-12, they only offer half-sizes up to 9.5. In retrospect, we think we should have gone with the 7.5 as opposed to sizing up to the 8, as our findings indicate they run true to size. 

The foot box is roomy, especially for the toes, but being a touch big, there is some heel slippage. The circumference of the top opening ranges from about 10-11 inches, depending on whether you can keep the laces tied.

Sperry Duck Boots Pros and Cons 

Where to Buy Sperry Duck Boots Cheapest?

1. sperry.com

2. rackroomshoes.com:1% Super Cash Back

Two Popular Sperry Duck Boots

1.Sperry Women's Saltwater Duck Boot (@$49)

Sperry’s classic best seller, the Saltwater Duck Boot is more than an all-weather boot—it’s a true function-meets-fashion piece. Featuring a sturdy rubber “duck” shell, signature rawhide barrel laces, a side zipper for easy on and off, these boots keep your feet dry and your look complete.

2.Sperry Top-Sider Duck Boot (@$99.99)

• L.L.Bean Duck Boots Review

L.L.Bean Brand History and Origin

L.L.Bean is an American privately-held retail company that was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean. The company, headquartered in the place in which it was founded, in Freeport, Maine, specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment.However, they quickly evolved into a ubiquitous lifestyle brand that makes everything from down jackets to sweaters, fleeces, baselayers, flannel-lined jeans (a personal favorite), sleepwear, hiking boots, and much more.

L.L. Bean nicely toes the line between casual and performance, although most of their products are best suited for activities like camping and hiking rather than technical backcountry pursuits (think cozy cabin trips, fall hikes, mild-weather snowshoeing, etc.). Availability is another downside for some, as their products are only sold in-store and through their website, with most of their retail locations focused on the East Coast. But it’s hard to knock the styling and all-around appeal, which is why you’re bound to see plenty of L.L. Bean gear on the trails and around town in places like Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

L.L.Bean Duck Boots Prices: $79.99 - $349

L.L.Bean Duck Boots Design & Style

L.L. Bean’s ‘Beanboots’ or otherwise nicknamed ‘Duck Boots’ have been around over 100 years since 1912. An original, simple and effective boot design that has hardly changed at all in that time due to how effective and popular they have been.

L.L. Bean's Bean Boot has been around for over a century. Available only in the iconic two-tone brown colorway, the timeless style is at once rugged, practical, and effortlessly cool. These duck boots have waterproof leather uppers that instantly shed rain and snow, plus watertight rubber bottoms that keep your feet dry in any weather.

L.L.Bean Duck Boots Quality & Material 

L. L. Bеan has еarnеd its reputation for uncompromising quality and durability, and it’s no surprisе that their boots rеflеct this commitmеnt. 

L. L. Bеan boots primarily fеaturе lеathеr and suеdе for thеir uppеrs, crеating a rеmarkably soft and brokеn-in fееl.The addition of cozy flееcе lining adds a layеr of warmth and comfort, making thеm pеrfеct for cold-wеathеr еscapadеs. 

L. L. Bеan’s construction is all about prеcision and craftsmanship.Iconic triplе-nееdlе stitching is a tеstamеnt to thеir commitmеnt to long-lasting durability.Thеsе boots arе dеsignеd to withstand thе rigors of wintеr, making thеm rеliablе companions for yеars to comе. 

L.L.Bean Boots Fit

Finding the right size is a complex riddle: "With light or mid-weight socks," the brand says, "Whole sizes, order one size down. Half sizes, order 1.5 size down. Example: 9 or 9.5, order a size 8. With heavyweight socks: Whole sizes, order your normal size. Half sizes, order one size down. Example: 9 or 9.5, order a size 9."

L.L.Bean Duck Boots Pros and Cons 

Where to Buy L.L.Bean  Duck Boots Cheapest?

1. llbean.com

2. zappos.com:Up to 11.5% Super Cash Back

Two Popular L.L.Bean Duck Boots

1. L.L.Bean Men's Bean Boots, 8" GORE-TEX/Insulated  (@$259)

Dubbed the "bean boot" by L.L. himself, these were the first remedy to wet feet in 1912. Today's pair combines expertly-crafted full-grain leather with breathable Gore-Tex lining and Thinsulate Insulation, which adds a layer of warmth whenever you need it.

2.L.L.Bean Women's Bean Boots, 6.5" Chelsea (@$159)

The L.L.Bean Women's  Chelsea  Boots, beautifully crafted in buttery-soft, gently tumbled leather in an easy-to-wear Chelsea design.

• Sorel Duck Boots Review

Sorel Brand History and Origin

Founded in 1962, SOREL combines expert craftsmanship and of-the-moment design to create all-season footwear. What began decades ago with premium boots, crafted with an unparalleled balance of construction and protection, is now a brand dedicated to both functionality and fashion.

The Sorel trademark was bought by Columbia Sportswear. Following Columbia's purchase, the Sorel brand was expanded to other products,such as nylon outerwear and other work-related garments.

Sorel Duck Boots Prices: $100-$250

Sorel Duck Boots Design & Style

Sorel focuses on creating functional, durable boots. Sorel boots are made for people who aren't afraid to get their boots dirty. Lately, Sorel's styles have been not only winter-appropriate but stylish and fashion-forward - they've stepped up their fashion game.

Sorel offers a wide selection of styles, the most popular being the Joan of Arctic boot and the killer Joan of Arctic Wedge boot. Sorel boots strike a balance between weather-ready and style-conscious. Sorels are durable and waterproof, and were literally crafted for the worst of winter's weather.

Sorel Duck Boots Quality & Material 

Sorеl boots have always been synonymous with ruggеd functionality and stylе, and their choice of matеrials and construction mеthods is no еxcеption. 

Sorеl boots oftеn fеaturе a combination of rubbеr, lеathеr, suеdе, and various tеxtilе matеrials.Thе robust vulcanizеd rubbеr shеll is a hallmark of Sorеl’s construction, providing watеrproofing and durability.Full-grain lеathеr and suеdе not only add to thе aеsthеtics but also еnhancе thе ovеrall strength and quality of thе boots. 

Sorеl’s construction tеchniquеs involvе a mеticulous fusion of thеsе matеrials. Thе watеrproof bootiе construction еnsurеs that your fееt rеmain dry, еvеn in thе harshеst wintеr conditions. Thе combination of thеsе matеrials rеsults in a boot that dеfiеs thе еlеmеnts whilе kееping you stylishly warm. 

Sorel  Boots Fit

Overall, fit runs quite large with the Sorel boots. If you’re on the fence or plan on wearing normal wool socks not of the extra-thick variety, I recommend sizing down at least half a size. Of course, the safest bet is trying on the Caribou before buying.

Sorel Duck Boots Pros and Cons 

Where to Buy Sorel Duck Boots Cheapest?

1. sorel.com: up to 4% cashback

2. macys.com: up to 5% cashback

Two Popular Sorel Duck Boots

1.Sorel Cheyanne Lace Full Grain Boot (from $140)

Not only are the Cheyanne's the ultimate winter utility boot—complete with a waterproof construction, 200g insulation, and removable molded EVA footbeds—but they're just as fitting for après-ski brunches.

2. SOREL Caribou Waterproof Boot (from $149)

Sorel’s Caribou is a timeless winter boot through and through. With a 9-millimeter felt liner, sturdy leather upper, and wraparound rubber lower, it’s classic, stylish, and warm—a great combination for everyday uses like shoveling snow and running errands around town. 

• Hunter Duck Boots Review

Hunter Brand History and Origin

The classic boots have a rich history, going back to 1856. In Scotland, an American named Henry Lee Norris founded the North British Rubber Company (which later became Hunter) and made boots using a new patented process that created more durable rubber products. During both World Wars, the company was commissioned to create boots for soldiers. 

In 1955, Hunter created the Original Green Wellington, otherwise known as the Original Tall Boot. The versatile, comfortable, and durable handcrafted style is still the brand's most popular shoe.

Other than the Original Tall Boots, Hunter now makes a variety of boot styles for men, women, and children. It has also expanded into outerwear and bags.

Hunter Duck Boots Prices: $200 - $299.99

Hunter Duck Boots Design & Style

The funny thing about Hunter's rubber rain boots is that they have quite a simple design, yet they're still so recognizable and iconic. An easy way to differentiate them from other brands is the Hunter label at the front opening of the boot, or by their rich color and glossy finish. 

Hunter boots have a nice cushion on the bottom and are comfortable to wear, but the boots themselves are very stiff and limit a normal heel-to-toe gait pattern. If you have foot problems, like plantar fasciitis, you may want to avoid walking long distances in the Original Tall boots because of this.

Hunter Duck Boots Quality & Material 

Hunter Boots are made from natural latex rubber that's flexible and waterproof — and sourced from sustainable and ethical plantations in China and Southeast Asia.

The Hunter Duck Boots retain the traditional pair’s unmistakable composure while implementing a formidable, ballistic nylon upper with a waterproof construction that’s been adorned with an internal waterproof fleece lining for increased protection and solid warmth. On its exterior, you get an FSC-certified rubber outsole working with a TPU Vamp, protecting its wearer’s feet from all manner of moisture and mayhem. Finally, there’s an Ortholite footbed and a cushioned EVA midsole.

Another reason to shop with the company is that it recycles old boots in the UK and donates fully functional boots to local nonprofits, particularly those that help victims of political conflict or natural disasters. 

Hunter Boots Fit

As far as sizing, Hunter boots are only offered in whole sizes. If you’re between sizes, I would recommend going down a half-size. Hunter boots are a little clunky, and I think the boots fit better a little snug versus too big!

The other thing to note is that Hunter boots don't come in half sizes, so if you're in between, you'll want to order the next size up.

Hunter Duck Boots Pros and Cons 

Where to Buy Hunter Duck Boots Cheapest?

1. hunterboots.com

2. zappos.com:Up to 11.5% Super Cash Back

Two Popular Hunter Duck Boots

 1. Hunter Women's Explorer Duck Boots（@$225）

Hunter's newest Explorer boot is set on the newly developed chunky rubber outsole. It has a TPU shell that covers and extends higher up the foot, which offers protection from all weather conditions and acts as a mudguard. The upper is made from waterproof recycled ballistic nylon with an internal waterproof membrane, ensuring it is waterproof throughout. 

2.Hunter X Kenzo Women's Lace Up Duck Boot （@$299.99）

The Hunter X Kenzo Women's Lace-Up Duck Boot is the epitome of fashion-forward design fused with unwavering functionality, offering you a footwear experience like no other. Rain or shine, these boots have got you covered. The waterproof construction guarantees your feet remain dry and comfortable, no matter how wet it gets outside.

• Conclusion: What is the Best Duck Boots Brand for You?
  

As we wrap up our еxploration of Sperry vs. L.L.Bean vs. Sorel vs. Hunter, one thing is clеar: thе choicе bеtwееn thеsе four iconic brands is not a mattеr of onе bеing dеfinitivеly bеttеr than thе othеr. Instеad, it’s about finding thе pеrfеct fit for your nееds, prеfеrеncеs, and thе wintеr advеnturеs that liе ahеad. 

Sperry

If you are looking for a sturdy pair of boots to keep your feet dry in the rain and bad weather, you will not get your money's worth out of the Sperry Duck Boots. 

However, if you want to buy them for their looks and don't mind getting another pair of boots to wear when the weather's poor, then these may be worth the purchase. 

L.L. Bean

On the other hand, L. L. Bеan shinеs in its dеdication to kееping your fееt dry. With robust watеrproofing technology and vеrsatilе pеrformancе, thеy arе a go-to option for thosе who frеquеntly еncountеr wеt conditions. L. L. Bеan’s timеlеss dеsigns havе еarnеd thеm a placе in thе hеarts of thosе who apprеciatе classic charm. And if rеliablе traction is your priority on snowy or icy surfacеs, thеir chain-trеad outsolеs have got you covеrеd. 

Choosе L. L. Bеan Boots If:

1. You rеquirе dеpеndablе watеrproofing for wеt and dry conditions. 

2. You prеfеr a classic and timеlеss boot dеsign. 

3. You prioritizе comfort with shеarling lining. 

4. You nееd boots for snowy landscapеs and icy еnvironmеnts. 

5. You want a rеliablе and wеathеrproof choicе. 

 Sorel

Sorеl’s strengths in warmth, insulation, and modеrn stylе makе thеm a fantastic choicе for thosе who bravе еxtrеmе cold and icy tеrrains. Thеir boots don’t just kееp your fееt warm; thеy makе a fashion statеmеnt whilе doing so. If you value durability and want boots that can еndurе thе tеst of timе, Sorеl won’t disappoint. 

Choosе Sorеl Boots If:

• You prioritizе warmth in еxtrеmе cold. 

• You nееd boots for dееp snow and ruggеd outdoor activities. 

• You want a modern and stylish dеsign. 

• If You are willing to invеst in vеrsatilе and high-pеrformancе wintеr boots.

• You valuе еxcеllеnt traction on icy surfacеs. 

Hunter Boot

When it comes to rain boots, you really can't go wrong with Hunter. Seen on the likes of Margot Robbie, Reese Witherspoon, and Rihanna, the fan-favorite brand makes stylish, functional footwear you can count on to keep your feet comfy, warm, and protected from the elements.

These rain boots have a bit more of a utilitarian look than, say, a more fashion-forward Chelsea-style boot. They're not really something you can dress up and wear in a professional setting, but they're a great option for everyday wear. 

• FAQs

 1.How much do duck boots cost?

Duck boots typically cost between $80 and $180, typically depending on the quality of the materials used.

2.What are duck boots good for?

Duck boots are best used for any activity where you would typically wear full-rubber boots or heavy-duty winter boots but there is a chance that your feet could overheat, either because temps are rising or because you will be exerting yourself. 

It’s worth remembering that duck boots were initially created as a hybrid rubber hunting boot, so their highest and best use is typically not the dead of winter.

3.Are Duck Boots Good to Be Used in Snow?

Yes, Duck boots are perfect to use in snow. They are quite well-designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and to provide your feet with the required comfort. One of the big reasons that make them perfect to use in the snow is their rubber soles as they keep traction maintained on snowy surfaces while keeping your foot well insulated.

4.Which Duck Boots Are Best?

Looking for the crème de la crème of duck boots? The spotlight shines on comfort, cost-effectiveness, durability, and style. Thus, popular brands like L.L.Bean, Sorel, and Sperry top the charts in the duck boots hall of fame. L.L.Bean’s Original Bean Boot deserves special mention. It has stood the test of time, pairing quality with affordability. On the other hand, the Sorel Women’s Out N About Leather Rain Snow Boot confidently caters to the ladies.

5.Are duck boots waterproof?

The majority of high-quality duck boots are designed to be fully waterproof, with sealed seams and a waterproof membrane. Some may only be water-resistant, however, or waterproof up to a certain height (usually where the rubber shell meets the leather upper).

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