Remember ‘Operation Lounger’? Well, I love it when a plan comes together – LL Bean listened, and knocked it out of the park. I’m happy (and honored) to give you the first look at the new LL Bean Lounger Boots:
That’s right – the Lounger was coming back, but with some changes. LL Bean has added shearling and removed the buckle. The buckle could return in the future, but it will be based on customer feedback.
Stats for the new boot:
- Available September 6, 2011
- Made in the USA (Maine)
- Mens (#271761) and Womens (#271760)
- Price $144.00
- Color: Brown/Brown
- Waterproof pebble grain leather
- Sheepskin Lining (non removable)
- Steel Shank
- Classic chain tread outsole
- Pull on style for easy on/off
- Designed to keep feet warm, dry and comfortable in cold, weather.
- Reg & Wide widths
These are an excellent addition to the strong line up of the iconic Bean Boots. What do you think?
“What do you think?”
I think that when customers have asked for a specific product from their archives, Bean should oblige exactly what the customer is asking for. They’re ok.
Wow, guess what just got moved to the top of my shopping list.
Okay, I love the duck boot – always have. I also really like the ‘slip on and off’ aspect of these boots. Lined with sheepskin? Okay, its going to be a lounger i can buy that. But L.L. Bean, $144 for these? I purchased a boot that is cookie cutter to this (minus the sheepskin) for right around $50 at bass pro this past winter and they are excellent.
I am a huge L.L Bean fan, and I know they are not cheap. Also, i am lucky enough that price is often not usually my deciding factor on if I make a purchase like this or not – but even I can not justify a $144 pair of duck boots.
JRS- this is what you pay for a pair of dress boots, not a pair of loungers.
I’ve got to agree with Josh on this one. I think the Lounger appealed to people because it seemed pretty versatile. At least for those of us below the Mason-Dixon, a shearling boot is anything but versatile, seeing as how we couldn’t even wear it until January. Also, in spite of its reportedly limited functionality, the buckle at least added some visual interest. I guess I’ll take to scouring Ebay again…
Still not the same. My lounger boots from 1986 are the light brown leather with the buckle, unlined. That is all that will work for me. While I like the canvas upper 6″ version from LLBean Signature, this carpet lined lounger is missing the mark.
I saw these being made while I toured the factory back in May. They look really nice, I agree that with the shearling they are better suited to winter alone! Having a pair of the older ones I can vouch for the buckle as you can wear different sock thicknesses and still have the boot on properly. The original lounger boots are probably the most versatile Bean boot that was ever made.
the lining would make my feet pour sweat even in January in Arkansas
I prefer the traditional model. The multiple variations of the classic Bean Boot never really appealed to me. But options are never a bad thing.
Without the buckle and by adding the shearling, LL Bean took away all chances they had for me to buy this boot. Especially at this price range (I suspect the lining added to the high cost). I want the Lounger that I remember my grandmother wearing and this is not it.
Sheepskin lining makes it a non-starter for me. Don’t need or want that down South. Makes it too seasonal (only depths of winter), when they might have been nice to slip on in inclement weather during spring/fall – maybe even summer.
my unlined with the buckle loungers are great for everything from slipping on around a campsite at night in the summer to taking out the dog in the rain at 2 am to cleaning snow off the steps in the winter. the price isn’t bad for a made in america boot, but the shearling means i couldnt use them for about 90 percent of the stuff that i wear mine for now. if they remade, instead of redesigned, the lounger i would buy a new pair in a second, but i have no need for these.
With all due respect to LL Bean, this is another example of them ALMOST giving the people what they want. Shearling aside, the brown leather is not for everyone. They need to actually remake the boot that everyone wants, not rummage up a mutant that’s barely desireable.
They look a bit like Uggs to me. maybe it’s the slip on thing but I’m not feeling them. Besides – how will people do the whole jeans casually tucked into unlaced beans when there are no laces?
Not interested in this new model — Bring back the unlined original, with buckle, please! Shearling makes the boot impractical in Alabama.
I want this boot but prefer the tan color like the original. I can use the shearling but the price is stiff. Thanks for bringing it back. The Bean alternative boots I have purchased since with the zipper and elastic didn’t fit well and leaked plus the lining was pulling out. My old boots fit perfect and had them resoled 3 times. They are worn out again, so these new originals are just in time.
The boot looks great but needs the buckle.
Would like the unlined boots for summer, with the strap.. Had some tops but they disappeared, so I am in waiting….
I have of pair of these and I am trying to identify them so I can find a price to start them at. They are Bean Boots by L L Bean. They look just like these loungers but they have no buckle and no shearling. No size either. All the ones i find have shearling or no shearling and a buckle. Anyone know if they made limited edition loungers with no liner or made them with removable shearling….. well these sound like exactly what people want but no buckle. They are for sale but not online as of yet. Thanks for any advice on identifying these.
It’s baaaaaaaack….
http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/74901?productId=1243653&subrnd=1&qs=3023924_pmd_google_pla_signature
Do you know if and where I could order a pair of the LL Bean Lounger for women item #271760 in size 8?