Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

I love duck boots, and these are the only pairs I’ll buy

A comprehensive look at duck boots

Scopio / Adobe Stock

Leon Leonwood Bean, the founder of Maine's L.L. Bean Inc., was sick of wet feet hunting and noticed that farmers wore rubber boots out in the fields to keep their feet dry. As Mr. Bean did throughout most of his life, he worked hard to develop new ideas to solve problems. After stitching the bottom of a rubber boot to the top leather of a work boot, the first Bean Boot was born, and he sold his first pair in 1912 when he founded his company.

The Bean Boot was initially called the Maine Hunting Shoe. It has quietly been a utilitarian mainstay of L.L. Bean’s product lineup for the last 100 years. In the early 2000s, those quiet sales would change. Students at elite prep schools started to pick up the Bean Boots as required parts to their wardrobe. Other brands noticed the duck boot craze and jumped on board.

Don’t be fooled by the imitation duck boots, though. Quality doesn’t come cheap. Other brands may last a year, but quality brands like L.L. Bean expect shoes to last generations. Bean once said, “I do not consider a sale complete until goods are worn out, and a customer is still satisfied.”

We’ve rounded up some of the best duck boot brands. Of course, we will lead with the original Bean Boots.

L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots
L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots
Jump to details
Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot
Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot
Jump to details
Kamik Yukon 5
Kamik Yukon 5
Jump to details
Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6”
Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6 inch
Jump to details
Sorel Caribou Wool Boot
Sorel Caribou Wool Boot
Jump to details
NAUTICA Mens Duck Boots
Nautica Duck Boot
Jump to details
L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots
L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots

The original 8-inch Bean Boot dates back to 1911 one year before the founding of L.L. Bean. Of course, after a hundred years, they have developed versions with Gore-Tex, Thinsulate insulation, Primaloft insulation, or shearling lining. Our favorite has a tumbled-leather upper for a more supple feel with the traditional waterproof rubber bottoms.

The soft padded collar on the back updates the comfort but keeps the functional features. The triple stitching that connects leather to rubber that started back in 1911 is still there. The signature chain-tread bottom is good for traction and has also stood the test of time.

Most companies would ship such a popular model to be made offshore, but L.L. Bean has steadfastly stuck to its brand and still makes the Bean Boots by hand in Maine. The fit on these Bean Boots runs large, so size down 1-2 sizes from your standard shoe size.

L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots
L.L. Bean Tumbled-Leather Bean Boots
Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot
Sperry

Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot

What started as an experiment in grip on the wet decks of sailboats, Sperry has grown to be a global brand in many different footwear styles. Their classic look carries over to their version of the duck boot, the Cold Bay.

Sperry duck boots have stain and water-resistant full-grain leather uppers attached to a lightweight and durable EVA shell on the bottom. They come fully lined with 200 grams of Thinsulate insulation for extra warmth. And, of course, the signature super-grippy, razor-cut, non-marking Sperry sole is ready for sailing or any other terrible condition you want to throw at it.

Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot
Sperry Cold Bay Duck Boot
Kamik Yukon 5
Kamik

Kamik Yukon 5

Kamik was founded in 1898 and used natural rubber in its boots until 1982. Always striving to reduce their environmental impact, they phased out natural rubber in favor of RubberHe, a synthetic alternative that is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable.

The Yukon 5 boot from Kamik features the lighter RubberHe sole with large, grippy lugs, a moisture-wicking liner, and waterproof leather upper. Two hundred grams of Thinsulate insulation keeps your toes warm. The removable felt liner is made from at least three recycled plastic water bottles.

Years later, once the boots are completely worn out, just call Kamik. The brand will mail you a pre-paid label to return the boots so they can fully recycle them. If you're in between sizes, think about sizing up for the Yukons.

Kamik Yukon 5
Kamik Yukon 5
Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6 inch
Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6 inch

The Hunt Pac 6 inch is the ankle-high version of Eddie Bauer’s first Hunt Pac boot, which was introduced to the company's line in the 1960s. With a waterproof, seam-sealed leather upper and 200 grams of ThermaFill polyester insulation, they’re great for light snow and rain — the perfect boot for the generally cold and wet conditions found in the Pacific Northwest during winter.

The gusseted tongue is connected to the rest of the boot and keeps water and dirt out. The rustproof hardware and vulcanized rubber sole are perfect for the wet, slushy conditions that these sturdy duck boots were designed to handle.

Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6”
Eddie Bauer Hunt Pac 6 inch
Sorel Caribou Wool Boot
Sorel

Sorel Caribou Wool Boot

If there’s something Sorel knows well, it’s winter boots. The company invented the Pac boot style with a waterproof bottom and tall laced upper with a felt liner inside. Perfect for shoveling the driveway or getting around in deep snow.

The Sorel Caribou Wool Boot is a cross between a duck boot and a Pac boot. Totally waterproof and seam sealed, the Caribou has no issues with wet sloppy snow or rain. This version of the Caribou has a removable wool liner inside. Sorel rates this one down to -40 F, plenty to keep you warm in the dead of winter. The soft rubber grips well on ice and is designed to never load with snow.

Sorel Caribou Wool Boot
Sorel Caribou Wool Boot

Nautica Duck Boot

One of the more budget-friendly duck boots on our list, the Nautica Duck Boot has all of the features of a classic duck boot at a price just over $50. These boots are designed with a waterproof shell for all weather conditions and will keep rain and snow out while allowing your feet to stay warm, thanks to the boot's fleece lining.

The soles are designed to give you grip in slippery conditions. These boots do tend to run on the smaller side, so if you're planning to wear thick socks, take that into account and order a half size larger than you normally wear.

NAUTICA Mens Duck Boots
Nautica Duck Boot

Whether you are trudging through the cold, wet woods in search of your hunt, or facing the bitter snow and ice in the darker winter months, one of these selections will be perfect for you.

From L.L. Bean to Eddie Bauer, some of the best outdoor brands in the world love to produce the best footwear for your outdoor adventures.

Mark McKee

Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before transitioning to private style consulting, coaching, and writing. He enjoys helping men find their image to project their best selves. In his free time, he loves to spend as much time in the cinemas as possible and work on his novels.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

These are the best travel shoes (so you don’t waste any space in your luggage)
Every globetrotter needs reliable kicks for exploring In comfort
best travel shoes globe trotting guy lems boulder boot in timber edited recropped

Whether you’re roaming the ancient streets of Istanbul or pub-crawling in Paris, a good pair of shoes may arguably be the most important item a traveler can pack (or wear). On the other hand, these kicks tend to be the bulkiest item in your suitcase. Choosing wisely what to put on your feet can’t be understated. Here are the best travel shoes to consider for your next trip.

One big note here: a few of these companies are low or sold out of stock. All that we can say is that shopping requires patience nowadays. The times be what the times be.

Read more
Danner, Madhappy add color and fun to your hiking shoe collection
Danner and Madhappy's new hiking shoe
back side view of pink and brown boots

For Danner's heritage boot brand, creating the ideal quality hiking boot is an everyday task. However, in their latest drop, the Pacific Northwest-based company is joining forces with Madhappy for a redesign that adds a pop of color to your hiking gear. In this collaboration, both brands are taking on the signature Mountain Light boot and giving it a bit of Madhappy’s touch. For Madhappy, working with iconic footwear brands is nothing new, as they’ve recently increased their collaboration with other classic companies like Uggs. Although hiking shoes tend to come in manageable hues to manage the dirt and mud, this collaborative boot is a fun contrast to the often serious color combinations available. A colorful and airy collaboration, the remixed Mountain Light boot is a must for those who want to add something distinct to the trails. 
The new Mountain Light boot

Starting with suede uppers in either chestnut or bright pink, this boot comes equipped with a one-leather piece design in the tongue to keep water and dirt out.  This Mountain Light’s stitchdown construction also helps add stability and structure to the underfoot. Inside waterproof Gore-Tex liners help keep the feet warm and comfortable while Vibram Kletterlift outsoles add traction to the boot. Besides announcing the new vibrant hues and modern updates on the boot, Danner has also proudly reiterated that all Mountain Light boots are constructed in Portland, Oregon. The new Madhappy and Danner Mountain Light boot is now available via both Danner and Madhappy web stores and retails at $440. Both colorways are available in men’s and women’s sizing so that all can enjoy the punch of color in their hiking wardrobe. 

Read more
Stylish warmth: The 5 kinds of light jackets every man needs
Stay warm and dry in the transition months
Man on a dock in a coat

There are no substitutions in your closet than the perfect light jacket to get you from the blistering summer to the frozen winter months. Between the time of year when it is warm enough that no coat is needed and the time of year when you need the heaviest you own, there are months when you need something a little lighter. There are five types of jackets that you should have in your closet that are versatile enough to keep you warm and dry no matter what the dress code is; here are our favorites and the best pics.
Military field jacket

The field jacket is one of the most iconic garments in the jacket lexicon, and you need to make sure there is one in your closet. Starting with the original design in 1941 as part of a combat uniform, it became a legendary piece for men in and out of uniform. Since then, you have likely seen it all over pop culture, including John Rambo's first appearance and on celebrities like John Lennon and Steve McQueen. Now, you can fit in with the legends when you buy your own. Our favorite choice is the James Canvas Military Jacket.

Read more