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

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

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

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark McKee
Contributor
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
Rolex quietly revealed a new Day-Date 40 in Everose gold
Rolex just added a new Day Date to their collection without any fanfare
Rolex Day Date Everose 40 Academy Awards

Amid the splendor and prestige of the 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the iconic Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, a new watch was discreetly added to the Rolex Day Date collection. The Oscars, renowned for their grandeur, never fail to deliver a spectacle of epic proportions, and this year was no different, with a lineup of films that captivated audiences worldwide (Oppenheimer, anyone?) as well as a slew of high-end watches.
A new Rolex Day Date just dropped...quietly

Hidden within the exclusive confines of the Rolex Greenroom, reserved for the privileged winners of Academy Awards, lies a solitary showcase set side just for Rolex watches. Tucked away at the far end of the spacious chamber, embedded within the rear wall, this display holds the only Rolex timepiece in the entire lounge.

Read more
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more