As the founder LL Bean once said, “If your feet are happy, you’re happy.”
And that’s exactly what these boots are made for. LL Bean boots—sometimes called dock boots—aren’t just for hunters anymore. You’ll see them on gardeners, farmers, college students, even kids jumping into mud puddles.
They’re the go-to boot for slush, sand, or just plain gross weather. But here’s the catch: LL Bean sizing can be weird. If you’ve looked at the LL Bean boot size chart and still felt confused, you’re not alone. Let’s make it simple.
Oh—and if you’re also thinking about getting Muck Boots, I wrote a full Muck boot sizing guide for those too if you want to see how they fit and whether you should size up or down.
Now, let’s dive right into it…
LL Bean Boot Size Chart
Men Sizes
| US | EUR | UK | JP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 41 | 6.5 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 41 | 7 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 42 | 7.5 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 43 | 8 | 26 |
| 9 | 43 | 8.5 | 26.5 |
| 9.5 | 44 | 9 | 27 |
| 10 | 44 | 9.5 | 27.5 |
| 10.5 | 45 | 10 | 28 |
| 11 | 46 | 10.5 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 46 | 11 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 47 | 11.5 | 30 |
| 13 | 49 | 12.5 | 31 |
| 14 | 50 | 13.5 | 32 |
Related:
By the way, if you’ve ever wrestled with Hunter boot sizing (those things have a mind of their own, right?), I’ve got you covered there too. I put together a full sizing guide about Hunter boots including their size chart to help you figure out the right fit.
Women Sizes
| US | EUR | UK | JP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 36 | 4 | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 37 | 4.5 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 38 | 5 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 39 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 39 | 6 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 40 | 7 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 41 | 7.5 | 26 |
| 10 | 41 | 8 | 26.5 |
| 11 | 42 | 9 | 27.5 |
| 12 | 44 | 10 | 29 |
Related:
If you’re also thinking about getting Xtratuf boots, I put together a full Xtratuf boot size chart to help you figure out the numbers, plus a separate guide on how Xtratuf boots fit if you’re wondering what they actually feel like on your feet.
Kid Sizes
| US | EUR | UK | JP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 28 | 9.5 | 16.5 |
| 11 | 29 | 10.5 | 17.5 |
| 12 | 30 | 11.5 | 18 |
| 13 | 32 | 12.5 | 19 |
| 1 | 33 | 13.5 | 20 |
| 2 | 34 | 1.5 | 20.5 |
| 3 | 35 | 2.5 | 21.5 |
| 4 | 36 | 3.5 | 22.5 |
| 5 | 38 | 4.5 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 39 | 5.5 | 34.5 |
Related:
If Wolverine boots are on your radar too, I’ve got a handy Wolverine size chart to help you figure out the perfect fit. It’ll make sizing a whole lot easier!
Toddler Sizes
| Size | Length (inches) | Length (centimeters) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 13/16 | 12 |
| 6 | 5 1/8 | 13 |
| 7 | 5 1/2 | 14 |
| 8 | 5 13/16 | 15 |
| 9 | 6 1/8 | 16 |
Related:
If Thursday boots are on your list, I’ve got you covered with both a Thursday size chart and a detailed Thursday sizing guide to help you get the fit just right.
How LL Bean Boots Fit
View this post on Instagram
The sizing of LL Bean boots is kind of all over the place because there’s so many different versions of this boot so I would just really pay attention to the sizing information for whatever boot you’re interested in because it really does vary depending on the lining and the insulation you choose for whatever boot you’re trying to get.
Below, I’ve put together a chart that covers most LL Bean boots and how each one tends to fit—just to make things a little easier before you pick your size.
| Model | Fit |
|---|---|
| Bean 8" | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| Rubber Moc | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| 8" Fleece-Lined Insulated Front Zip | Go a half size down from regular shoe size. |
| 6.5" Chelsea | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| Gumshoes | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| 8" GORE-TEX/Insulated | Order your regular shoe size. |
| 8" Bison | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| Canvas Rubber Mocs | Go full size down from regular shoe size. |
| Maine | Unique fit; you may need to size up or down. |
| 10" Shearling-Lined | Go a half size down from regular shoe size. |
| 10" Engineer Buckle Flannel-Lined | Go a half size down from regular shoe size. |
| Cresta II Waterproof | Order your regular shoe size. |
| Access | Order regular shoe size. |
| Trailfinder | Order your regular shoe size. |
| Bucksport | Order regular shoe size |
| Dirigo | Go a 1/2 size up from regular shoe size. |
| Ultralight | Order regular shoe size. |
| Storm Chaser | Order regular shoe size. |
| Stonington | Order regular shoe size. |
| Stonington Chelsea | Order regular shoe size. |
| Portland | Order regular shoe size. |
Again, LL Bean boots sizing is very confusing.
Here’s what you need to know: LL Bean boots don’t fit like your regular sneakers or even most other boots because they run large, and that’s no accident.
They’re made that way on purpose to fit thick socks. But if you don’t know that going in, it’s super easy to order the wrong size and end up with a pair that feels like clown shoes.
I mean it—if you order your normal sneaker size, even with your chunkiest socks, your feet will be swimming. You’ll feel like you’re sloshing around in a rain barrel.
So, here’s what I think: size down a full size. Not a half.
Now, if you’re comparing LL Bean boots with other heavy-duty options, White’s Boots have got a rugged fit that’s a bit different from LL Bean, but I’ve got a detailed White’s Boot sizing guide that’ll help you see how they stack up.
Related:
If you’re looking at other options and want something built for real job sites, check out my Carolina boot size chart and sizing guide. Carolina boots fit differently than LL Bean, but in a good way—and I’ll walk you through exactly how.
Do LL Bean Boots Come in Half Sizes?
No, LL Bean boots do not come in half sizes; only come in whole sizes. Yup. You heard right. That just makes things trickier, especially if you’re someone who’s right in the middle.
Now, LL Bean gives some advice about this. They say if you’re a whole size and you wear light or midweight socks, size down one full size. But if you’re a half size, they suggest going down 1.5 sizes. I know… it sounds like math homework.
Here’s a quick example: if you’re normally a 9 or 9.5, you should probably order an 8. Still roomy, but not ridiculous.
Related:
If you’re curious about Nick’s boots too, I’ve got both the Nick’s Boot size chart and a full sizing guide to help you get the fit just right.
Lined vs. Unlined: This Part Matters
View this post on Instagram
This is where things get interesting. There are lined versions and unlined versions of Bean boots, and they don’t fit the same.
Unlined boots: These are roomier. Even with thick Ragg wool socks, they can still feel loose. Most folks should size down one full size unless they plan to wear the thickest socks on earth.
Lined boots: These are a bit snugger. With the lined ones, stick to your regular size. Don’t size down here.
Related:
By the way, if you’re thinking about getting a pair of Bogs but aren’t sure about sizing (trust me, it can get tricky!), check out my Bogs sizing guide where I break down everything you need to know to get that brannperfect fit.
Widths and Fit: Skinny Feet vs. Wide Feet
LL Bean actually offers a solid range of widths: narrow, medium, and wide. So no worries there—you’ll probably find something that works.
But here’s a weird quirk: if you’ve got skinny feet and ankles, these boots might not be your jam because you’ll have extra space in the opening of the boot.
Even when you tighten the laces all the way, they can still feel loose. I’ve seen the laces come so close to overlapping before the boots actually feel snug.
On the other hand, if you’ve got wider feet or you’re a bigger guy in general, you’ll probably love the roomy fit. You’ll have plenty of lace room to adjust the tightness without feeling like the boots are trying to fall off your feet.
Try Before You Buy (If You Can)
If you’ve got an LL Bean store nearby, do this: bring socks. Like, all kinds—wool, cotton, synthetic. Then spend 15 minutes trying on a couple sizes. Walk around. Tie them tight. Move your toes.
Trust me, the staff there won’t mind. They’d rather you walk out with the right size than come back frustrated later.
So if you’re a size 12, start with an 11. Put on your warmest socks, lace them up, and go for a stroll through the store. You’ll get a way better idea of what works.
Still Unsure? Call Them
If you’re stuck between two sizes or just not sure what to do, give LL Bean’s customer service a ring. Seriously—they’re helpful, and they’ll guide you based on your usual shoe size and how you plan to wear the boots.
And hey, if things don’t work out, the good news is their return process is easy. No stress.
Overall, if you remember one thing, let it be this: Bean boots run large. Size down unless you know for a fact you’ll always wear them with thick socks.
And if you’re in between sizes, you’re in for a little trial and error, but you’ve got options. Just don’t go into it blind.
How do you feel about sizing down? Have you had to play the sock game to make boots fit better? Let me know—I’d love to hear your take on it.
How to Break in LL Bean Hiking Boots
View this post on Instagram
If you just picked up a pair of LL Bean hiking boots, don’t take them straight to the mountains. Even if they feel good out of the box, give them time to break in.
Now, how much break-in time do you actually need? That depends on the boot.
If you’ve got something sturdy and leather-heavy like the Cresta Hikers, expect to spend about four weeks getting your feet and your boots used to each other. A more lightweight boot might be ready to go the minute you lace it up. But either way, don’t skip this part.
And hey, if you’re unsure whether they actually fit right to begin with, I put together a full guide on how hiking boots should fit—definitely worth a look before you start the break-in process.
Now, here’s how I’d break them in:
Step 1: Start at Home
Start indoors. Wear the socks you plan to hike in. If you’re using insoles, put those in too. Walk around your house. Do chores. Go up and down the stairs. Keep them on for a few hours a day.
This step helps the leather start to mold to your feet, but more importantly, it helps you figure out if the fit is right. If your feet feel cramped or the heel slips like crazy, no amount of breaking in will fix that. That’s a sizing issue.
Also, when you’re hiking, ditch the cotton socks. Cotton traps sweat, gets soggy fast, and can wreck your feet. Go for wool or synthetic hiking socks.
Wear your boots around the house for a few days, even a week. If everything still feels solid, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Take a Walk Around the Block
Once your feet and boots feel good indoors, it’s time to hit the pavement. Keep it local—walk around your neighborhood or a flat trail nearby. The goal now is to see how the boots feel when your feet are actually moving and flexing.
Start with short walks. Add a little distance each day. Throw in a hill or two if you can. After a few days of that, you’ll know if you’re ready for a real hike.
If you start noticing pressure points, hot spots, or rubbing, stop and reassess. You might need to tweak your socks or insoles—or worst case, you’ve got the wrong size or boot style for your foot.
Step 3: Take Them to the Trail
Now it’s time to see what these boots are really made of.
Pick an easy trail to start. Don’t go for that steep 10-mile loop just yet. Start small, test out different terrain, and build up from there. Hike uphill, downhill, over rocks, through dirt. Let your boots learn what hiking with you actually feels like.
Planning to backpack? Start with a light pack. Then gradually add weight until you’re carrying your usual load. A heavy pack changes the way your boots feel, especially around your ankles and arches.
I’d give this phase at least a week—maybe two. Finish with a hike that’s similar in length and difficulty to the hikes you’ll be doing most often. That way, when you finally go on that big trip, you know your boots are ready.
How to Measure Your Feet for LL Bean Boots
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you want LL Bean boots that actually fit, you’ve got to start with the basics—measuring your feet. I know, sounds simple, but trust me, a lot of people skip this and end up waddling around in boots that feel like canoes.
So here’s what you should do…
Use a Brannock Device
Head to a real shoe store—something with a sit-and-fit area and a staff that actually knows what a boot is. Ask for a Brannock device and make sure you’re standing up when they measure you.
Full weight on both feet. You want the pressure of your body flattening your arch and spreading your foot out—because that’s what’s happening inside your boot.
Here’s what you’ll get from the Brannock:
- Heel-to-toe length
- Arch length (super underrated but huge for boot fit)
- Foot width
If you’re not hitting a store anytime soon, you can use the paper-and-pencil method at home, but a Brannock gives you a much clearer picture. And frankly, for LL Bean boots, where the sizing already throws people off, it’s worth getting it done right.
The Pen & Paper Method
- A piece of paper (big enough for your whole foot)
- A pen or pencil
- A ruler or tape measure
- The socks you plan to wear with the boots (important!)
Now, throw those socks on. If you’re buying unlined boots and planning on thick socks, wear those. If you’re getting lined boots, your everyday socks will do.
Trace Your Feet
Put the paper on a hard, flat surface. Hardwood floors are perfect. Stand on the paper with your full weight on your foot—don’t sit down or lean on something. You want the real shape of your foot, not the polite version it gives when you’re sitting.
Now, trace around your foot. Keep the pen vertical, not angled. It doesn’t have to be a Picasso—just follow the general outline.
Do this for both feet. Yeah, both. Most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other, and that’s the one you want to measure.
Measure the Length and Width
Take your ruler and measure the distance from the heel to the longest toe. That’s your foot length.
Then, measure the widest part of your foot—that’s your foot width.
Jot those numbers down in inches or centimeters (whichever you’re more comfortable with). If you measured in socks you actually wear with boots, you’re already one step ahead.
Check the LL Bean Boot Size Chart
Use your measurements to find your closest match.
Here’s the tricky part with LL Bean sizing: they don’t do half sizes. And their boots run big. If you’re between sizes, you’ll probably want to size down—especially in the unlined versions. So if you measure around a 9.5, you’ll likely want to go for an 8.
Oh—and keep in mind width. LL Bean boots come in narrow, medium, and wide. If your measurement is on the wider side, don’t be shy about choosing wide.
Double Check with Socks and Insoles
Still not sure? Try this little trick. Grab a pair of boots you already own that fit well, throw on the same socks, and compare how your measurements line up. If that good pair is a 9 and your tracing shows a 9.5, that tells you a lot.
And remember—there’s usually a little room in LL Bean boots. Some people even pop in an insole for better arch support or to take up space. So you’ve got some wiggle room if your size isn’t perfect.
Final Tip: If you’re ever in doubt, LL Bean’s customer service folks are awesome. Give them your measurements, sock plans, and what kind of boot you’re getting, and they’ll walk you through it.
A Quick History of LL Bean Boots
Back in 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean—yeah, the LL in LL Bean—had a problem. His feet kept getting wet while hunting in the Maine woods.
So he asked a local cobbler to stitch together a leather upper and a waterproof rubber bottom. That first prototype was the original Maine Hunting Shoe.
It wasn’t perfect—early versions had quality issues—but after a few tweaks, the boot took off. Hunters loved it. Outdoorsmen swore by it. Eventually, just about anyone who needed a tough, weatherproof boot jumped on board.
The crazy part? The design hasn’t really changed. The Bean Boot you buy today is still built the old-school way, but now you’ve got more options—lined, unlined, insulated, shearling, Gore-Tex… you name it.
Same boot. Same Maine roots. Just with a few modern upgrades.
LL Bean Boot Sizing FAQ
Do LL Bean boots run big or small?
LL Bean boots, especially the classic unlined versions, run big. The idea is that you’ll wear thick socks—or add insoles if needed—and still have room to move around.
If you go with your regular sneaker size, there’s a good chance your feet will be swimming in them. That’s why most people size down a full size.
If you’re normally a 10, start with a 9. If you’re a half size, it gets even trickier. LL Bean actually recommends sizing down 1.5 sizes in unlined boots. So if you’re a 9.5, try an 8.
On the other hand, the lined versions (like Thinsulate or shearling) don’t run quite as large. For those, most people stick to their regular boot size—or just size down a half step.
In short:
- Unlined LL Bean Boots→ size down 1 full size (or 1.5 if you’re a half size)
- Lined LL bean Boots→ true to size or down a half size
Does boot size matter?
Absolutely—boot size definitely matters. If your boots are too big, your heel will slip, your toes will slide, and you’ll end up with blisters or sore feet. Too small, and you’ll feel cramped, especially with thicker socks. And let’s be real, nobody wants to spend their day adjusting their boots or thinking about their feet.
What is the boot size rule?
The boot size rule is pretty simple: always aim for a snug, secure fit—especially in the heel—with just enough room to wiggle your toes. A lot of boots actually do run large, and in those cases, people often have to size down instead of sizing up. It really depends on the brand and the style, but in many cases, if you’re finding that boots are too roomy, you might need to go half a size or even a full size smaller than your regular shoe size.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! LL Bean boots are a classic for a reason, but they usually run large—so sizing down is often the way to go. And if you’re in between sizes, it might take a little trial and error, but you’ve definitely got options.
If you’re still unsure, the LL Bean boot size chart is a great place to start. It lays things out clearly and gives you a solid idea of what to expect.
Just keep in mind that LL Bean sizing is a little different from what you might be used to—these boots are designed to leave some wiggle room for thick, cozy socks. But if you don’t want that roomy feel, going down a size will probably feel better.
And hey, if you’re still stuck, LL Bean’s customer service is super helpful. They’ve totally got your back.
What about you? Ever had to figure out your size with LL Bean boots—was it smooth sailing or a total guessing game? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it went!