76 March/April 2021
11
Outdoor
StuffCOURTESYBOGS;^ COURTESY^ L.L.^BEAN;^ COURTESY^ DUNLOPEDITORS’ CHOICE
BOGS CLASSIC ULTRA HIGHPrice: $135 | Height: Ta l l | Weight per
boot: 1 lb. 13.7 oz. | Upper: Neoprene
and rubberFarm chores and other dirty jobs call
for work boots with easy-to-clean,
waterproof rubber—not water-
resistant leather. Enter the Classic
Ultra. We found a comfortable plat-
form in the spongy yet stable midsole
and excellent arch support, a rarity
within the category. Where other
boots slipped on loose grain and hay,
the Classic Ultra didn’t falter. Despite
topping out as the heaviest boot in the
test, its weight felt less bothersome
on our foot. Just be aware: The Classic
Ultra runs small. Buy one size up.After vetting 27 rubber boots
based on construction, cost,
style, and features, we tested
several pairs in early winter.
Recent rain and snow showers
had made for fertile testing
conditions, but we started with
head-to-head comparisons of
waterproofing and cleanability.- To confirm that they are as
waterproof as the manufactur-
ers claim, we put the boots in a
small pool filled with 3.5 inches
of water and potting soil for one
hour. Then, we checked to see
if any sludge managed to get in.
That only happened with the
L.L. Bean Boot. - We then hosed down the muck-
covered boots to determine how
easy they are to clean, should you
need to do the same. Slip-on de-
signs with moderately aggressive
outsoles, like the Muck and Bogs
models, did the best. - Finally, our test editors wore
them in backyards, on trails,
around farms, in creeks, and on
sidewalks to gauge traction and
overall comfort.
Read deeper reviews of the
boots you see here, as well as
other top performers, at
popularmechanics.com.HOW WE TESTED
BEST VALUE
DUNLOP CHESAPEAKEPrice: $20 | Height: Mid | Weight
per boot: 1 lb. 10.2 oz. | Upper:
PVCThe uninsulated Chesapeake is a
reliable pick for warmer days or
anyone on a tight budget. The PVC
upper is lighter than rubber but
just as impenetrable. The aggres-
sively lugged outsole found good
traction but occasionally trapped
twigs and pebbles. The boot’s
most eye-catching stat is its low
price. The trade-off? No shock-
absorbing midsole or rigid heel cup
to prevent twisting an ankle. The
“unisex” fit isn’t perfect either; we
recommend men go one size down
and women go three sizes down.BEST DUCK BOOT
L.L. BEAN BOOT 8-INCH
Price: $139 | Height: Mid | Weight per boot: 1 lb.
3.2 oz. | Upper: Full-grain leather and rubber
Perhaps no shoe has more staying power than
L.L. Bean’s original duck boot, which the brand
first made in 1912. Today, the Maine company
offers it in several heights and styles, but we like
the flexibility of the uninsulated eight-inch boot,
which is roomy enough to pair with a chunky sock
in cold weather. The regular lacing is distinct in a
good way. Yes, it’s more time-consuming to put
on but worth it for a dialed-in fit. The leather por-
tion on the upper is more breathable than rubber
or neoprene, though not waterproof, and harder
to clean. But for light-duty use, the L.L. Bean Boot
is a great blend of protection and style.