More Stuff That Doesn’t Suck

I’ve had these LL Bean 3-in-1 Gore-Tex mittens for 3 years now. I use them for anything except handling firewood when outside. They have a lighter glove liner that come out of the mitten and is sufficient for just throwing snowballs or general light use. For snow plowing and shoveling I wear the liner and the mitten and my hands do not feel any cold at all. Also, though the glove will get wet from melting snow, it does not penetrate the glove at all. The wrist strap is nice to make sure the mittens don’t slide off my hands and the long gauntlet easily stretches down over my wrists and keep snow from getting inside the mitten. Aside from making sure that they don’t get lost between seasons, I don’t treat them particularly kindly- though I don’t abuse them either. They are pricey, but assuming I don’t lose them they will be the last mitten I ever wear.

I was never a fan of Georgia Boot because I thought they looked like snazzy, mass produced work boots and I, therefore, assumed they were completely non-functional and cheap. I purchased a pair similar to these this summer last (my G8182 model doesn’t appear to be made anymore). I decided to give them a try on the recommendation of the shop owner whom said this particular boot was extremely popular. Plus, it was all they had in a size 15.

They have proven my assumptions regarding Georgia Boot completely wrong.

First, the boot is the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. I’ve been living in them this Winter and my feet do not hurt or feel tired even after wearing them for 12+ hours straight. Second, the boot is extremely rugged. The leather is very thick and I’ve worn them in snow, while stacking and chopping firewood, for mowing the lawn, taking hikes in the woods and pretty much any other kind of work around the house. Other than the usual “breaking in,” they’ve absorbed all the use without a problem. Third, the boot is warm. My feet haven’t felt cold while snow shoveling or playing with the kids in the snow. That includes trudging through 3-foot deep snow as well. Further, water does not penetrate the boot, even at the tongue which is webbed all the way up to the top of the boot. Fourth, the tread is very aggressive so the boot affords plenty of traction.

I can’t say these will be the last pair of boots I own because I know even these will eventually succumb. That said, I suspect it will be a long while before they do so and when they do finally go, I’ll be going right back to Georgia Boot for whatever their closest model to these are.

Basically, I have nothing negative to say about either of these items. Both have been put through their paces, especially this Winter, and both have easily been up to the task.