Why Boots are the New Birkin Bag | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Boots are the New Birkin Bag

51
Why Boots are the New Birkin Bag

Birkin bags are stylish, but here in the state of Minnesota, boots are a necessity. Not only are their styles interesting, but so are their histories. 

L.L Bean’s Duck Boots

L.L. Bean’s boots have made a significant comeback to prepsters’ shoe collection. In 2012, sales escalated up to 500,000 pairs. Because of its outpouring amount of orders, Maine-based company L.L. Bean manages by creating a wait list as if it is the new Birkin Bag, hiring 100 new shoemaking employees, and operating their factory day and night to meet the escalated demand. The company’s manager said during his interview with NPR, “Back orders are building on us; the pressure is on. We’ve got some boots to make.”

I did some research: an online order of 10-inch duck boots may take up to three months to be delivered at your door. So, I scratched my plan to get a pair for myself since this is my last semester in college, and there is a strong chance that I get deported. Speed up, Mr. Bean.

The duck boots, which debuted in 1912, were originally marketed his new waterproof boot, Maine Hunting Shoes, through a mail order catalog. The company’s founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, who is remembered as the true New England outdoorsman, designed his own boots when his old boots couldn’t keep his feet dry while on a hunting trip.

One pair of these historic, preppy boots will now make a swanky statement for your shoe collection after bearing through grotesque waves of Uggs and Crocs for the last decade. Little did we know L.L. Bean got hip when they brought on a stylist who formerly worked at Ralph Lauren and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Visit llbean.com for more information on the products.

Hunter Boots

In 1856, two American entrepreneurs from the United States were looking for a suitable factory that would manufacture rubber overshoes and boots in Scotland and started the North British Rubber Company. 

Going through a rough first half of 20th century, the company experienced the rapid growth when the British War Office asked them to construct a sturdy boot for soldiers. During WWI alone, they manufactured approximately 1.2 million pairs to meet the Army’s demand. By the end of the WWII, due to the increased popularity among men, women, and children for boots to wear in wet weather, the company maintained persistent growth.

Bored yet?

It wasn’t until 2004 when Hunter boots became colorful, and started receiving attention to be considered as a fashion item with collaborated work with high-end shoe designers like Jimmy Choo or Rag&Bone. And in 2011, I finally purchased a pair of Hunter Wellington boots for myself. That’s right, ladies! I am the Kanye in this town! Ever since, with its practicality of keeping feet dry, these rubber rain boots urged us to splash in puddles!

Both L.L. Bean’s bean boots and Hunter’s wellingtons are now staples on college campuses more than 100 years after the brands were founded. They now come with a variety of linings, colors, and materials, but both evolved without changing much, reminding us that preppy style never goes wrong for us Greeks.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

69459
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

3503
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

7611
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments