Happy Patent Day to the Bean Boot

It's well known that the Bean Boot has a rich history. In 1912, Leon Leonwood Bean sold his first 100 pairs of Maine Hunting Shoes - 90 of which were returned when the bottoms and tops of the boots separated. L.L. of course sent refunds, corrected the problem and sent more mailers promoting his boot to sportsmen outside of Maine.

A lesser known fact is that eight years later, in 1920, a patent was filed for the Maine Hunting Shoes. And 100 years ago, on January 11, 1921, the patent for the iconic split-back stay was accepted. A second patent was accepted in April 1921 for the tongue and top reinforcement.

So today, an astounding 100 years later, we're wishing a Happy “Patent-iversary” to the Bean Boot!

For more on the beloved Bean Boot, read the origin story and check out our size guide on how to choose a pair to make your own.