thank you for mentioning the snow sneakers! actually, my feet (especially one particular foot) gets quite uncomfortable/painful at times. i have not tried on the snow sneakers, but the pathfinder's where simply heavenly for my feet -- absolutely no pain or discomfort, and on a day when my feet were 'screaming' at me.
I was brought up to take my shoes off as soon as I get into the house. I still do that. Love going barefoot.
If you are looking at LL Bean for a pair of shoe boots, please try out the "Snow Sneakers". I bought a pair about 6 years ago, and I practically live in there during the winter. I go the ankle high shoe-boots. They are awesome!! Warm, snow proof, comfortable....when I bought them, the salesperson was raving about them. They really grip well also....Great investment. I have only had to replace the laces.. When these wear out, I will definitely replace them with a new pair of the same.
Only thing, it is kind of a pain to lace them just before I go out, and come in, so I put a small chair and a rug at the door--I hate having the sand and ice melt in the house.
oh no! LL Bean has a lifetime guarantee on all the items they sell, online or in-store. as long as you have your receipt, you'll never need to buy a replacement...just bring your receipt and the item to the store and you'll be given a replacement at no cost -- and a new receipt, so if that replacement item wears out or such, you just go get another replacement. that's the thing about Bean, they stand behind their items.
i had a pair of Bean slippers -- warmest and most comfortable slippers ever, that the sherpa lining wore down/through on them. i just brought them in (with my receipt) and got a replacement pair (with new receipt) earlier this summer. they gave me a gift card with the $4.15 difference in price on it too -- the price i bought the original pair at vs the current price.
LL Bean is a company that has 'integrity'. and yes, it really is a great investment, buying items from Bean.
i plan on buying a backpack and a pair of Bean Boots this fall, and will use the gift card towards this purchase. next spring, i'll buy the Pathfinder's.