Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has revealed the most innovative version of its signature product: the Fenway Bean Boot. Made of upcycled Fenway Park tarp from the 2012 season, the one-of-a-kind boots will be made-to-order for a select number of lucky Red Sox fans who engage with L.L.Bean on Facebook and other channels.
The opportunity to win has already begun. When fans can visit Facebook.com/llbean to share their favorite Red Sox moment, they are entered for a chance to own a piece of baseball history. Submissions will be received through Sunday, October 20, 2013.
Company founder Leon Leonwood (“L.L.”) Bean believed in the reuse of materials long before the concept of “upcycling” came into vogue. The one-of-a-kind Bean Boots put the rain delay tarp that covered the Fenway Park infield in 2012 – the 100th anniversary year for both Fenway Park and L.L.Bean – to great use as the upper material of the weatherproof rubber soled boots.
“This project brings together two of L.L.’s favorite things: Bean Boots and baseball,” said Steve Fuller, Chief Marketing Officer for L.L.Bean. “As a season ticket holder, L.L. loved the Red Sox and he would be delighted to see the Fenway tarp put to use in a way that fans can enjoy.”
above: The LL Bean logo is at the center of the tarp that protects the field at Fenway Park during its 100th season.
above: The 100th anniversary L.L.Bean rain tarp photo via @mdanubio4 on Twitter.
Originally named the Maine Hunting Shoe, the popular Bean Boot has seen a variety of style changes since its introduction in 1912, all remaining true to the original and still handcrafted in Maine. Early versions had a red brick sole, reintroduced for the 100th anniversary of L.L.Bean, and today’s collection includes an assortment of styles for women and men such as waxed canvas and shearling-lined leather.
Each of the 100 limited-edition Fenway Bean Boots will be custom made for lucky recipients at L.L.Bean’s manufacturing facility in Brunswick, ME.
“These unique boots are just one of the many ways L.L.Bean has demonstrated their innovative spirit throughout our partnership,” said Troup Parkinson, Red Sox Senior Vice President. “From the 100th anniversary tote bags, to The One Fund Boston Tote, to these Fenway Bean Boots, they continue to highlight new ways of bringing our two New England brands closer.”
Last month, L.L.Bean announced a contribution of $114,000 to The One Fund Boston following the sale of 3,500 limited edition totes also made from the 2012 Fenway Park tarp (shown above). The One Fund Boston totes sold out in just over a day with 100% percent of profits benefitting the cause.
Share your favorite Fenway Park moment with L.L. Bean to enter to win one of 50 pairs of made-to-order Fenway Bean Boots, handcrafted from the 2012 100th anniversary Fenway rain tarp.
Find out more about the contest and learn how L.L.Bean upcycled the Fenway Park infield rain tarp here
Fifty winners will be selected at random and notified on October 21. Additional ways to win – including on campus at select Northeast colleges – will be announced. Follow @LLBean for more details.
*All contest entries are moderated and will appear in the gallery within 24 hours of submission*