Which Danner hiking boots are best?
Since the 1930s, Danner has been creating some of the most durable, high quality boots available. These boots are a favorite among long distance backpacker and casual day hike enthusiasts.
While the best Danner hiking boots aren’t necessarily the cheapest, they’re durable enough for rough terrain and offer good support. The Danner Mountain light hiking shoes are one of the top sellers because of their rugged durability and comfort on rough terrain.
What to know before you buy Danner hiking boots?
Use
Depending on the type of hike you’re doing, you may want to choose between different types of boots. Heavy duty backpacking boots offer good ankle support and durability, but aren’t necessarily ideal for light hikes. Lightweight trail running shoes provide flexibility and comfort, but don’t offer the ankle support needed for rugged trails.
Fit
Danner boots should provide a comfortable fit, without being overly constricting. They shouldn’t feel too loose either, as they can rub against your feet and cause blisters if worn incorrectly. Most Danner styles come in sizes that are true to their measurements, so you won’t have to worry about getting them sized down. And for the people with wide feet you can check out our article about the best hiking boots for wide feet.
What to look for in a quality pair of Danner hiking boots?
Comfort
Danner boots are made for comfort while walking on trails. The best Danner boots will include features, such as shock absorption heels, cushy foot beds, EVA midsoles, fiberglass shank, thick outsoles and air vents to keep feet cool and dry.
Material
Danner has always been committed to using high-grade material in the construction of its footwear. Depending on your preferences, you can find Danier shoes featuring a full-grain or suede upper, or a mixture of both. These types of material help to give them a classic look that can be used for both outdoor and casual settings.
Waterproof lining
A good pair of boots will protect your feet from the elements, whether they’re trekking through the woods or walking across a stream. Look for a pair of boots that has Gore-Tex or Danner Dry lining so that you can stay comfortable even if it rains.
If you don’t want a waterproof boot, there are a couple of Danner models that use a mesh lining for increased breathable properties.
Weight
A hiking boot can sometimes feel too heavy when trying to climb steep and difficult terrain. However, some of Danner’s more traditional styles are lighter than hikers might expect, but they more than compensate by providing superior protection and durability.
If weight is an important factor for you, then consider the Mountain 600 or some of Danner’s low‑crotch options.
Best Danner hiking boots
Danner Mountain Light Boots
You need to know: An extremely durable pair of boots that will be able to withstand years of use.
You’ll love the full grain leather upper with a retro look, which has a waterproof GORE-Tex liner to keep your feet dry miles after miles. Hikers will also enjoy the study Vibram® Kletterlift™ sole and fiberglass shanks for added support.
You should think about these boots for at least a few weeks before wearing them out in public.
Danner Mountain 600 Boot
These hiking boots are ideal for those who want durable water proofing without the extra weight.
You’ll enjoy the adaptive Vibram Fura sole grip both wet and dry surfaces easily, while the cushioned ortholite footbed makes your feet feel good on long hikes. The Mountain 600 is offered in a variety of materials and colors.
What you should consider: These boots may not last as long as others from Danner.
Form I Hiking Boot
What you need to know:
It’s a great crossover choice for people who want versatility.
You’ll love the Danner Dry lining because it offers reliable protection from the weather, and its combination of soft suede and abrasion-resistant nylon create a unique look. It has a short break-in time and a shoe-like feel so you can get out there right away.
Consider these things when buying hiking boots: Not the best option for hikers who have wide foot sizes.
Danner Men’s GORE-TEX Hiking Boot
Whether you’re working on your feet all day, or taking long hikes through the woods, these shoes are great for both. These shoes are worn by many customers for both activities; who claim that these shoes are super durable. That’s because they are built for comfort and quality, and are constructed of full-grain nubby leather, velvet-soft leather, and a GORE-TEX lining that provides them with resilience to water, abrasive, and allow them to breath. Additionally, these shoes have bevel laces that help prevent debris buildups, and give you superior traction no matter what the terrain may be. Once these shoes break in, many reviewers claim that they feel pretty comfortable, too.
Danner Women’s Adrika Hiker 5” Waterproof Hiking Boot
From heading into the city to grab a cup of coffee or taking a hike through the woods, these versatile shoes are both beautifully crafted and capable of handling rough terrain in both wet and drier conditions. They are built to give you solid footing, as well as having lightweight and supportive construction that allows them to easily slip on your feet. While the removable foot bed provides you with some cushioning and support, others say that these shoes aren’t their top choice for comfort. Otherwise, these are a pretty durable shoe for everyday use.
Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boot
This classic Danner boots is a style that‘s appeared in the 2014 film Wild and has been worn ever since the 1970s. Having comfort, durability, and style all in one, this boots is a great choice for outdoor exploration as well as for everyday wearing. Many buyers love the high-end feel of this boots, but do complain about how heavy they feel on their feet. This boots is made with one piece leather that keeps the tongue secured to keep out dirt and moisture. It also dries quickly and resists odor and dew, along with having a wider platform for added stability off-trail.
Danner hiking boots FAQ
Do Danner boots have a warranty
Every pair Danner hiking boot come with a one year warranty. This will cover all types of defect including craftmanship, stitching, lining, sole and heel. In addition to the warranty, Danner offer recrafting service on certain models that utilizes stitch down construction.
How should I break in my new Danner boots?
The best way to get used to wearing Danner boots is to just wear them around your house for a few weeks before going out into the woods. This will help minimize any potential blistering and hot spot issues when you’re actually out there walking.
How to care for your Danner boots?
Danner boots may be expensive, but they’ll last. You can easily care for the material and make them water resistant. Once every couple months we clean the boots, rub them down with a soft cloth, apply Dubbin shoe polish with a cloth to protect the material, and then finish off with a coat of Nikwak waterproofing. This odor eliminator works great too!
They also have a service they call “when you’ve worn your boots so far into the ground that you need new ones.”
Are Danner hiking Boots Worth The Cost?
Yes, I do believe that Danner boots are worth the price. However, there is a wide range of prices depending on what type of boot you choose and how much you intend to wear them. I’m a huge fan of quality products and take good maintenance seriously, so if you’re willing to put in the effort, I’d say Danner boots are definitely worth the investment. Plus, I also feel strongly about supporting ethical and local businesses, so I’ll go into more detail about that later!
Are Danner hiking Boots An Ethical Company To Buy From?
If you’re anything like me then you probably check out businesses before buying from them. I like to make sure my cash goes towards an ethical enterprise that has a mission I agree with. The organization was started in 1932 by Charles Danne and has been Portland-primarily based for nearly ninety decades now. A lot of Danner shoes are still US-manufactured, so you may feel great about browsing local.
From a sustainable standpoint, Danner uses high‑grade materials to ensure their products will be built to withstand wear and tear for years to come, and they also offer repair services at their Portland store to help bring any worn shoes back to life.
Our Danner hiking boots review conclusion
They’re really nice, but their greatest feature is their ability to be used for so many different purposes.
They’re expensive, but if you want something special, then go for it. Let it be on gorgeous, classic, yet cutting edge, modern walking shoes. Like these Danner Lightweight Walking Shoes.
