I purchased my Danner Mountain Gentle climbing boots in 2016, in preparation for a visit. We have been taking our two younger boys to Iceland and had deliberate to do it up: discover cities, see pure wonders (learn: waterfalls) and do a ton of climbing.

Ideally, I wanted a pair of climbing boots that was waterproof…however one which wasn’t overly heavy or stiff or — fairly frankly — ugly, so I may additionally put on them for sightseeing. Danner boots had simply develop into pretty well-known because of the film “Wild,” and they’re so cute that I needed them with a ardour.

This submit has been simply been up to date for 2023. ‘Trigger guess what? We nonetheless love our Danners.

If You’re In A Hurry…The Finest Locations To Purchase Danner Climbing Boots:

My solely hesitation? They have been $360.

Yikes.

So. After a ton of analysis (and, frankly, ordering and rejecting a number of pairs of more-affordable climbing boots), I took the plunge. Now, seven years later…are these Danner climbing boots price the associated fee?

Fast Background: What To Know About Danner Climbing Boots

The Danner Firm was began in Portland, OR, in 1932 by a man who got down to make the very best logging boots ever. The corporate advanced through the years and now focuses on climbing and work boots.

The ladies’s climbing boots I’m carrying — Danner’s Mountain Gentle Hikers in Cascade — have been first launched within the Seventies and are nonetheless handmade in Portland. For the reason that ’70s, they’ve been up to date with a Vibram Ketterlift Outsole. This outsole is designed for consolation and stability, and supplies good traction on moist or dry surfaces (one thing I can personally attest to). Moreover, my Danners even have Dri-Lex waterproofing, which makes them waterproof…but nonetheless breathable.

These boots are a part of Danner’s re-crafting program. Which means my boots (even after the 365-day guarantee) can have elements changed, get restitched, and many others.,

Since Danners are handmade within the U.S. and may be re-crafted, The Mother Edit has included Danner on our Sustainable Model model record.

How Do Danner Boots Match?

The Danner Mountain Gentle climbing boots run massive. Even with thick climbing socks, I went down a half dimension. The toe field is good and roomy, so nothing pinches or rubs as I hike. When sized correctly, my foot is cosy within the boot (not slipping round), however my toes nonetheless have room to breathe.

The one small annoyance with Danner boots is that I sometimes must re-tie them at the very least as soon as on the path. If I don’t tie them tight sufficient to start with, they’ll slip out of the highest clasps (this occurs fairly rapidly — a positive signal I didn’t tie them correctly firstly)… However on the whole, after a few hours of climbing, I’ll finally discover that the laces have loosened up, and I’ll re-tie.

Are Danner Boots Snug?

My Danners are constructed from a thick leather-based that solely wanted a mild breaking-in. I used to be nervous in Iceland as a result of I had dithered over “which pair” for therefore lengthy, I didn’t have time to interrupt them in (rookie mistake). I wore them round the home for just a few days, after which we left for Iceland.

Our first hike was just below three miles round-trip, and I didn’t have a single subject with the boots. Actually not one. They have been snug, even when rained on, and have been good to go the subsequent day for one more hike. My ft have been glad the complete week in Iceland, regardless of the entire climbing.

Moreover, I’ve hiked in these Danners beneath the blazing solar in Moab, and thru humid East Coast summers — they weren’t overly scorching then, both. They’re heavier than the common on a regular basis shoe — just like a snow boot, however not as heavy as a pair of actually heat Sorel snow boots.

The ankle assist is nice, even in rock-scrambling conditions or over uneven, tricky-to-navigate terrain. Our hikes at the moment are sometimes 5 to eight miles lengthy (because the boys have gotten older, our hikes get longer).

I pack my Danners for each journey that includes climbing, realizing I can put on them even in conditions the place I don’t want stability or good traction.

Like, uh, leaving the lodge for espresso. 🙂

Are Danner Climbing Boots Waterproof?

I’ve totally examined the waterproofing of those climbing boots. And except that one time…YES. These boots are positively waterproof. The place have they been examined? Properly…my Danners and I’ve hiked within the rain dozens of occasions…

…meandered down creek beds, wandered into waterfall sprays, squelched by way of mud, stomped by way of puddles, waded alongside seashores, and missed that rock we have been leaping for just a few occasions.

After all, that one time we needed to cross a knee-deep river, and I ought to’ve simply taken the darn issues off. No boot goes to be waterproof when water fills in from the highest. Lesson realized.

Fortunately, they (principally) dried out rapidly — I needed to hike in them the very subsequent day.

Do Danner Climbing Boots Have First rate Traction?

I’ve squished by way of slimy mud, then balanced on a moss-covered log. I’ve hiked up slippery rocks subsequent to waterfalls and have gone canyoneering in my Danners. I’ve even worn them within the winter on icy streets (however haven’t but hiked on ice in them). That mentioned, I’ve been actually, actually impressed. The underside is as grippy as marketed.

How Have My Danner Boots Held Up Over The Years?

Properly…seven years later, and my ardour for these Danner climbing boots is undimmed. Not solely is the assist simply pretty much as good (particularly across the ankle, the place I actually need it), however the traction can also be rock stable. And I’m nonetheless getting compliments on these boots, which is saying one thing. Whereas I’ve made positive to dry them utterly earlier than placing them away…and I all the time retailer them in my closet (quite than the moldy basement), I actually haven’t carried out something particular to maintain these boots wanting good. Granted, these boots now have a worn-in look and some scuffs, however they’re even softer now, and the colour has pale right into a very nice mellow tan.

I like them.

As a degree of comparability, right here’s a photograph of the boots from one in every of our first hikes in Iceland…and a random photograph from a newer weekend. I had simply stepped in a puddle, so that they’re nonetheless moist.

I hold that means to select up a few of Obaneuf’s Heavy Responsibility Leather-based conditioner (I’ve heard good issues about it), however….simply…haven’t but.

Can You Critically Put on Danner Climbing Boots Sightseeing?

Ohhhhh, yeah. These boots, along with their sturdiness and stability and longevity and waterproofing and luxury…they cute too. Actually “sooo cuuuuute” is the discriminating issue of the Danner climbing boots, the unique cause for my ardour, and one of many essential causes I like them nonetheless.

Whether or not I’m simply strolling round exploring a quaint little city or, uh, lively sightseeing — the type that would embody climbing six dozen steps in Ecuador, for instance…

…these boots are good. So good, in truth, that I regularly put on them round Philly. We love climbing within the Wissahickon after which heading out for a beer…

…and different tacky fall actions. *cough*pumpkinpatch*cough

And, sure, I have worn these boots with fake fur. Why?

As a result of I can.

Now that’s versatility.

Backside Line: Danner Climbing Boots Are TOTALLY WORTH IT

Sturdy, snug, so very cute…I don’t assume another shoe may exchange my Danner climbing boots.

The Finest Locations To Purchase Danner Climbing Boots:

Backcountry – That is the place I purchased my Danner boots.

Zappos – The quick (and free) delivery is nice. Mike acquired his Danners right here.

Amazon – Clearly. These ship proper from Danner itself.

That’s it! In the event you guys have another questions on my Danner climbing boots, let me know, and I’ll do my finest to reply.

xo,

S

And, now, for the pinners…