Danner Radical 45 GTX

Review Date
October 23, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: wdharris(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $135.00 at Danner online

Summary:
I just finished my first real hike with these boots, 25 miles in the Smokies in bad weather, and they worked flawlessly. They kept my feet dry and the soles were sturdy enough to handle a reasonable load. The stitch-down soles give me confidence that they will not come apart while I'm in the middle of nowhere. They are everything that I need in a lightweight boot. If you want to nitpick a little; the lugs in the soles are shallow, probably to keep the weight down, and these boots seem to be cut somewhat small so order a half size larger than normal. Break-in took longer for me than other reviewers, I would say 25 to 30 miles. It was worth the trouble, I love 'em.

Customer Service:
I had to exchange for a larger size. Quick return shipment, no problem except that they did not return emails.

Similar Products Used:
LL Bean/Timberline

Review Date
July 5, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Randy Simmons(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Fenton, Michigan

Price Paid:  $119.00 at Cabelas

Summary:
Purchased them at Cabelas and so far they feel great. I was not going to buy a Danner product for the simple reason they have all but left the states. When I noticed they are stictched as well as bonded, I could not resist buying them because they felt so good on my feet. They have a "strong built" feel to them as well as light weight. A thumbs up so far.

Customer Service:
excellent

Review Date
September 16, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: MilesBFree(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Danner

Summary:
These may be the Holy Grail of hiking boots - sturdy enough to take almost anything you don't need a mountaineering boot for, but reasonably light, flexible, and with a short break-in period.

Let's put it this way: I am considering buying another pair now for when I eventually need a new pair, and the current pair should last for years. They are that good.

Now with the lower price, they are a steal at about $120 - 130. I paid $200 a few years ago, and even at that price I thought they were worth it.

Customer Service:
Outstanding. I had to return the first pair I bought a few years ago, as the eyelets (metal) stretched. The new ones they sent me have an improved design and do not look like they will have the same i

Review Date
September 9, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: vantheman(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Green Bay

Price Paid:  $70.00 at Gander Mountain

Summary:
Comfortable boots when coupled up with good socks. Spent a weekend hiking through the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit. My boots are the camo version. These boots together with my new Bridgedale Trekker socks were heaven on my feet. My feet never even felt damp like they did when I had my older Dunham Hikers and thick hiking socks. My feet sweat like crazy and I just thought that it was something a person had to live with. Not So!! I'm not sure if its the socks or the boots or both, but nonetheless I am ecstatic with my purchases.

Similar Products Used:
Dunham Hikers

Review Date
July 25, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: H Mann(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Austin, TX, USA

Price Paid:  $110.00 at danner

Summary:
Surprisingly short break in period. Since this boot is trying to have it both ways (lightweight, comfortable AND rugged) don't expect the best of everything. Still, this comes as close as you're going to get. They are comfortable, they are lightweight, and they appear to be well built. Only time will tell with that.

Toe cap is a bit on the soft side. The soles on these look like they will be long wearing but the tread is best suited to the day hiker. Not a serious grip. Last in the back is nice and rigid. Of boots that attempt to fill this niche, I have no doubt these are the best. But again, that does NOT make them the world's best hiking boot period.

Keep in mind that I've got last year's model. The new Radical has a Vibram sole with a better tread, plus a new shank system called "Terra Force". Your mileage may differ.

Customer Service:
good guys

Similar Products Used:
Looked at Hi-Tec, Columbia, Land's End, LL Bean, EMS, REI