I purchased an expensive pair of Danner boots in January of 2002. Wore them daily but they did not stand up. I will never buy another pair of Danner boots. The sole broke and sidewall sewing was coming apart. In addition, the boots made my feet sweat. Obviously, Danner's quality is slipping. Danner's and Scheels, the store where I purchased the shoes, were fair and provided me with reimbursement.

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I have had three pairs of these boots. The first purchsed in 1985. I only used my first pair for camping, which lasted until 1999 when I started using them everyday for work. The second and third pair I wear everyday for work. I am a plumber and although I do not carry a backpack, I would bet I put these boots through more extreme use every day than any hiker. (been there too and I did use the first pair for their intended use) The boots I have now are subjected to all sorts of terrain, water, mud, and weather every day. I have worn out the second pair in just a year and a half, which is great considering the abuse these boots must take. The gore-tex bootie finally gave way along with the soles and I am going to send them in to be rebuilt. (I do not think most other manufactures offer this option) The third pair are going strong. These boots are excellent in every way. I have knee problems and I need a lot of cushion. They are the only boots I have used (I have tried several) that have enough cushion to use without adding inserts. The sole of the shoe is wider than most, which makes for a much greater stability than other boots. The midsoles are strong enough to handle hard pounding on rocks and other things you might jump on or land on to protect the middle of your foot. I like the five inch height of the boot simply because I feel that anything over six inches in height is restrictive. If you have very weak ankles, I would suggest a taller boot which Danner makes. If I could find a better boot, I would buy it. They are also made in the U.S.A. which I find are among the highest quality boots made.

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I purchased these boots about five years ago and was relatively pleased. Ive been on alot of long backpacking trips ranging from the Tetons, Abasoroka Beartooth wilderness area, and numerous ones here in Colorado. The boots are alright for shorter trips ,and I do not recommend them for any long journeys on uneven terrain. I have experienced pain from these boots with the lack of padding and feel they are not cut high enough for a midweight boot. There also has been a little stitching problem Ive had with the back of the boot riping out but easily fixable. I recently resloed these ,and retired them to work boots. I was relatively pleased with the use I got out of them ,but would never purchase another one of there boots for backpacking.

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Scarpa the absolute bomb in construction and fit.
Rachile very fist boot every owned and exceptional quality for the price.

First pair: left toe box 1/2" shorter than other right toe box, causing flexpoint at front of boot to be different. Outdoor World took this pair back, no problem, and promptly put them right back on the shelves, even after I told them Danner Customer Service said this was a defect. Second pair: lip at back of boot, where boot meets achilles tendon, sewed very tightly -- felt like a piece of wire against my ankle, and bruised achilles tendon. Wore these boots outside and Outdoor World took them back (better have after causing me pain). The boots seem well constructed, but are very heavy, and hard Vibram sole is no good on any type of slippery surface. The soles can be replaced easily enough, but if Gore-Tex wears out after 3 yrs or so, what't the point?

Customer Service

Danner Customer Service seemed nice.

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Vasque Sundowner -- too bad they moved factory to China, the China made boots are not half the boot the ones made in Italy were.

So far, the most comfortable boot i've ever owned. From day one, the soft leather conformed to my wide feet perfectly with no hot spots. I did get the EE size though. Mine came with Airthotic inserts, and after trying various different insoles including Superfeet, I returned to the basic boot with the Airthotic. It was just the most comfortable the way they were, no need for any fancy insole. I originally wanted the lighter Vasque Sundowner, but after seeing the Chinese made versions (not up to the standards of the original) I gladly paid the weight penalty of the Danners for the craftmanship and comfort. This will not be my last pair of Danners!

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Salomon Authentic 6 (great boots also)

I bought my boots when I was 18 years old. I am 38 now and I am still wearing these boots! They are on thier 3rd set of soles and are relegated to yardwork and the like. I have worn these boots through every type of weather and distance. If anyone can tell me where to look for another pair at a decent price, let me know I'm ready for pair #2.

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I used to work for a company who sold Danner police boots so I got a great deal on them. Super heavy duty boot with great traction. I would definately invest in a good pair of insoles, they don't come with them. These boots are also very heavy compared to others I use. The are not very compfortable on day hikes but held up very well on Mt. Shastas rougher terrain. The metal eyelets have started to rust a bit but it hasn't evected the leather.

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I have had the mtn light boot for about 10 years now. It is extremely well built and comfortable; however, It has no insole, could be higher over the ankle, and is slightly heavier than my other boots. My feet have stayed dry in these gore-tex boots.

Customer Service

When new, the shank came loose, giving a clicking sound at every step. Danner repaired the boot without any difficulty. Danner also sent me a free pair of airthotics for these boots.

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These were the first pair of REAL haiking boots I ever recieved. The were simple. No buzzers or whistles. Just sturdy and good for supporting you under a heavy pack. I would still have them today if aMy brother hadn't commandeered them. He liked them too. Break in time as pretty reasonable too.

I'm on the second set of tread on my Danner Lights. These are the most comfortable medium weight trail and cross counrty boot I've ever used. They were easy to break-in and have felt like slippers ever since. They're reasonably waterproof, particularly if you give them a good coat of Snowseal once in a while.

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Merrell