Vintage hiking boots built to last
I think these are just about the most gorgeous vintage hiking boots I’ve ever laid eyes on. Good old fashioned hiking boots with style. Those red laces ……..
But do these boots perform? Are they worth the hefty price tag? Why should you buy these Danners over another premium (& less expensive!) brand? Or could these vintage hiking boots just be ….. the best light walking boots ever?
These vintage hiking boots are just beautiful full stop
These old fashioned hiking boots ooze quality and hand craftsmanship. Danner boots hail from Portland, Oregon and have been the mainstay of US hikers since the 60’s. Originally built for workers in the logging industry and the military – Danner boots are built to last. For years.
Let me talk you through these boots.
Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boot
These traditional style lightweight hiking boots are perfect for serious hikers, but equally are stylish enough to wear out & about casually. The boots are designed to absorb moisture with the Dri-Lex technical fabric interior, plus with their rapid drying qualities are ideal for hiking warm & hot countries.
Classic leather hiking boots – these Danners are made with unbelievably one piece of leather!
Not only are they an incredibly iconic style, these classic leather hiking boots have a one piece leather design, particularly around the tongue helps reduce water or dirt intake.
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ADD MORE SPACE TO YOUR CAMPER – READ OUR REVIEW
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Lightweight walking boots – with style!
Weighing 1190 grams they’re an easy boot to walk in, even for me 6 months post knee-op. Redundant since my skiing accident, my usual go to hiking boots have lain discarded at the back of the wardrobe, way too heavy for my still fairly feeble leg. After walking in trainers for the last 9 months, I wondered how my knee would handle these boots. Hiking a slice of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland in them, I was surprised at how light they actually felt.
Perfect stitching – lovingly handcrafted
The stitching is precise and symmetrical – a quality Danner are renowned for. You can tell (and feel!) the superiority of the workmanship is second to none. You can tell these babies were built to last.
Check out Danner boots being handcrafted at their factory here
Leather is easy to clean and once molded to your feet, will provide years of comfort. Invest in some boot protection products to maintain them. Danner also offer a recraftable service, meaning your boots can be re-stitched, or partly replaced to extend their life above and beyond the call of duty.
I just can’t stop admiring the red laces (!) but here you can also see the excellent sole grip the cascades have
The chrome boot loops remain true to the traditional hiking boot style, with two lacing hooks to pull to a snug fit. And I simply adore the bold, red flat laces – VERY stylish.
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After MEN’S walking boots?
Read the Danner Mountain Light II review here at Backpacker.com
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A heavy duty rubber compound, Vibram, makes up the sole, providing brilliant shock absorption and great traction and stability. I felt incredibly safe & confident striding along in wet and muddy conditions (a small miracle for my normal tentative gait whilst I’m testing out my new ligament.)
Classic leather hiking boots ready to tramp the wilds and back
I’ve only tested these boots on relatively short hikes in Ireland and Devon, so I can’t talk about how these boots perform on longer hikes. I imagine once the leather molds to your foot, hiking long distances in them would be easy. The leather is lovely and soft, not stiff and hard to break in. The shaft and upper ankle support is reinforced so it’s this that might take a few short hikes to soften up.
If you suffer with bunions or have wide feet, go on over & have a look at this hiking boot guide which compares the best of women’s wide hiking boots
Is the Danner mountain light cascade waterproof?
This particular style does not have gore tex liners therefore they are NOT waterproof. So while they make an excellent light walking boot, think about what kind of hiker you are before buying. Walking through rivers, or spending any time in a soggy, wet or snowy climate is not going to fare well. Make sure you treat the leather before using and they’ll serve you well on trails worldwide, walking the dog or a saunter down the pub.
I’ve had so many compliments whilst out hiking in these boots
Verdict: It’s hard not to fall in love with these boots. Beauty and durability rolled into one, it’s easy to imagine these trusty boots lasting a lifetime. I’m looking forward to conquering some summits with these beauties. And the price? Worth it for the sheer quality.
Danner Women’s Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boot – £290.00
www.danner.com
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