I finally wore out my trusty Merrell Wilderness boots and wanted a new pair of classic waffle stompers. Danner is the goto in making traditional Goodyear welted boots and from the pictures they looked just like what I was looking for. The price tag on these boots was high, so I wanted to do my research. I could find plenty of sites talking about how great they looked, but almost none about how they worked hiking. I’ve had two pairs of Danner casual shoes (Insulated Jag and 600 Chelsea) so I figured why not spend the money on a pair of Mountain Lights? I was worried as I couldn’t find any reviews of people actually using them on the trail. I mean they look amazing, but I didn’t want $430 dress boots. I shouldn’t have worried. These boots are amazing, they are even better made than the Merrell’s which had a decade of hard use before being replaced.
The first thing you notice about the Danner Mountain Light is that it is a well made beautiful boot. That is not to say it is all looks and no function. This boot is a beast! Dare I say, it is beauty and the beast. (OK, well I am laughing).
The Mountain Light is made from full grain leather with a Vibram sole and metal eyelets. It is stiff, your first 10 hikes you will be futzing with the laces trying to dial-in the perfect fit, then it will fit like a glove and you’ll never think about it again.
The boot does not have a toe cap, they sell a cap, but honestly unless you are always walking in wet snow I would not worry about it.
The Vibram sole provides grip on everything. From slickrock to snow it is sure footed. I mean is there a more iconic tread pattern than the Vibram waffle stomper? I think not.
The ankle support in these is superb. The overall cushion and long day comfort is really incomparable. I have put in some really long days in varied terrain without sore feet. I opted for the non GoreTex model as I wanted maximum breathability here in Moab.
Fit
I am a 45 in Scarpa and Sportiva, so how does that transfer to Danner? In my two Danner casual shoes I am a 10.5, in the Mountain Light I am a size 10. The people in Denver Danner store could not have been nicer and more helpful. I thought there is no way I’d go from a 45(11.5) to a 10, but they are the perfect fit. And while I did buy a little boot care kit, they did not push it on me at all. Good people those Denver Danner folks.
So what is the bottom line? These are amazing boots and you can take anywhere on any trail. If you had to own just one boot this could be it. These are real boots, made for a lifetime. Handmade in the USA with a warranty and totally rebuild-able. I was scared about shelling out that much money but I am incredibly glad I did.
How does it compare to a modern boot like the La Sportiva Tx ? They are different, that boot is super comfortable, light and very sneaker-like. I wouldn’t backpack in that boot, and it will last me a season or two at most. But it also is about 1/2 the cost. Different use cases. I also would hike in snow and wet with the Danner after I snow sealed it, but not the Sportiva with all its mesh. Both great boots, just different uses.
Danner says: https://www.danner.com/recraftable-boots/men-s-mountain-light-cascade.html
Retro One Piece Leather Upper Our one-piece leather design eliminates openings in the tongue area to help keep out debris and water. It also creates a simple finish with minimal seams.
Dri-Lex® Ideal for warm-to-hot weather conditions, Dri-Lex provides excellent vapor transport, is extremely quick drying, resists odor and mildew, and is completely breathable.
Vibram® Kletterlift Outsole Specifically designed for comfort and durability; the heel provides superb shock absorption and the rubber compound guarantees great traction and stability on both wet and dry surfaces.
Stitchdown Construction Handcrafted to provide a wider platform, our legendary stitchdown construction offers increased stability underfoot. Many of our stitchdown boots can be recrafted.