Verdict from 8 experts and 100+ user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- The good craftsmanship behind these Danner Light boots impressed hordes of owners.
- Several wearers reported about its versatility. Aside from wearing it during outdoor adventures, they also used it for casual and day-to-day activities.
- Numerous outdoor-loving individuals were enthralled by the dependable traction of the boot’s outsole.
- A couple of hikers took notice of the waterproof upper of this reintroduced classic model from Danner.
- Some hikers who were more than satisfied with the overall features of the boots decided to buy multiple pairs.
- To a handful of owners, the Danner Light boots were a worthy investment.
- A few individuals shared that the gear didn’t require any breaking in.
- A little number of wearers found the leather and nylon upper as a power combo in terms of durability.
2 reasons not to buy
- The Danner Light boots were too narrow according to a couple of wearers.
- An expert reviewer warned potential buyers that it is a little heavy.
Bottom line
The classic-inspired Danner Light has plenty of good attributes but still fell short on a few things. Earning the highest praise is the excellent craftsmanship that’s evident in this hiker. Its traction, waterproofness, and comfort straight out of the box made it a dependable everyday boot.
However, despite the generally favorable reviews it gained, this Danner product still needs improvement in the width department. Most complaints hover around the narrowness of the gear. This issue aside, Danner Light has the elements for meeting the on-trail demands of potential buyers.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
Good to know
- Danner Light is a reintroduced version of the classic boot sold in 1979. While it has kept a few attributes identical to the original model, it is updated with technologies apt for the demands of today’s rugged trails.
- The built-by-hand boot has a full grain leather upper combined either by 1000 denier nylon panels or Cordura. Gore-Tex lined models are waterproof, while Dri-Lex lined ones are moisture-wicking.
- It features a stitchdown construction inspired by the classic model. Apart from providing a wider platform, this construction type helps create steadiness. This method also allows for Danner Light’s Vibram Kletterlift outsole, that offers traction on different terrains, a chance to be recrafted.
The Light is the classic hiking boot model from Danner. The men’s boot is 6-inches while the women’s model is 5-inches high. It runs a little long, so Danner recommends going half size down to get the best fit. It is offered in whole and half sizes. It also comes in EE width for men and regular width for women. Its standard lace-up closure allows for a customized and secure fit.
All Danner Light men’s boots are built on the 650 EE last. This last is made for people with low foot volume. It has a characteristically slender profile and a narrow fit. The boot will hug the foot snugly out of the box but could stretch for 3-5% once broken in.
Meanwhile, all of the women’s versions are built from the 650 M last which delivers a women’s specific fit. Based on the 650 last, it offers ample room in the toe box while still having enough stability and support.
Danner Light features a Vibram Kletterlift outsole. This sole, made of various compounds, features the iconic Carrarmato lugs of Vibram. It is identified by the multiple hexagonal lugs for sensitiveness and grip. There are also mud clearing channels for when hikers tackle wet grounds. The heel provides shock absorption.
A fiberglass shank supports the Danner Light. This structure provides resilience to the boots, especially when tackling rugged grounds.
As it is built on the 650 last and its variations, the Light is also designed to be used with the Airthotic. This half-length molded polyurethane instep offers extra support. It works by cupping the heel and supporting the arch of the foot. It is characteristically more rigid than a foam footbed. It also gives a raised arch support and is perforated to promote better air circulation.
Reintroducing a classic shoe, Danner also sought out leathers which are similar to the ones used on the original model released in the 70s. Both men and women’s versions come in four options: Khaki, Black, Cascade, and Cedar Brown. While all of the women’s models come with full-grain leather and 1000 denier nylon, only three of the men’s versions share the same upper material. The Cedar Brown option for men comes with a full-grain leather and Cordura upper. Nonetheless, both are combinations of leather and heavy-duty nylon fabric that make a durable upper.
A Gore-Tex lining on the three options, except the Cascade, also makes the upper breathable and waterproof. This liner keeps water from getting in while moisture and sweat are allowed to get out.
While it’s Sienna Cache leather upper that gives subtle color variations make it noticeable, it is the Cascade’s waterproof lining that sets it apart from the other options. It uses the Dri-Lex, a multi-zone lining system that wicks moisture away. It keeps the boot dry while resisting odor and mildew. Because it is breathable, it is an ideal material to use for boots made for hot weather adventures.
- An updated version, Danner Light II is also available.
- This boot is eligible for the brand’s recrafting services which include part replacement, leather care, and restitching.
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