I’ve tested more hiking boots than I can count, and most have left me with painful hotspots and regret halfway through a hike. That’s why I was skeptical when I first slipped on the Danner Mountain 600 EVO.
But after a five-mile hike straight out of the box—without a single blister—I knew they were something special. Since then, I’ve taken these boots everywhere: hiking in Texas, climbing Mount Baldy in California, trekking through Nepal’s rugged trails, and exploring the North Cascades in Washington. Every adventure has further solidified my loyalty to them.
Comfort and fit
I can’t overstate how comfortable these boots are—unlike most hiking boots, which require a painful break-in period, these were perfect right away. The padding is comfortable, and they run true to size, though I always order half a size up for hiking shoes to account for my feet swelling on trails. Paired with my Injinji wool toe socks, these boots felt made for me.
One small gripe? The round laces. They tend to come undone easily, so I recommend swapping them out for flat laces (Danner includes a pair, but I lost mine early on). I also found that once they got soaked, they took a long time to dry—something to consider for multi-day treks in wet conditions.
Performance and durability
What stood out immediately was the Vibram Megagrip outsole’s traction. These boots held steady on wet rocks, steep inclines, and loose gravel. I tested them on a two-week trek to Everest Basecamp, hiking through mud, snow, and river crossings, and the waterproofing held up well. The only time my feet got wet was during a river crossing above ankle depth—which no boot could prevent.
At two pounds per pair, they’re heavier than trail runners, but they offer better ankle stability and warmth without feeling overly stiff. The flexibility in the forefoot makes them feel more agile than traditional backpacking boots, making them a great option for mixed terrain.
After six months of use, the Leather Working Group gold-certified leather (which means it’s socially and eco-consciously made) developed a nice patina, but the outsoles still looked nearly new. The EVA midsole cushioning has held up surprisingly well, and there are no major signs of wear on the stitching or waterproof membrane.
Flexibility and versatility
I typically prefer trail runners, but these boots are my go-to for hikes with heavy packs, high altitudes, or unpredictable weather. They provide extra support and warmth without sacrificing comfort. They’re not as flexible as a trail runner, but they strike a sweet spot—stiff enough for ankle support yet flexible enough for long-distance comfort. These are a perfect middle ground if you want more protection than a low-cut hiker, but don’t need a stiff mountaineering boot.
Final verdict:
I’ve tried plenty of hiking boots, but these are the only ones I truly swear by. They’re durable, comfortable, and versatile enough for everything from weekend hikes to serious treks. If you’re looking for your first serious hiking boot, I’d recommend these. They’re ideal for long treks, rugged terrain, and hikers who need ankle support. Thanks to their durability and comfort, I even found them great for multi-day hikes. However, because of the waterproofing, they’re not the most breathable option for extremely hot-weather hikes.
These boots do sit in a higher price range than other hiking shoes, but they’re built to last. With durable materials, solid construction, and Danner’s recrafting services, they’re a long-term investment. If you hike regularly, the cost is well worth it for the comfort, traction, and reliability they provide.
