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Danner Hiking Boots - bought Oboz
8/30/2011 4:24:48 PM
I am looking for a new pair of boots that have good arch support and comes in a wide width. Does anyone have any experience with either the 452 GTX or the ZigZag?
If they do not have good arch support is it easy to replace the insert?
Also, I've seen where the soles do not last in some reviews. Did they fix this?
Thanks in advance.
If they do not have good arch support is it easy to replace the insert?
Also, I've seen where the soles do not last in some reviews. Did they fix this?
Thanks in advance.
8/30/2011 4:50:40 PM
Let me add the 100% USA made Crater Rim model to the list. Those just came out this month so I doubt anyone has them yet.
8/30/2011 5:32:20 PM
I have worn the 452 before, actually have had two pairs of them. It's an ok boot but has two flaws... the top rim of the upper is unpadded and rubs on your ankle/leg pretty uncomfortably, especially before it gets broken in which will take a while. Second the sole cracked right at the ball of the foot, which from other comments I have read appears to be common. It did seem to wear quickly as well, the upside is that the softer tread material did have good traction on hard surfaces, in wet conditions, etc. I did not experience them to have very good arch support, which has become a bigger problem for me as time goes by.
The problem that you will likely run into is that "Danner" and "wide" do not go together. Danner fit is narrow and shallow; very tight around the forefoot, if your feet have arches or are "thick" you'll likely have a hard time with them. I have narrower than average feet and current Danners are still too narrow for me. The first pair that I had fit ok, but really took some significant break in. With the later pair that I got, it would appear that they changed the sizing or last, as they are now FAR too narrow for me to wear. I even exchanged them for wides and they were still too tight.... not enough horizontal or vertical space in the forefoot.
I did see where they have some new boots with a new last design, which would hopefully be an improvement. The ZigZag is one of those new designs with the new last that I haven't tried yet, the "Crater Rim" I don't see on their website.
The boot I thought about trying when they replaced the pair of 452s that the sole cracked on, was the "Workman". Despite the fabric panels on the 452 they aren't breathable, so might as well have full leather... and with a Vibram sole, and they're resoleable. And have cushion around the ankle... if they do another sale weekend maybe I'll order a pair in wide width and try them out.
The problem that you will likely run into is that "Danner" and "wide" do not go together. Danner fit is narrow and shallow; very tight around the forefoot, if your feet have arches or are "thick" you'll likely have a hard time with them. I have narrower than average feet and current Danners are still too narrow for me. The first pair that I had fit ok, but really took some significant break in. With the later pair that I got, it would appear that they changed the sizing or last, as they are now FAR too narrow for me to wear. I even exchanged them for wides and they were still too tight.... not enough horizontal or vertical space in the forefoot.
I did see where they have some new boots with a new last design, which would hopefully be an improvement. The ZigZag is one of those new designs with the new last that I haven't tried yet, the "Crater Rim" I don't see on their website.
The boot I thought about trying when they replaced the pair of 452s that the sole cracked on, was the "Workman". Despite the fabric panels on the 452 they aren't breathable, so might as well have full leather... and with a Vibram sole, and they're resoleable. And have cushion around the ankle... if they do another sale weekend maybe I'll order a pair in wide width and try them out.
8/30/2011 6:17:16 PM
Great feedback. Thank you. Thick and wide describes my foot pretty well. I'll keep looking.
The one pair of Merrel's I've had hurt my feet more than any shoe I've ever had.
I do have a pair of LaCross hunting boots that do OK and I know Danner owns that line, but hunting boots have a very different set of requirements.
The one pair of Merrel's I've had hurt my feet more than any shoe I've ever had.
I do have a pair of LaCross hunting boots that do OK and I know Danner owns that line, but hunting boots have a very different set of requirements.
8/31/2011 12:34:08 AM
Their description of the new last sounds like they are trying to offer an alternative due to the complaints about how narrow their other boots are... so might be worth a try on one of the new designs. They even have "Extra Wide" widths in some of the styles.
If you call Danner they can look up where their stocking dealers are, you might have one nearby where you could try on some boots.
The "Crater Rim" just looks like a renamed version of the Combat Hiker, which has plenty of less-than-enthusiastic reviews it seems.
If you call Danner they can look up where their stocking dealers are, you might have one nearby where you could try on some boots.
The "Crater Rim" just looks like a renamed version of the Combat Hiker, which has plenty of less-than-enthusiastic reviews it seems.
8/31/2011 7:22:26 PM
I have the Pronghorn GTX boots. I know they are hunting boots, but the quality and feel is incredible.
At least worth trying a pair of whatever shoe/boot you are looking at from Danner. Bought mine directly from them in Portland, and for what it's worth their customer care is absolutely top notch.
8/31/2011 7:57:39 PM
I tweeted danner about the soles. This is what they said
(@MissouriBob) has shared a Tweet with you:
"danner: @MissouriBob Check out the outsole on the Corvallis - http://t.co/ce0wnFO. The 452 sole works great on the trails, just not on concrete."
––http://twitter.com/danner/status/109032505021177856
(@MissouriBob) has shared a Tweet with you:
"danner: @MissouriBob Check out the outsole on the Corvallis - http://t.co/ce0wnFO. The 452 sole works great on the trails, just not on concrete."
––http://twitter.com/danner/status/109032505021177856
9/2/2011 12:03:02 PM
I just bought a pair of danner ICH combat boots and I love them. I wore them for a few days around the office then they got their true test when I wore them out on a fire. I hiked all over the hillside and my feet felt great at the end of 2 days. I could have never done that with my la sportivas or my whites. My feet would have been chewed up.
9/2/2011 5:44:52 PM
Ended up buying Oboz Wind River boots. Comfortable but I had to go up a full size. I do think I will wear them in the house this weekend and if they don't hurt my feet after several hours I will give them a nikwax treatment and try them out Monday when the weather is supposed to be MUCH cooler.
