Danner’s boots boast popularity for their high design that blends in with town use while providing specs that can withstand outdoor activities. The brand’s boots are equipped with many innovative details such as Gore-Tex, leather materials, and Vibram soles. In this issue, we focus on Danner’s boots and introduce their appeal and recommended models!
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History of “Danner,” the proud American outdoor boot brand
Danner has its roots in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, USA, where Charles Danner started making inexpensive work boots with five craftsmen in 1932. In 1936, Danner moved his business to Portland, Oregon, where he and his two sons worked on the Pacific Northwest coast. In 1936, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he and his two sons sold shoes with studs on the soles to workers on the Pacific Coast of the Northwest. During and after World War II, the company became famous as a manufacturer of work shoes for lumberjacks.
In the 1960s, when John F. Kennedy became president, health consciousness increased in the U.S., and hiking and mountain climbing became major sports. In response, Danner changed its production line to handle not only work boots but also hiking boots. The first mountain boots, named “Elk Hunter,” were released. Soon after, the Elk Hunter was refined into the “Mountain Trail,” which was recognized by Backpacker Magazine as the best hiking boot from over a dozen companies. The Mountain Trail was the prototype for Danner’s current signature model, the “Mountain Lite,” and in 1979 the company succeeded in becoming the first in the world to use the waterproof, breathable material Gore-Tex. The following year, this model was commercialized and named the “Danner Lite,” and it remains synonymous with the completely waterproof boot to this day.
What are the five attractions of Danner’s boots?
Attractiveness of Danner’s boots (1) “The world’s first shoe to use Gore-Tex! Using materials suitable for outdoor activities to prevent water intrusion and steam”
The first thing that cannot be overlooked when talking about Danner boots is the existence of GORE-TEX. GORE-TEX is a fabric consisting of two or three layers, and is characterized by both waterproofness and breathability through the creation of numerous invisible fine holes. It is now used in outdoor gear such as mountain parkas and rainwear, as well as in sneakers, but at the time it was considered difficult to use as a material for shoe uppers. Danner was one of the first companies to recognize the potential of this material, and through joint development with WL Gore & Associates, became the first in the world to use Gore-Tex as a material for shoes. This was the ” Danner Lite,” launched in 1980. By using Gore-Tex® as the inner lining, the shoes can be worn even in the rain and snow. It is also useful in outdoor activities where the weather changes easily and there are many opportunities to get wet with dew or other water. In addition, GORE-TEX® not only prevents water from getting in, but also keeps the inside of the fabric comfortable and dry even when worn for long periods of time. Its high moisture permeability prevents the growth of bacteria that cause bad odors.
Attractiveness of Danner boots (2) “High-quality leather uppers finished by hand by craftsmen
Danner boots tend to focus on the functionality of Gore-Tex, but the quality of the leather upper is also superb. Danner does not use state-of-the-art automation equipment, but instead produces all upper materials by hand using the skilled techniques of its craftsmen. The leather used is subjected to high standards and is graded from 1 to 5 based on rigorous quality tests. Naturally, any defects, wrinkles, or other cosmetic defects are eliminated, and only perfect leathers that have passed tests for durability, strength, flexibility, and water resistance are carefully selected. Craftsmen cut the leather by hand and sew it using a sewing machine. The fine designs and curves create a fit that only hand stitching can achieve.
Appeal of Danner boots (3) “Stylish design that can be incorporated into everyday coordinates
Danner is famous for its outdoor boots and trekking shoes, but the quintessence of the brand is the design that allows these items to be worn for town use. While the silhouette has a strong presence typical of outdoor shoes, the design that makes the most of the materials used is somewhat urban, making them useful not only for rough coordination with a T-shirt and jeans, but also as a piece that adds a sense of weight to military style outfits.
Appeal of Danner’s boots (4) “Stitchdown manufacturing method for comfort
Danner’s craftsmanship is most evident in the process of joining the upper and sole. The brand’s boots are sewn using the “stitchdown method. The stitchdown method involves turning the edge of the upper outward and sewing it all the way out, as if it were attached to the front side of the sole. Danner finishes the process with as many as 253 manual operations. The lightweight, flexible, and comfortable fit is the result of precise craftsmanship.
Appeal of Danner’s boots (5) “Vibram sole with toughness and excellent grip
Vibram soles are now one of the representative soles for outdoor boots, but in 1952, they were not used in any shoes in the United States. However, Danner recognized the performance of Vibram soles early on, and was the first in the U.S. to import and use soles from Italy. The Vibram sole, which features the ” Vibram ” logo in the center, is both durable and grippy. The high-spec sole, which is resistant to difficult terrain such as gravel and mountain roads and prevents slipping even on rainy days, is truly suitable for Danner boots.
