Danner Boot Update

[Markfaz]

Ok all you Danner boot folks...after doing a lot of foot work on getting a new pair of boots, I've decided to go with the Danner's, based on everyone's recommendations here. Now I need to decide which one to get. I think I've narrowed it down to four models and any input you could give would be greatly appreciated.

A big concern is how much insulation they should have as they will be used for bird hunting which means Oct, but also they will be used on this year's Christmas bird hunt, so they have to have some insulation. Listed below are the models, boot height, and insulation levels. Let me know what you think. Also, what are your thoughts on the boot heighth??

Hawk, 8", 200 gram
Raptor, 8", 400 gram
Tacoma, 10", 400 gram
Cablela's Gore-Tex by Danner, 8", 200 gram

well...that's what I've narrowed it down to. Let me know if you think I should look at some other models. I know many of you use the Ft. Lewis', but I am looking more for a hunting specific boot and not necessarily a duty-type boot.

[This message has been edited by Markfaz (edited 11-21-2000).]

[StrutnSpur]

Mark,Very good choices! I would personaly go with the Hawk considering that I would just use them for bird hunting where I would be walking a lot, and with the durability and support of full Nubuck leather upper. I also like the lacing pattern on that boot and the time proved Danner upper design. I would stay with the triple stitched seams and the 8" uppers and the Danner Bob sole. I have owned a 400 gram boot that Danner makes for Cabela's called the Elk Hunter and found that boot not to hot for everyday use(walking,inside buildings,driving,Etc),but just right outside. I think you couldn't go wrong with either 200 or 400 gram insulation it all depends on you and only you will know what you will use them for. If you wanted to use them for some bow hunting or some in the winter too I would go with the 400 gram. I haven't seen the Tacoma boot,but I like the new Santiam with full leather upper and 400 gram insulation. That boot would be a very good boot also that you might consider. Good luck on your decision. You will like the durability,quality and comfort no matter which style you choose. P.S.Their boots take a little time to break in,because of the thicker leather,but they will get more comfortable every day and then they will mold to your feet and you will not even know your wearing them. Keep me informed on your decision..SnS

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"the finding and killing of the game is after all but part of the whole. The free,self-reliant,adventurous life,with its rugged and stalwart democracy;the wild surroundings,the grand beauty of the scenery,the chance to study the ways and habits of the woodland creatures-all these unite to give to...the hunter...peculiar charm.The chase is among the best of all national pastimes;it culivates that vigorous manliness for the lack of which in a nation,as in an individual,the possession of no other qualities can possibly atone."...Theodore Roosevelt

[This message has been edited by StrutnSpur (edited 11-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by StrutnSpur (edited 11-21-2000).]

[This message has been edited by StrutnSpur (edited 11-21-2000).]

[Fred Bear]

I bought a pair of danner ft lewis a few years back and I have never realy liked them. My feet get cold in them every time I wear them. I have wide feet and they are narrow in the toes so I think this may be part of the problem. To be honest my favorite pair of hunting boots are texas steers from K-mart. The soles wear out quick but heck you can get them for 50 bucks.

[nightstalker]

I have always had good luck with Texas Steers too . Also Sorel makes good warm , dry boots.

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In the wind he's still alive!! Fred Bear

[Eastern Yooper]

I'm going elk-hunting in Wyoming next year, and I was looking for (4) things in a boot: Lightweight; waterproof; warm; and ankle support.

I did ALOT of research/comparing and finally settled on a pair of Danner Kodiaks. They weigh less than 3 1/2 lbs; are made of cordura; and have 800 gr. of Thinsulate. Perhaps this would be a tad too warm for chasing birds, but I walked many, many miles in them hunting pats this fall and my feet didn't get excessively warm.

I've got nothing but praise for these boots, and they broke-in very nicely.

They don't give these boots away..... but you get what you pay for.

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VEGETARIAN: Indian word meaning 'Bad Hunter'

[Markfaz]

Is there a need for me to put anything on the leather uppers to help with the breaking in period?? Any suggestions?

[Mainspring]

Outstanding choice on the Danners. You won't be disappointed. I'm sure you already know this, but I'll remind you anyway...make sure you size them with the sock set-up you're going to use while hunting (My personal favorite is a THIN pair of dress socks and a pair of medium weight wool). If you try to pile socks on for your December hunt, to the point that you can't move your toes, no amount of thinsulate will keep your feet warm. Remember too that this type of boot will not keep your feet warm if you sit for hours in a tree stand in December.

My suggestion on model is the Canadian. It's just like the Ft. Lewis, only brown with a Danner Bob sole, and you can (or used to be able to) pick from different insulation levels. I'd say that 200-400 grams is about right. Some may say that this boot is too heavy...well I wore my Ft. Lewis' on A LOT of humps in the Army, and they never bothered me.

Whatever model you go with, I'd stick with stich down soles. You can replace those (Danner will do it for a fee), whereas with the cement-on soles, you cannot. I assure you that the soles will go long before the uppers. I just had the soles replaced on my Ft. Lewis' 2 years ago...and I bought them in 1988.

On break in, I've had several pairs of Danners, and break in was never really a problem. The last pair I got, some stout hikers, did warm up the soles of my feet for the first couple of days, but not too bad, and not after the 3rd day. I think this was due more to the stiff sole, rather than the leather. Danner does, however, market a product called "Danner boot dressing", or words to that effect, but I think that's more for conditioning the leather, rather than actually doing anything to assist in breaking the boots in.

Ok, that's my long winded $.02.

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If you continue to think as you've always thought, you'll continue to get what you've always gotten...Is it enough? http://cgi.tripod.com/smilecwm/cgi-bin/s/ut1/mgwhore.gif

[StrutnSpur]

Mark,This is their care guide for their boots.
How to care for your boots.
Be carful near fire. Soles, midsoles, leathers and cements are very sensitive to heat-as sensitive as your own skin! Don't use any heat when drying boot.
If your boots are full grain cowhide, leather,apply Danner boot Dressing lightly but frequently to all upper leather to keep it in new condition. Using about one teaspoonful per boot,work the dressing into the leather with your bare hand,and wipe off any excess. Allow the boots to dry. Don't use any heat when drying the boots or applying boot dressing. Do not use Danner Boot Dressing on nubuc, split leather, suede or pigskin.
If your boots are made with nubuc, pigskin or suede leather, most dirt can be removed by dry brushing with a firm bristle brush. If this does not remove the dirt, brush while being rinsed under running luke warm water. If the pigskin is really dirty, brush and wash with a 1 to 15 dilution of Carbona Shampoo. After cleaning, apply Danner Boot Spray according to directions on the Danner Boot Spray can.
If your boots are made with Cordura nylon or other fabric outsoles, brush off dirt, wash the fabric with soap and water, allow to dry and apply Danner Boot Spray according to directions on the Danner Boot Spray can.
If your boots have a Gore-Tex waterproof lining, no other waterproofing should ever be needed. All lining seams are factory sealed. Clean the boots as described above and apply Danner Boot Dressing or Danner Boot Spray depending on the type of leather as outlined above.

I have some Danner Boot Dressing that I used one time on my boots, but I don't care if my boots look brand new so I haven't used any since. I just clean mine with the garden hose sprayer and maybe a little rubbing with my bare hand for the stubborn dirt and allow them to air dry and that works fine for me.
Them boots will be broke in within a week worth of wear with no need to use any treatment. When using socks for Gore-Tex boots you should not use cotton. You should use material that breathes like polypropalien(sp) or wool or a combo of the two. Cotton absorbs perspiration(sp)but the others wisk it away from your skin and out through the Gore-Tex material.
I think you should consider the 400 gram insulation with the stitchdown soles and triple stitched seams.Hope this helps you out and remember what I said before about buying them from a store or mail order, they are cheaper there than from the company ;)..SnS

[This message has been edited by StrutnSpur (edited 11-22-2000).]

[Markfaz]

thanks everyone...I am going out today to see if I can work any deals with a couple of the local stores. If not, I think Cabela's will be getting the business this weekend via mail order.

have a great holiday weekend everyone!!

[Markfaz]

ok everyone...thanks for all the input on the boots. I went with the Danner Raptors and ordered them from Cabelas. With shipping, I paid 230.00 for them and they would have been 262.00 if I bought them either from Danner directly or a local vendor here in Vegas.

I did see the great deals over at mvp.com, but they didn't have the boot I wanted to hunt with.

The boots came in today and they feel great on the feet!! I can hardly wait to take them out in the field.

Thanks again for all the advice!!

[Brock]

Read the post "Christmas Sale on Handgun Scopes, etc". I bought a pair of Rockey Bearclaw SCS & a pair of Danner Yellowstone's for $36 a pair. It cost me $50 a pair with shipping. But, thanks to Banditto's post I was able to get a incredible deal on boots.

[StrutnSpur]

Mark,
I know you will be happy with your new boots and they will make you happy for a long time to come. That was a very good choice and sounds like they are just what you wanted in a great quality boot. The only catch is you will now never buy another brand after buying a pair of Danner's. They are like a bad drug..LOL ;)

[Markfaz]

yeah...I'm sure you're right SnS!!