More Information
 On: 2008-05-28
I purchased these boots about 9 months ago to replace 13 year old Vasque Sundowners. Needless to say, I was used to a "slipper" boot at that point. Initially the Danners seemed very stiff compared with other noots but if you want them to last 15-20 years (which these easily could) the stiffer the better.
Like any good boot, the first 25-30 miles were pretty rough. I would suggest carrying an extra pair of boots on a longer hike while getting used to them. After that point they started to break in a bit and have really started to form to my foot. The abscence of padding is actually a great benefit in knowing that the BOOT is forming to your foot rather than the stuffing.
After nine months I still dont feel theyre broken in completely but I can already tell that theyre going to be great boots. They are a bit heavier than most but with that weight comes a feeling of stability and durability which is worth it to me. Overall, Its a shame they dont still make a lot of boots like this anymore. I highly recommend them for any semi-serious hiker.
On: 2007-02-26
Danners Mountain Light II is a hiking boot with a very long heritage, going back to 1957. Before then, hikers pretty much used work boots or very expensive European mountain climbing boots.
The Mountain Light II is constructed using what is often called the "stitchdown" method, otherwise known as Norwegian Welt. The upper leather flares out where it meets the midsole and the two parts are joined by stitching which is visible around the outside edge of the boot. This method has a couple of advantages: it makes the sole of the boot slightly wider than the uppers, which gives a broad base for stability. When the sole eventually wears out, it is easily replaced. Disadvantages are that boots constructed this way can be heavier than boots in which the soles are cemented on.
Uppers are constructed of one piece of leather, with a vertical seam at the Achilles tendon, covered by a reinforcing heel counter. The tongue is interesting in that it is covered by a leather debris guard which opens toward the outer side of the boot, and which serves to close the space between the tongue and the uppers.
Laces run through five impressively strong sets of D-rings, then around two speed hooks. All the hardware appears intended to last forever, in other words to outlast the soles and leather and then be reinstalled on a new pair of boots several decades from now.
Soles are dual-density Vibram "Kletterlift", with a very firm outsole for traction, and a slightly cushier middle layer to absorb some shock when walking.
The entire inside of the boot is lined with a Gore-Tex fabric, and so is waterproof until the water depth exceeds the level of the tongue gussets. The boot is about 5 inches high, so provides good freedom of motion when walking, while still covering and protecting the ankle bones. For some people, this translates as "does not provide good ankle support" and prefer a boot with more height. I feel that not having a tight fit around the ankle allows the muscles and tendons to work more smoothly.
Walking in these boots after wearing foam padded "sneaker boots" can be puzzling at first. Danners start out feeling very narrow and stiff, feeling as if there is almost no flexibility at all. Additonally, there is no foam padding anywhere, just Gore-Tex in contact with your feet, surrounded by leather, with a very slight give in the footboard. The debris guard over the tongue feels very thick and pushes down on your instep. I really dont know how anyone ever liked these enough in the store to buy them and take them home, unless like me, they had read favorable reviews from previous owners and gave them a chance.
As one wears the boot for short walks, an interesting thing is observed to occur. The soles begin to flex where they need to under the ball of your foot. The footboard gradually conforms to the contours of the bottom of your foot. The leather over the instep, around the heel and the toes slowly begins to flex and stretch until it fits your foot like the boots were custom fitted for you. After a few weeks, you reach a point where the boot is ON your foot, but doesnt call attention to itself because the fit has become so good. Any perspiration from your feet is very efficiently wicked away from your socks by the Gore-Tex lining, so feet stay dry and comfortable.
Danner provides their well-known "Airthotic" insert, a flexible plastic heel and arch support. I experimented with and without the Airthotic, and with various thicknesses of socks, finally settling on a full-length insert to make the entire footbed softer, along with medium weight hiking socks.
The insert really transforms the boot, providing a better fit and enhanced overall comfort.
In sum, the Danner Mountain Light II is a classic design with excellent workmanship, updated with some modern materials to make them waterproof, and therefore providing a good climate for the wearers feet under a wider range of conditions.
Although not particularly comfortable initially, they soon achieve a very high degree of comfort, surpassing in some ways the comfort of many other boots. I dont wear mine at work, because I have to wear steel toe boots. However, when I get home, I very often put them on to wear around the house. The fit is so good, I enjoy wearing them while eating supper or watching television.
Durability appears to be very good, many users report years of wear before resoling, with multiple resolings possible if the leather is cared for properly,
Their appearance is enough unlike other hiking boots that people notice them, and make complimentary comments.
On: 2006-05-12
I have worn these boots for years; even one pair was re-soled three times. I have even hiked 26 miles in water on one trip, and they held up fine. The sewn-in welt makes for a very sturdy sole and no worries about coming unglued. I cannot wear a high boot, so these do not come up high on the ankle which is a plus. The biggest drawback is that many years ago they eliminated the narrower size (B), in favor of the much wider sizes that most seem to offer (D and EE). I hike in wilderness areas with heavy packs, and these boots serve the need very well. While some like the very thin fabric sides for their boots, getting a rock jabbed into your side of the foot makes one appreciate the heavier leather sides.
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