Bob's Blog: Review: Danner 453 GTX Hikers

Review: Danner 453 GTX Hikers

Purchased From: Cabelas.com

Date Purchased: 12/15/2012

List Price: $174.99

Pros:

- Attractive looking hiking boot and even casual everyday driver
- Good overall construction
- Goretex really works
- Great tight lacing design
- Strong and powerful sole with great traction
- Average warmth
- Fit true to size (I wear size 12 and I ordered size 12. Perfect fit)
- Weight - Only 3.3 lbs for the pair

Cons:

- Stiff with a long break-in period (still not 100% broken in)
- Terrible laces - they were broken within 3 months of purchase b/c of sharp eyelets
- Made in China

Overall:

I bought these Danner GTX Hikers to replace a pair of Rocky Hikers that I had for about 5 years. While I haven't taken these boots on many long and tough hikes, I feel that I have worn them enough to have a good idea if I like them or not.

These boots are made of a tough nubuck leather and green canvas that is paired up with a Goretex liner for waterproofing. The sole is very strong and grips wet and dry ground well. With the sole being so tough I was worried about the boots being too heavy however I was pleasantly surprised with the actual weight of the boot.

Danner's GTX Hikers have a very comfortable insole that has held up well with no signs of wear so far. The internal shank that is placed under the center of the insole protects your arch and foot from overwork and pain while wearing these boots for long periods of time.

The leather has held up great so far with only one small stain from tree sap. These boots have been covered with mud and dirt and still look like new after a good cleaning.

As with any product on the market there are a couple of negatives marks when buying these boots. I don't feel that these negatives are bad enough that should keep you from purchasing the Danner GTX Hikers.

The first negative mark is the break-in period. The boots arrive stiff and the break-in period is very lengthy. When I first put the boots on they actually hurt my feet after the first two hours of wearing them. After a good 3 months of wearing them I can finally say they are ALMOST broken in fully.

Secondly, the laces are just plain terrible. Just plan on ordering new laces at the same time that you purchase these boots. The sharp eyelets rub the laces down to the point that they break or split open. The only positive thing I can say about the laces is that they are pretty attractive and go great with the color of the boot.

Lastly, these boots are imported and made in China. Ugh. Danner is a great company that is known for their products being made in the USA. However, these are made in China. Probably why they are more affordable then other pairs of Danner boots. At least the quality control is very good at their Chinese factory and does not make these boots cheap and unreliable.

Overall, I really enjoy these boots. I would recommend them to anyone that is looking for a good all round pair of hikers that won't break the bank.

Disclaimer: Please mind any spelling errors. This review as posted via Galaxy Note II smartphone.