Hiking in comfort: a review of Danner Mountain 600 Evo boots

It's the perfect day for a hike, and my friend Malia and I are geared up to put our new Danner Mountain 600 Evo boots to the test. With me sporting the Mocha Brown/Rhodo Red colorway and Malia rocking the Tin Gray/Island Green, we were ready to hit the trails in style.

Now, Oak Canyon might not be the most challenging hike, but it provided the ideal terrain to get a feel for these boots before taking them out on a long trek. With its rocky paths and occasional wet patches, it was a playground for testing out the grip and waterproofing of our new kicks.

As we embarked on our adventure, the first thing that struck me about the Mountain 600 Evo was its classic aesthetic. Danner has seamlessly blended heritage styling with modern components, resulting in a boot that not only performs but looks good doing it. Malia couldn't agree more, commenting on how the Tin Gray/Island Green colorway perfectly complemented her outdoor wardrobe.

Speaking of performance, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes these boots stand out. The 100% waterproof GORE-TEX liner kept our feet dry and comfortable, even when we encountered some unexpected puddles along the trail. One thing that really impressed me was the Vibram SPE midsole. It provided excellent cushioning and support, making each step feel as close as you could get to walking on clouds - while actually walking on sharp rocks along an uneven trail. Malia, who's usually prone to blisters on longer hikes, remarked on how comfortable and supportive the boots felt, even after a few miles on the trail. For those who value a broken-in feel right out of the box, these boots definitely delivered. It's also worth noting that Malia and I are both between shoe sizes and decided to size down half a size, which worked out perfectly. 

But it's not just about comfort and performance; it's also about sustainability. Danner's commitment to using 100% recycled textiles in the collar and the liner gave us extra peace of mind. And let's not forget about Danner's Recrafting service - they can resole & recondition these boots, to make a very "well-loved" pair like new again, topping them off with repaired stitching and hardware, and even a new pair of laces! Knowing that we can extend the life of our boots and reduce our environmental footprint gives us a little extra peace of mind.

Overall, our experience with Danner's Mountain 600 Evo was overwhelmingly positive. From its stylish design to its performance on the trail, it's clear that these boots are built to go the distance. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip or just exploring your local trails, these boots are sure to keep your feet happy mile after mile.

So...if you're in the market for a new pair of hiking boots that combine style, performance, and sustainability, look no further than the Mountain 600 Evo from Danner. Your feet—and the planet—will thank you.

Don't forget to check out Danner's recrafting service to keep your boots in top shape for years to come. After all, the best adventures are the ones that leave a lasting impression, both on us and on the world around us.

Header image and all images by Alex Greenberg.