Very few clothing items become icons, especially when it comes to practical, outdoor gear. Danner’s Mountain Leaf 600 boots are one of the few to achieve legendary status. The boots have been popular among hiking enthusiasts since their introduction in 2017. However, thanks to their unbeatable combination of comfort, style, durability, and versatility, they have skyrocketed in popularity among those looking for a do-it-all everyday boot.
My quest for a pair of one-and-done boots started a few years ago. I have limited closet space and was annoyed by how much space various boots occupied on my shelves.
I live in Washington, DC, where we experience everything from drenching rain and snowstorms that leave behind sheets of ice to blazing hot temperatures. I wanted a pair of boots that could handle all kinds of weather, even on the hilly, uneven sidewalks in my neighborhood. I also live within walking distance of a national park and enjoy hikes with various degrees of difficulty, so I wanted a pair of boots that could handle more rugged terrain as well.
Moreover, because I like to walk wherever and whenever I can, comfort was non-negotiable. And, of course, I wanted boots that looked cute enough that I wouldn’t be embarrassed picking up my son from school or running errands.
After extensive research, I finally found the boots of my dreams. The Danner Mountain Leaf 600 boots are the unicorn that solved my problem.
I was first drawn to the classic styling of the Mountain 600. When I saw the boots pop up on my screen, I knew instantly they wouldn’t look out of place with my standard uniform of jeans and a t-shirt. Yet, they looked like they could hold up well to the torrential rains and muddy, rocky paths I sometimes walk on.
Next, I started digging into the boots’ features. I wanted to be sure they were truly waterproof so they could replace my rain boots. Once I was satisfied that I could ditch my utilitarian rubber boots once my Mountain 600s arrived, I started looking into whether they could replace my snow boots. One of the features that I found most appealing about these boots is that they use Vibram soles. These soles have deep treads with outstanding traction that can handle harsh, icy conditions. After slipping on ice several times during a snowstorm a few years ago, quality soles were non-negotiable for me. As a bonus, Vibram soles are lightweight and waterproof. They are also known for their durability, which is essential to me as someone who is hard on shoes and wears them out quickly.
I hit buy and was thrilled the first time I took my Mountain 600 boots out for a test run. They were even more comfortable than I had hoped. I felt like I was walking on a tiny pair of Tempur-Pedic mattresses, even during my first wear. Another customer even complimented me on the boots when I stopped at my local coffee shop mid-way through my inaugural walk. I was relieved that they didn’t look out of place in an urban environment.
Since then, I’ve worn the boots in rainstorms and snowstorms. They have performed as promised and kept my feet dry throughout. I also feel stable when walking on icy and uneven sidewalks. The Mountain 600s were designed for hiking, and I’ve had the opportunity to wear them on trails in several states, including during a fall trip to Jackson Hole, WY. I’ve also worn them on summer hikes, and was relieved that the boots’ breathability kept me cool.
After wearing the Mountain 600 boots in such varied conditions, terrains, and seasons, I can’t imagine going back to owning multiple pairs of boots. Although I expect my boots to last for several years, I am glad to know they can be resoled if needed.
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots come in women’s and men’s styles. The women’s boots come in four color combinations in sizes 5 through 11. The men’s boots also come in four color combinations in sizes 7 to 15. The men’s and women’s boots are both available in half sizes and wide widths. Reviewers note that the boots run large. See what some other customers had to say about the boots or just scroll down to get a pair for yourself to stay dry and comfortable this winter:
“These are killer boots. I’ve never owned Danners, but I’m a big fan of Danner now, I’ll tell you that much. They fit true to size, and they feel like they were designed around my actual foot. They fit that well. They wear nice around the house, around town, and on the hiking trails. I really don’t like taking them off sometimes because they look as good as they wear. They’re very lightweight for their functionality, too. I wasn’t expecting that. They are well worth the money. Don’t be a moron and buy cheap boots, buy good boots and they’ll wear twice as long and you’ll be twice as happy. And you’ll look like you actually know what you’re doing when you get dressed in the morning. They’re a little on the spendy side but they’re made in America for crying out loud and they’re high quality so get off the fence and buy some if you’re in the market for hiking boots. You’ll thank me later. I’m out.” — dimension 4
“Worth the money. Get a pair!!!! Thru the snow and thru the mountains, super comfortable. I have oiled mine with otter wax to help with the scuffs,” — Alberto garza
“You guys!!! These boots have surpassed all expectations! From the rugged trails of Oregon to the iconic Inca Trail in Peru, they’ve been absolute game changers. Right out of the box, they fit like a glove—zero break-in period and not a single blister from day one, unlike several other brands I have tried. We faced some serious mud and water on the Inca Trail, and my feet stayed completely dry and comfortable all day long. I cannot recommend these boots enough for anyone looking for reliability, comfort, and durability on the trail!” — CrystalExplores
“I have circled around Danners for a while and finally gave them a shot after being let down by some other major brands. I loved these right away, they have the style of classic boots but the insole and midsole of more modern hikers. They were quick to break in and are a good on desert and mountain trails as well as some slick and salty muck on the streets of NYC. I haven’t submerged them, but the waterproofing has been fine so far. I like the fact that they can be re-crafted and built to last. After a few months of wear, I hope to have found a winner!” — Ryan S
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