Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring today's video. Go to strms.net/hellofresh_se1362141, use my code ROSE16FM, and receive 16 free meals + free dessert for life while subscription is active.
The Danner Mountain Light II has been my go-to boot for the last 10 years. It takes a while to break-in, but after that, it becomes so dang comfy. I'll probably have to resole it in 5-7 years, or so.
I have two Mountain Lights and two Mountain Pass. I prefer the Mountain Pass models. I appreciate waterproofing when I hike near water bodies. My black pair look like buried treasure, unearthed; the eyelets have so much salt residue from ocean hikes. I’m glad they’ll put new ones on for me when I need em. The Mountain Pass are a little more fashionable and the ankle height is better for shorties like me.
The National Park Service offers the Mountain Light 2 as a uniform option. After throwing away the strange heel inserts, they break in well, look good, and seem pretty durable. The soles aren’t great in the snow and ice once you’ve worn them down a bit but they’re light enough to jog in and they look the part. Not a ton of ankle support for heavy backpacking but if you’re running around with 40lbs or less they represent a good looking/old school option in a world of imported, split leather and molded outsole, technically superior lookalikes.
The lining in goretex versions is must have for durability. It is much less likely to wear through than the meshy one. I'm wearing it for almost three years now, and there is no sign of wear and tear.
Love my mountain light II's. Purchased in 2009 and still going strong today! I have always used the airthotic inserts, and don't find them uncomfortable at all.
@@justinchan2096 On top. There is no other insole, just the gortex liner. Danner's website claims improved airflow. I think they may help protect the liner too. I like to wear a medium weight wool sock with these boots.
I've had a pair of the Mountain Light 2 for almost 10 years. I got them as a bombproof backpacking boot. In hindsight they are bombproof, but not great for backpacking. Too heavy with very little ankle support. There are better modern options out there. As a retro hiker, they do last forever. I've hiked hundreds of miles and they are still going very strong.
The main difference is the D-rings. Shiny or Matt grey. MLT2 has 2 colour choices only. Black & Dark brown leather with matt grey D-rings. MLT1 has the glossy rings, chrome & golden yellow. MLT1 has various design as well as materials used. Suede, nubuck, full-grain leather upper with a Vibram kletterlit sole of any color or a white Vibram crepe sole or a black Vibram gum-light sole. 30+ years ago the MLT1 & Dannerlight 1 also came with the Airthotic inserts.
So the main thing you might be missing is that the Mountain II is only offered in 2 colors, all are Gore-tex lined and they are the only Mountain Light series that has both a D and EE width offered. I own the Mountain Trails, the non-waterproof Mountain Pass (same model as you got) and gore-tex Mountain Pass (Gunmetal). All of those ones are technically a EE width. I wear a 8.5 in the Trails and 9s in the Mountain Passes, and they seem to have stretched and conformed nicely, even though I hike primarily with the Xero Daylite and Vivo Trackers. There probably were men with narrower feet who wanted the Mountain Light in a narrower form I assume. I have tried the Mountain Light 1s, and they seemed wide enough for me but I could see a narrowed foot putting a variety of insoles in it to avoid the width issue. Still, I think you might of just missed that fact that they have less options and are offered in both D and EE widths as opposed to the EE only option.
I would absolutely LOVE to get a belt in the Blood leather, preferably the bison but any would be awesome. I don't think that's what you meant by "Whatever we want." or whatever but it would be cool if someday you made some.
I’d love to see you cut apart some USA made boat shoes. Like Rancourt, Sperry, Quoddy, etc. I love my Rancourt Read in natural Horween Chromexcel. Real shoes made to take getting dunked in salt water and not lose grip on a wet deck.
I had a pair of LA swat danner boots about 35. Years ago. and the plastic Athletics thing in them as well. It did give you support. But gently. I think the danner name for the la boots Was a Arcadia. For a pair of heavy combat boots. They were incredibly comfortable. I do miss them.
I have the light 2. My federal employer offered these as preferred footwear for work in uniform. I think mainly cause of the dark brown color. They’re okay. My feet get hot in them even here in Alaska. I’ve never had a pair of boots cost more than $250 and I’d say all of them were on par with the light 2 if not better
Check out a previous video on the Mountain Trail. It looks just like the Mountain Light 1 but has a full leather lining. It also has a Vibram Gumlite sole that sicks to wet rocks like glue.
The airthotics are in some of their boots. My Danner Acadias have them that I wear for work. I thought they were a bit odd at first but I got used to them, and I actually feel like the do help my foot stay dryer. They also keep my arches and heels comfortable while I'm on pavement all day.
Hey Weston, I know you've mentioned expanding your belt options which is awesome! On that topic I'd love to see white brass options for buckles. Personally I like to have silver and gold, black and brown options of many of those types of items. So it'd be awesome to be able to mix and match, whether or not it comes put together it'd be cool to see! Love the vids and content! 🤙🏻
You shouldn't add the cost of the boots onto your total since you obviously get the credit back by cutting out the logo on the boots. I have the Mountain Light 2 in brown and for 10 years, it has been the best casual boot for comfort, durability and styling I have owned. I have six different styles of Danners I bought through their outlets and they all rock.
Thanks for asking the same questions that we're all out here asking ourselves when we go footwear shopping - and for finding out the answers too! The MLs do seem a lil curious, sure seems like Danner could just call them the same name(drop the numbers) and just sell them as different choices of the same model. Hell, Thursday makes 1 'model' of sneaker(2 I suppose if you splittem' by high top and low top), yet they have a whole variety of differences(variety of different leather options [looks like some newer ones since I last checked too], outsoles, padded vs unpadded tongue, etc.) compared to Danner's ML1 vs the ML2 lol. Looking forward to seeing the differences between the rest of the Danners... if there are any... lol. The "plastic insole" insert things are interesting. I suppose they could work well with something like thick wool socks like one might wear hiking(maybe, depending...)? I would think the thick wool would add just enough extra padding between your feet and the inserts to maybe not be bothersome while also presumably providing more stability and keeping your foot more 'locked in' to the boots. With that said, I can't imagine that they designed them specifically for thicker socks like that, since most of your customers are probably going to be wearing them quite a bit without extra thick socks. Interesting idea, I'm curious to see if they improve on it; maybe add like a thin layer of foam rubber to a future revision, something like that? High strength composites like carbon fiber would be great for this application since you could make them much thinner; but that's at the opposite end of manufacturing & materials costs for sure though lol. If they actually work(like a 'better' hiking experience or whatever) and they made them comfortable, there would be buyers for them.
Remember Keanu Reeves at the premiere of Stealing Beauty (1996). He's walking with two auxiliary crutches, right foot injured but the left foot wearing a Danner MLT 2. (Maybe a darkened reddish brown MLT 1.)
I’ll never understand why sizes and widths apparently don’t mean anything. Depending on brand I’ll wear either a 10.5, 11, or 11.5, some in E and some in EE.
Looks like it wants to be a traditional european mountain boot. But for that kind of money you can definitely do better. Meindl Perfekt/Super Perfekt, Hanwag Bergell/ Bergler, Steinkogler, Remisberg, or Schuh Bertl. Much better leather and build quality.
I purchased the ML1 a few years ago directly from Danner and they came with insoles, I replaced the Danner insoles with Superfeet insoles, but the Danner insoles were ok. Where did you get these boots from? I think someone pocketed your Danner insoles.
I also got the ML1s directly from Danner two years ago, but they did not come with insoles. I went to a local Danner store and they just gave me a pair of those plastic half insole things. I later switched them out the Danner padded insoles.
Adidas Boston 10 has something like this directly under the heel under the strobel board but I think in carbon fiber material. That is hard and maybe, just may be it is used as a shank
Find a pair of Danner Mountain Trail 90th anniversary edition. It’s a one off in the series and on paper should be the best quality version of the Danner hiking boot
I've had more than 15 pair of mountain light 2 over the last 20+ years. I need something softer! I've tried insoles. And the don't fit like I thought it would. Made the boots way too small... I do like the mountain pass. (Never seen a pair in person). Feel like I'd miss the lace to toe I'm used to. And I really don't like how crazy wide the soles are..certain pictures I've seen are ridiculous. It's time for another pair. Maybe I'll try a pair of the 1's. ? I don't know...
The airthodics are there to be thrown away. The always came with my Acadias and were never comfortable, so, garbage. That said, I love Danners made in the USA. Not the Vietnam ones though.
It's getting hard to distinguish between the ad for the boot you are cutting and the ad for the sponsor you are spruiking. In fact I'm guessing that this channel is just ad now. Was nice while it lasted.
did someone buy you? why do you not review boots from overseas? did you suddenly become extra patriotic? I loved this channel for its diversity, but now it hits the wall.
9 out of the last 14 videos have been imported shoes/boots. In the past he has had entire made in the USA video series. Highlighting domestic products is not a new thing to this channel.
Why doesn't Danner answer so many of these questions? No explanation of the various versions, what use cases are, or even how to properly use included accessories. Horrible marketing and advertising.
Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring today's video. Go to strms.net/hellofresh_se1362141, use my code ROSE16FM, and receive 16 free meals + free dessert for life while subscription is active.
Dang, for $400 you could get two pairs of Jim Greens with a nice pair of insoles
You could even get a pair of CUSTOM Jim Greens, and 2 pairs of Superfeet Trailblazers
Jim Greens are better than Danner imo
And they will last twice as long!
Yes! That’s what I was thinking the whole video
@@zachtan$50 inserts 😱 if those cost $2, I'd be surprised! But they give 1% back 😂 so your donation is their write off!
Thank you for doing this community service of informing and explaining these differences. It's something that Danner doesn't feel they need to do.
The Danner Mountain Light II has been my go-to boot for the last 10 years. It takes a while to break-in, but after that, it becomes so dang comfy. I'll probably have to resole it in 5-7 years, or so.
I have two Mountain Lights and two Mountain Pass. I prefer the Mountain Pass models. I appreciate waterproofing when I hike near water bodies. My black pair look like buried treasure, unearthed; the eyelets have so much salt residue from ocean hikes. I’m glad they’ll put new ones on for me when I need em. The Mountain Pass are a little more fashionable and the ankle height is better for shorties like me.
The National Park Service offers the Mountain Light 2 as a uniform option.
After throwing away the strange heel inserts, they break in well, look good, and seem pretty durable.
The soles aren’t great in the snow and ice once you’ve worn them down a bit but they’re light enough to jog in and they look the part. Not a ton of ankle support for heavy backpacking but if you’re running around with 40lbs or less they represent a good looking/old school option in a world of imported, split leather and molded outsole, technically superior lookalikes.
The lining in goretex versions is must have for durability. It is much less likely to wear through than the meshy one. I'm wearing it for almost three years now, and there is no sign of wear and tear.
I think it's time you revisit jim green. They now have 2 very ambitious heritage boots that seem to be their answer for redwing.
I like the plastic inserts & bought extras to put into other boots I have. Airflow and more arch support
Love my mountain light II's. Purchased in 2009 and still going strong today! I have always used the airthotic inserts, and don't find them uncomfortable at all.
How do you place those inserts? in between the insole on the surface...?
@@justinchan2096 On top. There is no other insole, just the gortex liner. Danner's website claims improved airflow. I think they may help protect the liner too. I like to wear a medium weight wool sock with these boots.
Danner Mountain 600 and 600 Leaf! 🍃
I've had a pair of the Mountain Light 2 for almost 10 years. I got them as a bombproof backpacking boot. In hindsight they are bombproof, but not great for backpacking. Too heavy with very little ankle support. There are better modern options out there. As a retro hiker, they do last forever. I've hiked hundreds of miles and they are still going very strong.
The main difference is the D-rings. Shiny or Matt grey.
MLT2 has 2 colour choices only. Black & Dark brown leather with matt grey D-rings.
MLT1 has the glossy rings, chrome & golden yellow.
MLT1 has various design as well as materials used. Suede, nubuck, full-grain leather upper with a Vibram kletterlit sole of any color or a white Vibram crepe sole or a black Vibram gum-light sole.
30+ years ago the MLT1 & Dannerlight 1 also came with the Airthotic inserts.
So the main thing you might be missing is that the Mountain II is only offered in 2 colors, all are Gore-tex lined and they are the only Mountain Light series that has both a D and EE width offered. I own the Mountain Trails, the non-waterproof Mountain Pass (same model as you got) and gore-tex Mountain Pass (Gunmetal). All of those ones are technically a EE width. I wear a 8.5 in the Trails and 9s in the Mountain Passes, and they seem to have stretched and conformed nicely, even though I hike primarily with the Xero Daylite and Vivo Trackers. There probably were men with narrower feet who wanted the Mountain Light in a narrower form I assume. I have tried the Mountain Light 1s, and they seemed wide enough for me but I could see a narrowed foot putting a variety of insoles in it to avoid the width issue. Still, I think you might of just missed that fact that they have less options and are offered in both D and EE widths as opposed to the EE only option.
How about the Danner Light series? (Not Mtn Light.)
I would absolutely LOVE to get a belt in the Blood leather, preferably the bison but any would be awesome. I don't think that's what you meant by "Whatever we want." or whatever but it would be cool if someday you made some.
Good review…..but you really need to reintroduce Toaster, he was a big part of your reviews!
I just bought a used pair of dinners, this vid was super helpful im super excited to get them!
I’d love to see you cut apart some USA made boat shoes. Like Rancourt, Sperry, Quoddy, etc. I love my Rancourt Read in natural Horween Chromexcel. Real shoes made to take getting dunked in salt water and not lose grip on a wet deck.
I had a pair of LA swat danner boots about 35.
Years ago.
and the plastic Athletics thing in them as well. It did give you support. But gently. I think the danner name for the la boots Was a Arcadia. For a pair of heavy combat boots. They were incredibly comfortable. I do miss them.
I have the light 2. My federal employer offered these as preferred footwear for work in uniform. I think mainly cause of the dark brown color. They’re okay. My feet get hot in them even here in Alaska. I’ve never had a pair of boots cost more than $250 and I’d say all of them were on par with the light 2 if not better
Check out a previous video on the Mountain Trail. It looks just like the Mountain Light 1 but has a full leather lining. It also has a Vibram Gumlite sole that sicks to wet rocks like glue.
The airthotics are in some of their boots. My Danner Acadias have them that I wear for work. I thought they were a bit odd at first but I got used to them, and I actually feel like the do help my foot stay dryer. They also keep my arches and heels comfortable while I'm on pavement all day.
Hey Weston, I know you've mentioned expanding your belt options which is awesome! On that topic I'd love to see white brass options for buckles. Personally I like to have silver and gold, black and brown options of many of those types of items. So it'd be awesome to be able to mix and match, whether or not it comes put together it'd be cool to see!
Love the vids and content! 🤙🏻
"It's difficult to screw it up. I've done it, but its hard!" A man after my own heart.
You shouldn't add the cost of the boots onto your total since you obviously get the credit back by cutting out the logo on the boots.
I have the Mountain Light 2 in brown and for 10 years, it has been the best casual boot for comfort, durability and styling I have owned.
I have six different styles of Danners I bought through their outlets and they all rock.
Thanks for asking the same questions that we're all out here asking ourselves when we go footwear shopping - and for finding out the answers too! The MLs do seem a lil curious, sure seems like Danner could just call them the same name(drop the numbers) and just sell them as different choices of the same model. Hell, Thursday makes 1 'model' of sneaker(2 I suppose if you splittem' by high top and low top), yet they have a whole variety of differences(variety of different leather options [looks like some newer ones since I last checked too], outsoles, padded vs unpadded tongue, etc.) compared to Danner's ML1 vs the ML2 lol. Looking forward to seeing the differences between the rest of the Danners... if there are any... lol.
The "plastic insole" insert things are interesting. I suppose they could work well with something like thick wool socks like one might wear hiking(maybe, depending...)? I would think the thick wool would add just enough extra padding between your feet and the inserts to maybe not be bothersome while also presumably providing more stability and keeping your foot more 'locked in' to the boots. With that said, I can't imagine that they designed them specifically for thicker socks like that, since most of your customers are probably going to be wearing them quite a bit without extra thick socks. Interesting idea, I'm curious to see if they improve on it; maybe add like a thin layer of foam rubber to a future revision, something like that? High strength composites like carbon fiber would be great for this application since you could make them much thinner; but that's at the opposite end of manufacturing & materials costs for sure though lol. If they actually work(like a 'better' hiking experience or whatever) and they made them comfortable, there would be buyers for them.
I was issued a pair of Danner mountain boots before I went to Afghanistan. They lasted through that so if anyone doubts their toughness, don't.
Remember Keanu Reeves at the premiere of Stealing Beauty (1996).
He's walking with two auxiliary crutches, right foot injured but the left foot wearing a Danner MLT 2. (Maybe a darkened reddish brown MLT 1.)
I’ll never understand why sizes and widths apparently don’t mean anything. Depending on brand I’ll wear either a 10.5, 11, or 11.5, some in E and some in EE.
Thanks for letting us know
Looks like it wants to be a traditional european mountain boot. But for that kind of money you can definitely do better. Meindl Perfekt/Super Perfekt, Hanwag Bergell/ Bergler, Steinkogler, Remisberg, or Schuh Bertl. Much better leather and build quality.
I purchased the ML1 a few years ago directly from Danner and they came with insoles, I replaced the Danner insoles with Superfeet insoles, but the Danner insoles were ok. Where did you get these boots from? I think someone pocketed your Danner insoles.
I also got the ML1s directly from Danner two years ago, but they did not come with insoles. I went to a local Danner store and they just gave me a pair of those plastic half insole things. I later switched them out the Danner padded insoles.
love to see you repping Charley Crockett the man is a wonderful artist.
Danner makes high quality boots but they're waaaaay too heavy for any modern hiking. Let's be real, it's become a heritage-style fashion boot.
Adidas Boston 10 has something like this directly under the heel under the strobel board but I think in carbon fiber material.
That is hard and maybe, just may be it is used as a shank
Find a pair of Danner Mountain Trail 90th anniversary edition. It’s a one off in the series and on paper should be the best quality version of the Danner hiking boot
I've had more than 15 pair of mountain light 2 over the last 20+ years.
I need something softer!
I've tried insoles. And the don't fit like I thought it would. Made the boots way too small...
I do like the mountain pass. (Never seen a pair in person). Feel like I'd miss the lace to toe I'm used to. And I really don't like how crazy wide the soles are..certain pictures I've seen are ridiculous.
It's time for another pair.
Maybe I'll try a pair of the 1's. ?
I don't know...
Eddie Bauer K6 Hiker sale price $140 CAD. You won’t do better, quality for price, prove me wrong.
Nike re-released Stefan Janoski’s SB and claimed they tweaked the shoes a bit. I don’t know if you have cut open Nike skate shoes before
it'd be great to see a breakdown on the Diemme Roccia Vet!
Put the Danner 453 through the same tests and comparisons. You may find them more durable.
The airthodics are there to be thrown away. The always came with my Acadias and were never comfortable, so, garbage. That said, I love Danners made in the USA. Not the Vietnam ones though.
He never compared these to other boots on the chart on price and quality
YO YOU SHOULD HAVE A WALMART WARRIOR SERIES! PLEASE!
bought the danner light weight tactical boots one of my least comfortable tac boots
Yeah I have similar questions as a lot of people : did you reach out and ask for a model spec sheet? Is it just a color/pigment/leather grade thing?
Mountain lights are great boots but not for 400 dollars. I have several Danners and with one exception,I never buy them at full price
Would love to see you take apart Alico boots
please do one on the nicks ridgeline hikers. seriously contemplating getting a pair.
Could you please do a video on White's journeyman boots?
Just the color…. Why make a narrow EE????!
I thought the airthotics were to pump air around internally 🤔
Have you tried contacting Danner for an explanation of the differences?
Very good-looking shoes!
Can you make a pair of custom leather assless chaps
Make leather guitar straps please and thanks.
do you reach out to these companies to ask them to explain what the intended differences are supposed to be?
Can confirm...EE width is narrow.
Please review Gaucho Ninja boots!
Another 🔥🔥🔥 video !!!
the brown one with green laces look like a subpar jim green knockoff hahaha
Can you please do the
Danner Elk Hunter
Please review Jim cobbler black brogue shoes
Review the diemme everest leather hiking boots🔥🔥
There’s no way I would spend $400+ on danners.
Ive got a question for you mate do you think Whites boots will ship to the UK? Thanks.
Could you do the cascade crest from danner
Man I gotta say 8:04 you were making me very nervous cutting towards your face when you were cutting through the counter
Which wallet does Weston carry?
$440 for a boot with a fabric lining instead of leather! Prices are insane
felt like 3 ads in 2 minutes wtf
VIBERG!!!!!!! PLEASE
Yes absolutely do the work boot and do the dress boot
No way those are worth that price point. Absolutely no way.
Danner Greens? 🤔
Danner Acadia’s
What happened to your wallet reviews?
Fully customize a wallet or camera harness while you can, they will only be open for a week - bit.ly/3v7fOJN
The soles are different
Please you need yo make A trifold wallet with two money sleeves no has done it yet with a trun leather Please can you do it 👃
It's getting hard to distinguish between the ad for the boot you are cutting and the ad for the sponsor you are spruiking. In fact I'm guessing that this channel is just ad now. Was nice while it lasted.
Wdym?
They all look poor quality compared to European traditional walking boots.
Day 18 of asking you to make Monkey Boots with Nick's
did someone buy you? why do you not review boots from overseas? did you suddenly become extra patriotic? I loved this channel for its diversity, but now it hits the wall.
9 out of the last 14 videos have been imported shoes/boots. In the past he has had entire made in the USA video series. Highlighting domestic products is not a new thing to this channel.
Why doesn't Danner answer so many of these questions? No explanation of the various versions, what use cases are, or even how to properly use included accessories. Horrible marketing and advertising.