Danner30800 Mountain Light II 5" Gore-Tex Hiking Boot.

This is an excellent boot, and definitely worth its price. The size is true to the Brannock Device, so for a foot that has been measured properly, it will fit as expected. While measuring, however, it is important to keep in consideration the type of socks that will be used with the boot, but that is a standard procedure recommended by the Brannock Device anyway. Of course, contrary to some of the lighter boots (that will also last much less), this is top quality leather and needs to be broken in. I have used the recommended leather dressing from Danner, and it does help in the breaking in process as stated. Quite recommended. Once the boot is broken in, it is comfortable and wearable. Some people state that they order a larger size because at first the boot feels a bit snug. However, that would seem to be a good formula for blisters. When hiking, I like to feel the boot wrap around the foot snug (not uncomfortable) so that the foot will not slide and cause blisters. Breaking in this boot will give you that type of fitting. My only reservation is the style of the tongue. It is nice and it would seem functional, but the leather, the way it is cut and sown together, seems to bunch, creating excessive volume on the top of the foot. Once laced, that may create some discomfort for those who are sensitive on the top of their feet. The outer sole is great for hiking. The way the heel is shaped provides great support when stepping over branches or rocks as the grips of the Vibram sole are continuous under the shoe. Some other soles have a slippery spot between the ball of the foot and the heel.UPDATE: After beginning to break in these boots, unfortunately I run into the problem several other people have encountered: the right heel would make a loud crackling sound at every step. Obviously something definitely wrong with the boot. The sound is way too loud to ignore.

Product reviews are all relative. This is the second pair of Danner boots that I have purchased, and both pairs were purchased via Amazon. For consumers who are unfamiliar with the Danner brand, due diligence is always a good idea. Check out their website, educate yourself on the history of the company and what it stands for. Don't simply read amazon reviews. Some people just aren't content..in life. There will always be haters to balance out the non-haters. If you're looking for a quality pair of boots then look no further than Danner.Is there a break-in period? Yes. There's brand new leather and gore-tex liners so obviously new leather needs to be broken in. If you want boots that don't require a break-in period, then go to a thrift shop and buy used boots. When I receive a new pair of Danners, I wear them around the house so my feet can start to mold the boots to conform to my feet. I wore these boots out the first day I received them in the mail and they were fine. There is ample leather folded in the tongue area which is what most of the complaints are about that I have read. Would you prefer Danner to use less material? less gore-tex? less quality? then go buy a cheap pair of boots at Wal-mart. These aren't for you. I wear Danners with pride, knowing the craftsmanship and effort that goes into making a pair of these. If you're the type of person who doesn't appreciate the finer things in life, then simply look elsewhere, it's that simple. Danner makes a quality product and I will be a customer for life.

I'm not normall a 'reviewer kind of guy', but thought I'd touch base as I'd done a ton of reading on these before buying. They ARE what they say: a well built, high quality, classically styled hiking boot.Good enough for Daniel Craig, then good enough for me, I thought to myself as I typed my credit card numbers into this website.However, and this only applies to some, they are really #$%&*(# painful. They seem to hit my achilles in just the right spot as to feel like an ancient roman torture. I had read that another online buyer had experienced this, but I understand it's rare as a close friend swears by these boots. So, just proceed with caution is my only advice here. They're great looking boots, and I'm disappointed they don't fit my particular foot as I was keen to wear them on an upcoming adventure.I'd give them 5 starts if I could as they really are sick boots, but for my personal foot/ankles they just dont work.

Cons: seriously long break-in (I tore up my ankles trying to break them in, you should expect to take a few days of rest in between wears and limit first few wears to short walks), wide in the ankle so not amazing ankle support. Somewhat heavy but I don't personally mind (I think footwear weight is somewhat negligible)Pros: super water proof, super comfortable (once broken in), look great, great traction, awesome in all conditions, great arch supportOverall an awesome boot, but I do wish they had a longer trial period (it's pretty tough to decide if a hiking boot will fit by wearing it only indoors and on carpet). Looks super stylish and I wear these both in the city and outdoors. I've worn these on pretty intense hiking trips and have always enjoyed them, but I will say that they are wide and don't provide awesome ankle support (but only because they're too wide for me)

Ignore the price tag. You won't even remember spending the money once you've fallen in love with these. In all sincerity, these are the most amazing boots I have ever worn. It took me 3-4 moderate hikes to wear these in, using saddle soap after each hike to clean and soften them. They may look a little clunky by fashion standards, but they fit like a supple glove. Tight in all the right places for ankle support, while the toes feel comfortably cocooned in the toe. I expected more toe room in the sense that this would be a good thing, but the experience of having your toes nestled securely in place, with no discomfort whatsoever, provides a sense of control that doesn't exist in boots that give you more room to wiggle your toes. It makes me realize that "spacious" can mean wasted space. Let your toes help you walk and shape your movements to the terrain with these amazing boots.