I need boots. I bought a pair of Danners about, oh, six or seven years ago and they served me well. Excellent product. But, as time went by, they wore out and I’ve never found another pair that I liked. I really like the Danners, theyre excellent boots, but as I looked over their selection it seemed that the majority were made in China and if possible, i try to buy US made….or at least from non-Commie countries.
So while in the local sporting goods store today I discovered that theyre having a sale on Danners. I want a good pair of hunting boots. Real rough-n-tumble, end-of-the-world, march-to-hell-and-back boots. Danner does make an American made pair that seem to fit the bill. Oddly, they are called ‘Canadian‘….so not necessarily made by communists, but still with a socialist flavor….
Anyway…MSRP is $315. But theyre on sale for $198….1/3 off. Way I figure it, if I wear them in hunting season and in the uber-crappy weather and snow here they should last me at least four or five years.
Now I just gotta figure out how to come up with $200 to get these things before a) they sell out of them in my odd size and b) before they go off sale.
But, oh, nice nice boots.
Have you thought about having Danner re-craft your boots? They come back as good as new, and the cost is very reasonable.
These babies are pretty far gone. I mean, we’re talking about huge gaping holes in the seams a couple inches long.
It is amazing how many products are being made in China. The last 3 pair of western style boots that I bought via eBay all were American brands, but low and behold when they arrived they said “Made In China” on them. They are very well made, but what is going to happen to the North American economy if everything that we buy is made elsewhere? This is a really big issue in front of us all right now. I don’t have the answer. Man-o-Man.
I buy one pair of Danners each January. My work reimburses me for most the cost, not all. I am really big on foot comfort & support, having a bad back and all. Tore the arch in my foot some years ago as it took a long time to heal. Jumped off the tail gate of my truck, which thinking I was young, wrong! So the Danners with foot insoles really work well for my aging body. When I wear another pair of shoes, my feet hurt. Guess we are sold on the product.
Never had a pair of Danners though I am thinking about getting a pair this winter. I am cheap when it comes to just about everything but put money into boots. Hope you can get em.
Danner can fix your boots. Also, their military line of boots is made in the US…..
LAPolice Gear usually has the best prices on them, or if you’re in the Portland, Or area stop in their factory (it’s out near the airport) and see whats on the shelf.
Have you thought about something from Red Wing Shoes? They aren’t cheap but they are made in the US (headquartered in Red Wing MN). From what I could find they don’t do much for online or mail order sales but for footwear I’d rather try them on first anyway.
I’ve got a pair of their work boots (model 608) and I’m impressed with them. I’ve got flat feet and with a set of their moldable insoles I’m good all day (I’m in manufacturing standing or walking on cement all day in-doors).
I do recommend once you find a style that you like to watch for sales or clearance.
http://www.redwingshoes.com/
Steelheart
Another brand that I really like is “Rocky”.
Lots of them on eBay.
They make all kinds of boots from work to mil.
Know what you mean about Danners china junk. I bought a pair if low cut Danner hiking shoes not knowing they were made in china. What absolute junk, was very disappointed. Their military line of boots however is great.
For some things, there just isn’t a reasonably-priced substitute that meets the need. Women, for instance. Boots, for another.
Take a look at the Danner Fort Lewis boot. They got a lot of input from the 9th Infantry Division guys, who do a lot of freezing-ass work in the nearby rain forest, in the Cascades and the cold desert in Yakima. Near enough to your conditions. As you point out, they aren’t cheap. You might balance that out by estimating what actual foot repairs cost.
I have a pair of Matterhorns that I bought 6 years ago that are still going strong. I resoled them 2 years ago and I treat the leather with a lanolin based rub that is made locally here in Vermont.
When my Marine Reserve unit was activated back in 2006 I bought a pair of rough side out suede Danner Acadias for the deployment. While they were some of the most comfortable boots out of the box, they are showing their wear much more than the Matterhorns. Perhaps being desert boots they weren’t made as thickly and ruggedly as the black leather Matterhorns. They’re still wicked comfortable even when beat to shit…
Wore desert acadias during my tour in 06-07 too, i prefferred them even over the oakley assault boots. but now the lining is going on the back of the heel, awesome marching/running boots.
@Steelheart: be careful with Red Wing. Only some of their products are Made in USA. They started sourcing to China for many of their product lines several years ago. Google for more info.
I concure with SemperGumby. My first pair of Matterhorns lasted almost a decade. I got my seconed pair, slightly used, on EBay for 25 bucks. Comfortable enoght to wear all day everyday, and reasonable warm with 200 grams of thinsulate.
You need to go to Danners website. They still make boots in the USA and the website will indicate which boots are made in the USA!
The Danners sold in stores are mostly Chinese junk. You have to buy from specialty dealers to get the good stuff.
Insoles inside the boots?
What insoles are considered the best for end of the world type conditions? Or even just best for now?
Insoles
Insoles? Mine are prescription for orthotic purposes with a small lift due to my arched spine with back history problems & torn arch, which I wouldn’t recommend prescription for long term, they probably wouldn’t last long in harsh conditions, only short term comfort. Long term I would probably use Neovita insoles, as they appear long lasting. Nonetheless both are expensive. I will be obtaining the Neovitas next time, as soon as my health insurance company will allow. I need the extra comfort for the torn arch. If you ever had a torn arch, you would understand. This was obviously a learning experience after not taking care of my aging body.
Tony