Danner boots have been a classic American brand for decades, but they skyrocketed in popularity after Cheryl Strayed’s movie Wild began airing on Netflix in 2014 (featuring Reese Witherspoon).
In the movie, Reese Witherspoon was wearing Danner boots nearly the entire time, and they quickly became a footwear staple around the world.
Reese Witherspoon wears chunky Danner boots while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in Wild, a 2014 American biographical adventure drama film
Danner boots are known to be of exceptional quality, and they are a popular choice among hikers. A go-to brand for hiking and work boots, the American footwear label has been around since 1932 – nearly a century!
Although the shoe industry has changed significantly since Danner started operations in the ’30s, the quality of its boots has remained consistent.
The Story Behind Danner: From Depression-Era Start-Up to Trail Icon
Charles Danner founded Danner Boots in 1932 during the Great Depression, opening a factory in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. A dedicated American shoemaker, his mission was simple: to craft the best work boots in the country.
Offering superior traction and lightweight durability for easy transitions from urban walks to trail hikes, Danner’s Jag shoes debuted in the ’80s as a lightweight alternative to heavy-duty hiking boots
Even during the resource-scarce 1930s, Danner stayed committed to crafting durable, long-lasting boots—well before “slow fashion” became a trend. Back then, a pair cost just four dollars.
While Wisconsin served the company well in its early days, Danner soon set his sights on a region better suited to outdoor gear: the Pacific Northwest.
Select Danner styles, including their iconic hiking boots, are still proudly made in the USA—crafted in Portland with care since 1932
In 1936, Charles Danner moved the company to the Pacific Northwest—an ideal region for producing rugged boots, thanks to its booming logging and shipping industries. As thousands of longshoremen and loggers settled in Oregon and Washington, the demand for durable footwear grew rapidly.
Danner’s small Portland factory quickly gained a reputation for meeting this need, and the city remains home to the brand’s manufacturing operations today.
By the 1940s, wartime demand further increased production. After returning from World War II, Charles’s sons, Bill and John Danner, took over the company and helped scale operations to meet the growing national need for high-quality work boots.
Bill Danner, pictured here in the Danner factory, revitalized his family’s struggling boot business after taking the reins in 1945, shaping it into one of America’s most respected footwear brands
As demand surged, Danner outgrew its original factory and relocated to a larger facility. It expanded its workforce and ramped up production to 240 boots per day.
The company continued to scale throughout the following decades, relocating its manufacturing facilities as needed. In the 1950s, Danner opened its first retail store, marking a new chapter and broader reach for the growing Pacific Northwest brand.
Danner’s iconic Mountain Light hiking boots were introduced in 1979 and are considered one of the best boots of all time
In the following decades, the company turned around to meet the increasing demand for hiking boots. Their signature style, the Mountain Light trail boot, became incredibly popular and contributed to the company’s success for years to come.
Who Owns Danner Today? Legacy, Leadership, and Global Reach
In the 1980s, the Danner family decided to sell the company to businessman Eric Merk. One key condition of the sale was that Eric Merk agree to maintain the Danner approach to shoemaking and craftsmanship for years to come.
Quality was not to be compromised, even under the new ownership. About a decade later, the company was acquired by LaCrosse Footwear, which was established in Wisconsin in 1897. In 2012, the formerly publicly-traded company was bought by Japanese-based ABC-Mart.
Are Danner Boots Worth It? Inside Their Craftsmanship and Cost
Their shoes can be costly, we can probably all agree on that. But is it worth it?
Most people agree that Danner boots are some of the best-quality hiking boots, so the price is justifiable. Each piece of leather used to create a boot is tested at least six times for quality. That doesn’t come cheap.
Stitching the upper to the midsole at Danner’s factory in Portland, Oregon
Because at least 100 different craftspeople touch each boot and shoe produced, they have higher labor costs than you might see with fast-fashion and lower-quality shoe factories.
The meticulous checks are carried out from beginning to end, so you are guaranteed to receive high-quality products when purchasing Danner boots.
Additionally, Danner boots are highly waterproof, and extensive tests are carried out to ensure the waterproof liner is perfect every time.
Where Are Danner Boots Made Today? Factory Locations and Standards
To this day, Danner boots are still made in their factory in Portland, Oregon. Due to their considerable success over the years, the factory has grown and now employs hundreds of workers worldwide.
Not all Danner products, particularly sneakers and cheaper shoes, are made in the United States. Danner’s website makes it easy to check where each product is made.
Danner offers transparency on each product page—look for labels like “Made in USA with Imported Components” to understand how and where your boots are built
How Much Do Danner Boots Cost? Price Range and Value Guide
The cost of Danner boots will depend on where you buy them and your style. The average price range will be from $120 to $300 USD.
Some retailers may offer sales occasionally, but it’s a rare occurrence for these high-quality boots.
Where to Buy Danner Boots: Authorized Retailers and Buying Tips
There are many authorized retailers worldwide, including Zappos, Amazon, and Backcountry. When shopping for Danner boots, choose an authorized retailer you trust.
Like most popular brands, knockoffs can exist, so you’ll want to be very selective when purchasing and do your homework. You can also buy their shoes directly on the Danner website.
Danner’s flagship retail stores blend craftsmanship and customer care—offering expert fitting advice and hands-on access to their full range of rugged footwear and gear
You can find brick-and-mortar stores or online boutiques offering a fair price for Danner boots. Many online retailers provide worldwide shipping, so wherever you’re located, you should be able to find a retailer that delivers straight to your door.
Danner Boot Sizing Guide: How to Get the Right Fit the First Time
If you plan to invest in a good pair of hiking boots, you must ensure you have the correct size. Nothing would be worse than spending $200 on boots that don’t fit!
The good news is that Danner boots follow standard American sizing. According to their website, all Danner footwear products are sized according to the Brannock device, which you can find on Amazon.
Danner boots are sized using the standard Brannock device and follow U.S. sizing, ensuring a reliable and comfortable fit right out of the box
This makes shopping incredibly easy, as you may already know your size. Alternatively, you can go to a local shoe store and use the Brannock device to find out.
That being said, Danner boots are known to be ‘true to size’, so if you know your American size already, you will likely find a great fit without much variance.
Danner is a classic American brand that has lived up to its reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship since the 1930s. One of the company’s most popular styles is Pronghorn, which has been a trusted cornerstone in the hunt line for decades.
They have maintained their popularity over the years and have proven that despite changing ownership and merging with LaCrosse years ago, the brand’s original passion and care for quality never left. Now, let’s grab our Danner boots and hit the trail!
Trail-Ready Style: Celebrities and Iconic Hiking Boots
From rugged trails to urban streets, hiking boots have become a staple in both outdoor adventures and fashion-forward wardrobes. Explore how celebrities embrace this trend and discover top hiking boot styles:
Megan Fox Sports Danner Mountain Light Cascade Boots
- Event: LAX Airport Sighting
- Outfit: Megan Fox was spotted wearing Danner’s Mountain Light Cascade boots, famously worn by Reese Witherspoon in the film “Wild.”
- Footwear: The boots feature full-grain leather and a Vibram Kletterlift outsole, combining durability with style.
- Read more: Megan Fox Rocks Reese Witherspoon’s Danner Mountain Light Cascade Hiking Boots
Top Outdoor Shoe Brands and Hiking Boots for Women
- Overview: A comprehensive guide to the best hiking boot brands tailored for women, highlighting comfort, durability, and style.
- Brands Featured: Salomon, Adidas, Merrell, Columbia, KEEN, and more.
- Highlights: Insights into what makes each brand stand out in the realm of outdoor footwear.
- Explore the guide: 7 Best Outdoor Shoe Brands and Hiking Boots for Women
Premium American-Made Boot Brands Worth Every Penny
- Focus: An in-depth look at high-quality American-made boots, emphasizing craftsmanship and longevity.
- Brands Included: Danner, Truman Boot Co., and others known for their commitment to quality.
- Why It Matters: Understanding the value and heritage behind American boot manufacturing.
- Discover more: 8 Premium American-Made Boot Brands Worth Every Penny
30+ American Footwear Brands Still Proudly Made in the USA
- Content: A curated list of over 30 footwear brands that continue to produce shoes in the United States.
- Highlights: Emphasis on brands like Danner that maintain domestic manufacturing, ensuring quality and supporting local economies.
- Why It’s Relevant: For consumers interested in supporting American-made products and understanding their benefits.
- Read the full list: 30+ American Footwear Brands Still Proudly Made in the USA
These articles provide insights into the intersection of functionality and fashion in hiking boots, showcasing how they’ve become a versatile choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals.