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Danner Mountain 600 Review | Worth It In 2026?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Danner Mountain 600 review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2026. As a seasoned hiker myself, I recommend this hiking boot for anyone who wants a nice, comfortable, and durable hiking boot. The Danner Mountain 600 have been around for a while, let’s see why they’re such a staple hiking boot.
For this review, I have put in over 85 miles into testing my own personal pair of the Danner Mountain 600 throughout 2024 with continued testing into 2026.
I know exactly how they feel and perform out on the trails. I’ll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability giving a score for each category with an overall score at the end.
The Danner 600 were released in early 2016, used by hikers all around gaining popularity among the hiking and trekking community. The 600 do not have a predecessor model, although it draws inspiration from the Mountain Light Models, which have been around since the 1980’s.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/31/25 after putting in more testing miles. With new findings in overall protection and fit, we increased the Danner Mountain 600’s objective score from 8.2 to 8.4. We also added our 2026 durability update.
Danner Mountain Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great comfort and value
- Robust support and stability
- Great in-house waterproof membrane (Danner Dry)
- Built to Last with Premium Materials
Cons
- Not ideal for trekking past 10+ miles daily
- Leather offers less ventilation compared to mesh or synthetic options
- Premium price
Should you buy the Danner Mountain 600?
Buy if
- You want one of the most comfortable hiking boots on the market
- You prefer great stability and traction without sacrificing comfort
- You are willing to spend top dollar on a hiking boot that is worthy of the price
DON’T Buy if
- You prefer synthetic lightweight hiking boot meant for trekking
- You want the the highest performance boot on the market
Compare To Similar Products
Well Balanced Boot
8.4
Danner Mountain 600
Very comfortable ride with excellent build quality and robust leather. Very balanced and flexible with confidence in each step
Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
9.2
Hoka Anacapa 2
Our most COMFORTABLE rated hiking boot of 2026. Unmatched comfort with out-of box performance and stability. Not as durable as the Danner Mountain 600.
Backpacking Boot
8.3
Lowa Renegade
Best ankle support systems out there. The stability and support is top-notch. Great choice for backpacking and rough terrain. Stiffer leather compared to Danner Mountain 600, as well as less step-in comfort.
Danner Mountain 600 Price
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See Our Hands-On Youtube Review Of The Danner Mountain
Danner Mountain 600 Comfort: 9/10
My first impression of the Danner Mountain was a complete surprise. I did not expect a rugged leather hiking boot to be so comfortable and cushioned. The softness of this hiking boot reminded me of the Hoka Anacapa 2, our #1 rated most comfortable hiking boot of 2025.
The insole is crafted with ortholite, a nice comfortable footbed. My feet slightly sank into the footbed, a perfect balance of comfort without sacrificing the stiffness for stability.
The toe box was a little tight. Although the toe box itself is wide upon my measurements it came out to 3.27 inches which is wider than most hiking boots on market. There was a little bit of compression at the top of my foot near my toes, a little more padding could’ve gone a long way here.
The sock liner of the Danner Mountain 600 is comparable to the Merrell Moab 3, very sleek and thin yet comforting. The sock liner conforms to the top of your foot without compromising tightness and areas of compression as most sock liners tend to do.
The ankle cuff is surprisingly comfortable. Most rugged leather hiking boots like the Keen Targhee IV have a stiff, unforgiving cuff because of that thick leather build.
But the Danner Mountain 600 defies that. You still get that durable leather feel, but with enough cushioning around the ankle that it doesn’t dig in or feel harsh.
The heel was an area of concern for me regarding comfort of the Danner 600. I felt there was not enough cushioning around the lateral side of my ankle. I felt some hot spots and built up some blisters over the lateral side of my heel during hikes over 5+ miles.
One downside to the Danner 600 is weight. I weighed my pair of Men’s 10.5 at 1.74 pds which is much heavier than the average model on the market. This is due to the leather construction and added cushioning throughout the boot.
As a frame of reference the Lowa Renegade weighed in at 1.2 pds much less than the Danner 600 (1.7.4 pds), a comparable yet more “rugged” model. The Danner Mountain weighs 32% more than a much more “rugged” model which puts it at a disadvantage in terms of foot fatigue on trail.
For clarification, Danner lists the weight of the 600 at 37 oz while REI lists them at 18 oz PER BOOT. I weigh my boots just as REI does, weighing only one boot which gives a more accurate measurement for weight of the Danner boot itself.
Traction: 8/10
The Danner Mountain is equipped with the Vibram Fuga outsole which provides excellent traction. This is the first hiking boot I have tested with the Fuga version of Vibram. The outsole itself was a bit stiff, it took about 5 miles to break in.
I personally tested the traction of these hiking boots in mud, snow, granite, gravel, and sandstone. I can attest that the lugs of the Danner dig deep into whatever terrain you may be crossing, equipping you with the most robust grip you can ask for.
The lugs are 5mm in depth, an industry standard for most hiking boots, the lugs are in a triangular pattern which is unique when it comes to hiking boots. I was able to hold a great edge while hiking up 50 degree + inclines.
The Vibram outsole is quite costly however, there is a tradeoff with price when it comes to premium outsoles. When it comes to durability of an outsole, Vibram is one of the best.
The outsole of the Danner Mountain 600 offers impressive rigidity, providing excellent stability on uneven terrain. I had no trouble maintaining strong traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
The Danner Mountain delivers above-average traction, offering reliable grip across a variety of surfaces. While it may not be the top performer in every category, its traction alone helps justify the premium price tag.
Overall Protection 4/5
The Danner Mountain 600 is covered with robust full-grain leather throughout the entire boot, excluding the tongue.
The rubber toe cap is built right into the outsole, which is a nice touch, but it feels a little too thin for my liking. It doesn’t rise high enough to offer full protection on rocky terrain. A thicker, more substantial design would go a long way in boosting durability and impact resistance.
The outsole is quite thick, protecting you from any sharp objects or rock kicks on the trail. Shock absorption with this hiking boot is pretty substantial compared to the industry standards. The stack height is similar to the Hoka Transport Hike GTX.
The medial and lateral protection of the hiking boot is average at best. The same full-grain leather crosses the sides of the boot; the leather itself is thinner, putting you at risk for sharp objects piercing the side of your boot.
The heel protection is definitely a step up. The outsole wraps about an inch up the back, offering a more solid layer of protection. Unlike the toe cap, this section feels thicker and more reinforced. Overall, the heel coverage feels reliable and up to par for rugged trail use.
Water Resistance 5/5
One noteworthy feature of the Danner Mountain is the in-house waterproof membrane, Danner Dry. The Danner Dry waterproof membrane worked just as well as Gore-tex in our 10 minute submersion test. No water leaked into the boot whatsoever.
One downside to the full-grain leather build and Danner Dry membrane is the lack of breathability. These boots just aren’t ideal for hot summer hikes—the leather traps more heat, and the Danner Dry lining doesn’t vent quite as well as some of the Gore-Tex options out there.
I crossed a few creeks and small rivers, and not a single drop made it into my boots. The flood height on the Danner Mountain 600 is legit. I measured about 5 inches, which gives you solid coverage for shallow water crossings.
Just be ready to wait a while for the outside of the boots to dry. The full grain leather soaks up water and dries slowly.
Just a heads-up: the Danner Mountain 600 also comes in a Gore-Tex version. If you’re hiking in warmer climates, I’d recommend going with that over the Danner Dry version—Gore-Tex tends to breathe a bit better in hot conditions
Does The Danner Mountain 600 Fit Well?
When first trying them on I felt a good amount of room throughout the boot. I tested a size men’s 10.5 and did not have to size up or down. As I mentioned before, there was a little compression at the top of my foot near my toes.
The overall fit runs a bit snug, so I definitely wouldn’t recommend sizing down. If you’re between sizes, go up a half size for a more comfortable fit. I did notice a little heel slip on my right foot, but it wasn’t bad enough to try with any special lacing techniques.
The boot has two top eyelets that let you dial in a nice, secure fit. I didn’t feel any pressure points around the tongue, even when cinching things down for a tight knot at the top.
Danner Mountain Fit 4/5
Danner Mountain 600 Stability & Support 4/5
One thing that really stood out to me with the Danner Mountain 600 is the stability and support, especially for a boot that is this aesthetically pleasing.
I measured the ankle height at 6 inches, which gives you solid lock down, especially while ascending steep terrain without that kickback and dead space behind your heel.
The TPU heel shank adds even more structure, especially when you’re up against uneven terrain or steep inclines. I pushed these boots hard on some rugged terrain, and they handled it without missing a beat.
Even with the thinner leather on these boots, that added TPU shank gives this hiking boot a great heel counter. With the added ankle support, It felt like the boot was hugging my heel and wrapping my ankle at the same time.
Another feature worth pointing out is the rockered sole. It reminded me a lot of the feel you get in the Hoka Kaha 2 my stride was much “lighter” Despite the weight, I felt quicker and lighter on my feet than I expected.
With that extra weight, the cushioning felt a little below average. I’d recommend these for light backpacking or shorter trips, but if you’re planning on grinding out 10+ mile days with a full pack, they might start to wear on your joints more than other boots in this category.
Durability 8/10
I have had zero issues with durability regarding the Danner Mountain 600. The full-grain leather is durable, however it is quite thin.
I do have some concerns moving forward whether that thin leather will wear quicker than most full-grain leather hiking boots.
The Vibram outsole is always a durable feature of any hiking boot. I have not noticed any wear on the lugs, or flattening of the outsole.
There’s no question the Danner Mountain 600 uses quality materials and feels well built. But there is a tradeoff.
The leather is on the thinner side, and the harder you push it on rugged trails, the more you risk early wear or even a tear.
Because of that, I would not recommend this boot for long treks or heavy backpacking. It is a better fit for lighter adventures and day hikes.
2026 Durability Update:
Despite my concerns with the thinner leather wearing quicker than the more robust leather hiking boots, the Danner Mountain 600 has surprised me.There has been minor scuffing of the boot, which is expected. However, the thinner leather has not lost its structural integrity.
The TPU heel counter still holds great heel counter to this day, as well as excellent ankle lockdown.The lugs are still robust and grippy with minimal wear in the midfoot.
Is the Danner Mountain 600 worth it?
If you are looking for a high performing hiking boot with a rockered, and well-cushioned design with appealing aesthetics then yes, this is the hiking boot for you.
The Danner Mountain 600 is built with quality materials and offers a level of under-the-radar comfort you might not expect at first glance.
It’s a go-to pick for hikers who want both performance and style.
The Danner Mountain appeals to what hikers want most, comfort, great appearance, and excellent performance. Getting a high-performance hiking boot for under $200 is tough to beat.
It’s a solid value for what you’re getting.
The strengths of this hiking boot are the comfort, traction, stability and support, and aesthetics!
The drawbacks to consider would be there are more lightweight models out there such as the Salomon X Ultra 4, or the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2. Also those looking for more budget-friendly hiking boots check out the Merrell Moab 3, Timberland Mt Maddsen, or even our top budget hiking boots.
Value: 4.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 9 / 10
Traction: 8 / 10
Overall Protection: 4 / 5
Waterproofness: 5 / 5
Stability & Support: 4 / 5
Fit: 4 / 5
Durability: 8 / 10
Value: 4.5 / 5
Total: 46.5 out of 55
Our Rating: 8.4 / 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Danner Boots Waterproof?
Yes Danner Boots are waterproof, specifically the Mountain 600 features both Gore-tex and Danner dry versions both work well at full waterproofness.
How To Clean The Danner Mountain 600?
You should clean the Danner Mountain 600 the same as any other hiking boot. First rinse the outside, remove the insole, re-rinse with dishwater soap, brush down, and let them dry!
Can The Danner Mountain 600 Be Resoled?
Yes! The Danner Mountain 600 can absolutely be resoled. The Danner Mountain company takes great pride in their boots being recraftable. Danner even offers a recrafting service that only takes 3-4 weeks, so your boots can last for years!
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Danner Mountain 600 over various terrains and trails with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Danner Mountain 600 performance accurately in real-world conditions.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
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Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
