Boots, Danner what did you do!!!!!

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Well after 6 seasons, I have to retire my Danners Elk Ridge boots.  They still feel great, but the tread is gone and I am tired of slipping.
Come to find out Danner discontinued this boot and tried to supplement it with the Elk Hunter.
I ordered a pair and got them only to be extremely disappointed.  I only needed to lace up one before I realized they are going back.  They felt terrible! 
I have scoured the internet looking for one surviving pair of the Elk Ridge boots, but they are gone.  I loved those boots and they fit me perfectly, why did Danner have to go and change a good thing? If anyone here works for Danner, revive that boot and kill that monstrosity you call the Elk Hunter, NOW! 

I went to my local North 40 today and decided to see what all they hype was with the Kenetreks.  Tried on a pair and damn, those things felt very nice, I almost walked out with them, but my wiser self said to research them a bit first and read the reviews. 

I have never worn a boot with a sole that stiff, but it felt like it fit my foot well.  I jumped on here and read some of the issues guys had with blisters on the heels due to the stiffness and an issue with fitting their foot correctly.  How do I know if this will be a problem for me or not?  Is there a way to be certain the boot fits my foot like its supposed and not cause an issue on my heel?  Seemed to fit my foot like a glove and I felt no rubbing in the store, but once you get on a hill its totally different. Just trying to prevent a $450 mistake.

[tikkahunter]

I believe you can resole the elk ridge since it's a stitch down sole

[MtnMuley]

I wore Danner's  for many years, but they are a thing of the past in my eyes. Kenetreks are more than twice the boot. You won't be disappointed.

[Southpole]

My husband is in the same boat. I don't know what model of Danners he has but they're around 15 years old. They're his favorite boots but, like you, they're getting worn. They don't make that model anymore and he's tried on all the other Danners and they just don't fit right. I bought a pair of Oboz last year from North 40. Like the Kenetreks they fit my foot like a custom glove but they have a very stiff sole, almost like wearing ski boots. I feel insecure when I hike around over wet logs and such. I found myself tripping and falling a lot. I can see wearing these on a groomed trail but not off road. I also paid about $250 for them but I needed them because I had forgotten my work boots on my way to Curlew  . I would prefer a boot with a more flexible sole so I can feel more detail under my foot.

[mburrows]

I bought a pair of the Kenetrek Hardscrabbles recently after bidding farewell to my boots, was a tough decision. At one point i had about a mortgage payments worth of boots in the house because I wanted to make sure I made the right choice.  I love em so far even though they aren't completely broken in. 

[Happy Gilmore]

Danner rebuilds all american made boots still for around $100. They put in new GoreTex too. I'm pissed because they discontinued Romeos. I bought two new pair and have them under my bed in reserve. Been wearing Danner Romeo's for at least 13 years and I buy a new pair a year and throw away a pair a year. Keep one year old pair for slippers.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I believe you can resole the elk ridge since it's a stitch down sole

I believe you can as well, but its a 10 week turn around right now from the day they get them.  I need my boots for scouting and such this summer and I may not get them back in time for archery season.  I am just kinda torn at this point. 

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I wore Danner's  for many years, but they are a thing of the past in my eyes. Kenetreks are more than twice the boot. You won't be disappointed.

I hope not, but they are much different than the Danners.  I am worried about the ski boot like feel on some of the terrain.  Does that improve when they are broken in?

[Timberstalker]

Although I am on the Kenetrek Bandwagon as well, have you looked at the Danner Canadians?  They are a stout, well built boot if you want to stay with Danner.

[MtnMuley]

I wore Danner's  for many years, but they are a thing of the past in my eyes. Kenetreks are more than twice the boot. You won't be disappointed.

I hope not, but they are much different than the Danners.  I am worried about the ski boot like feel on some of the terrain.  Does that improve when they are broken in?

I've never experienced the ski boot effect in the Mountain Extreme's with 5 pairs.  I know the feeling with the Mtn Guides and other mountaineering boots I've worn.  I don't notice much of a break in period, but then again I'm fortunate to not have picky feet.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Although I am on the Kenetrek Bandwagon as well, have you looked at the Danner Canadians?  They are a stout, well built boot if you want to stay with Danner.

I have considered them as well.  I had a pair awhile back and they just seemed to high on my leg to be comfortable. I think the 9 in shank was my number with Danner boots.  I know the Kenetrek says its also 10in high, but it didn't feel the same when I tested them out.  I also cant find a pair of the Canadians in CDA to try on and I would really like to try the boots on before I order them.

[JBar]

Ditch the Danners! I too used to love my Danners but after a few pairs that only lasted a season forget it. My Rain Forest boots were the best and lasted a good 10 years. First couple of Pronghorns lasted 3+, after that they were crap! Tried a couple different boots and ended up buying Kenetreks, first pair lasted 6 years, still have them but one of them developed a leak so I just bought another pair and will send the old ones in to be patched. You will appreciate the stiffness when side hilling and as you and your ankles age. There are other great boots out there so find what fits you right and don't sweat the price tag. You can spend $180 every year or $440 and be way ahead in the long run. Sorry if I rambled!

[follow maggie]

It's sad how far Danner has fallen. I used to wear nothing but Danner. Then thy off shored some of their manufacturing, but their American made boots were still good. Last year i bought a pair of their quarry boots made in the USA. Didn't evn last for a year before they startd leaking badly. It's sad to see a great company become a purveyor of junk.

[predatorpro]

I love my danners...been wearing pronghorns for years and never had a problem....I literally wear them everyday...work water mud snow....they are great!

[crabcreekhunter]

I still wear danners havr the canadians, trophys which are similar to the slk hunters but better quality in my eyes.  Also have a pair of the danner mountain assaults alot along the line of the kennetrek feel but 150 bucks cheaper.  Have only put about 100 miles on those but very happy with the purchase