How do Danner boots fit for hiking?

Hiking & Backpacking
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Seeking Advice on Danner Boots Fit for Hiking

I’m looking to get a pair of Danner boots and I’m curious about their fit, especially for hiking trips. I’ve heard various opinions, and I want to ensure I choose the right size for comfort and performance on the trails.

Sizing and Fit

From what I’ve gathered, Danner boots tend to run a bit larger/smaller (depending on the model), which makes it imperative to have the right size. Can anyone share their experiences regarding this? Do you typically wear your regular shoe size, or do you tend to size up or down? I’d love to hear any specific model recommendations and how they felt in terms of fit.

Width Options

I’ve also seen that Danner offers various width options. For those who’ve worn them, do you find the standard width sufficient, or is it worth it to look into wide options for additional comfort?

Break-in Period

Another aspect I am curious about is the break-in period. What was your experience like? Did you have to wear them around the house for a bit, or were they comfortable right out of the box? For those who hiked long distances shortly after purchasing, how did your feet fare?

Recommendations

Lastly, if you have any suggestions on which Danner models are ideal for hiking and why, I would greatly appreciate it. From your experience, is there a particular model that stands out for long hikes vs. shorter day trips?

Thanks in advance for your advice! I’m excited to get some new boots for the upcoming hiking season, and your input will be super helpful.

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Danner boots generally run true to size, but it’s always good to try them on. I have wide feet, and I found that going half a size up worked well for me.

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That’s interesting! I’ve heard they can also be a bit snug initially. Has anyone experienced a break-in period that was longer than expected?

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I would agree with glyons. They feel true to size, but if you’re hiking in them a lot, consider wearing thicker socks. That can change the fit somewhat.

5

I definitely needed to size up! I have high arches and I picked one size larger to accommodate my foot shape nicely.

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That’s good to know! Are there any other tips for finding the perfect fit, especially for those of us who don’t have the luxury of trying them on?

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I’ve seen recommendations for measuring your feet at home! That might be helpful if trying on in stores isn’t an option. You could also visit a local hiking store for sizing advice.

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When I bought mine, I was told Danner has a wider toe box, which is great for people like me with wider feet. It’s worth checking if that’s true for you.

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Interesting! I might actually have the opposite issue and need a snugger fit around the toes. What’s the best way to manage this?

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Consider insoles! They can help customize the fit and offer more arch support if that’s what you need. Plus, they can make a snug fit more comfortable.

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Thanks for the tip! Do you all think breaking them in at home is better than trying them out on trails first?

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I wore mine around the house for a few days before hitting the trails. I thought it helped by the time I went out for a hike. No blisters!

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Hiking with Danners, I found them very comfortable from the start. Just make sure to wear the appropriate socks. A good sock can really make or break the experience!

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I’ve found that Danner boots are pretty comfortable right out of the box, especially the 800 series. I did experience some stiffness at first, but it got better after a few hikes.

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That’s good to hear! How many hikes did it take before they felt fully broken in for you?

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Breaking in Danner boots can be a pain, but I recommend wearing them around the house for longer periods. It really helps with the comfort level. Give it a week before hitting the trails!

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Totally agree! I used to wear mine while doing chores around the house, and it worked wonders. Small hikes on the weekends also did the trick.

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Comfort can vary! I found my Danner boots initially comfortable but developed hotspots on longer hikes. Try using blister prevention strategies from the start!

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[@osmith] Yes, hotspots can be a common issue. Make sure to combine break-in with good socks! I switched to a thicker pair, and it helped a lot.

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I’ve heard that the fit on Danner can be a bit narrow for some. What’s everyone’s take on that? I think it might be worth trying a half size up if you have wider feet.

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