great boots
I currently own two pairs of Danner boots - these, and a pair of special forces desert boots that I've owned since special forces started wearing them a dozen or so years back - both are of similar construction although the desert boots are taller and offer ankle support in a way these do not, and the desert boots are meant to allow air to flow around the foot while keeping out sand and dirt(which they do well) and these are waterproof so do not breath like desert boots - other than that this review works for both with minimal modification. I probably have as much experience with this type of boot as anyone for what it's worth.I first had a pair of Danner boots made this way when I was a teenager and wore daily into my 30's. I threw them away because they got so filthy and ugly that I could no longer clean them enough and the vibram soles were worn down almost flat at the ball of the feet but they were still fully functional and waterproof. I remember they cost $60 which was a crazy high price for hiking boots 40 years ago, much more than $300 is today. A shopping cart of food was $10 and gas was about a quarter per gallon.This type of construction lasts far longer than anything else still on the market. They are expensive but well worth the price - they'll out live many pairs of 100+ dollar boots so, in the end, they are much cheaper. Unlike most boots made now, they can be re-manufactured and repaired properly. You could conceivably keep these boots for the rest of your life. The finish on the Stumptown boots is worthless, it will begin to scrape away the first time you wear them, but it makes no difference in the long run. Good polish brings them back to a decent look if you have a need for them to be shiny. They look like cheap work boots, so looks are not a reason to buy these.They are made of the highest grade materials and are truly built to last as long as a boot can last. They take a bit to break in but form to your feet in about two weeks (constant, everyday wear or a LOT longer if you just wear them on hiking excursions)until they feel like they were custom made from a mold of your feet. The loose parts tighten around your feet, the tight parts loosen up. They are NOT comfortable when you first put them on (unless they just happen to fit right out of the box) but will be after taking the long time to break them in properly. Remember that these boots are old school craftsmanship - we are a society accustomed to instant gratification and you won't find that in a boot like this. When I was young, any high quality shoe took time to break in so it doesn't bother me. Many shoes today don't even last as long as it takes to break in a great pair.Make sure you put the laces through the tiny slits in the tounge or it will slide off sideways. It takes some doing to get it through. The tounge design is bulky and you'll need to take some care while breaking in to get it to set in a way that is comfortable to you. If you just tighten the laces and go, you may end up with a bunch of leather in an uncomfortable position. If you set it right for your feet, it will quickly gain a memory of that position and fall into place every time.The heel is wide and takes time to form - thick wicking socks are a must for these boots espescially at first or your heel will slide around. The moisture from your feet eventually shrinks them into fit but that's the part that takes the longest.These boots are not for everyone. They are somewhat expensive up-front and take time to become truly your boots. If you want instant comfort, be prepared to buy new boots every year or two. If you are willing to break in a pair of these, they will be comfortable for many, many years.