Danner Mountain 600 Evo Review

I’ve been on the lookout for a hiking boot that offers a blend of reliable support, manageable weight, and looks stylish—something I can wear on technical trails yet still feel comfortable lacing up for a shorter day hike.

The Danner Mountain 600 Evo hits a sweet spot between lighter weight hiking shoes and rugged backpacking boots. They have a reputation for durability and grip, plus there’s a recrafting option, which means I can get them resoled and refurbished if I feel I ever need to.

After spending some time with these boots in a variety of scenarios, here’s how they’re measuring up so far – yes, I’m still using these a lot.

Key specifications

• Price: $250 at Danner
• Weight: 20.9oz (per boot) for a size US(M)9
• Upper: Full-grain leather
• Waterproofing: Gore-Tex liner (with recycled materials)
• Outsole: Vibram Fuga with Megagrip
• Midsole: Vibram SPE (a mix of EVA foam and rubber)
• Shank: TPU shank for stability
• Weight: Slightly heavier than the lightest hiking boots, but lighter than standard backpacking options
• Recraftable: Designed to be resoled and reconditioned

How they fit and feel

From the first day, the boots felt snug and supportive around my ankles but not rigid. The lacing system gives a bit of freedom for fine-tuning the fit, which is always required, with any pair of hiking boots.

They also come with two different styles of laces which is a nice touch – I switched the laces that were attached out for the ones you see in my photos, as I prefer the color and flat style laces.

Like most other hiking boots with leather uppers, there’s always going to be benefit to breaking them in, when it comes to comfort.

They feel great right out the box but the more you wear them, the more they will conform to the shape of your feet, and the more comfortable they will become.

After putting in my initial miles, the boots began to flex more naturally with my foot, offering a much more comfortable balance of structure and ‘give’ to to speak – in a way that they now feel custom built for my feet and I know they’ll be a trusty hiking partner for many years to come.

What’s good

A key strength here is versatility. I’ve used these on quick day hikes with family and general use around town, and the supportive build hold up well in both situations. The outsole with Vibram Megagrip and Traction Lug technology does a remarkable job on muddy trails and slick rocks, so I never feel myself sliding around.

Vibram Megagrip is not something new for me – I have reviewed tons of trail running shoes with this rubber compound on the outsole and it consistently outperforms anything else right now.

The cushioned midsole also helps on longer days by reducing the fatigue that sometimes creeps in.

It’s not a plush feel (you wouldn’t want a plush hiking boot as you’d be sacrificing control on technical trails), instead, it’s very well balanced and has properties that give it great longevity, in terms of responsiveness over time.

Durability is noticeable from top to bottom; the full-grain leather uppers give an impression of toughness, and the Gore-Tex liner has kept my feet dry through shallow creek crossings and persistent drizzle which I’ve been getting here in Northern California for longer than I’d like.

I appreciate the eco-friendly aspect of that liner, which uses recycled materials. On a broader sustainability note, being able to recraft these boots instead of tossing them is appealing.

Knowing they can be given a second (or third) life makes me more willing to invest in a higher price point.

I also want to highlight the balanced mix of ankle support and agility. These boots don’t feel overly stiff in the shaft, which is good for folks who like a bit more range of motion – myself included.

The lighter-than-typical weight is another advantage, especially when I’m hiking longer stretches or climbing steeper slopes—my legs don’t tire out as quickly as they do with heavier boots. If I’m going to be covering a longer distance, faster then I’m going to be using lighter, even more agile all-mountain trail running shoes instead, possible one with GTX waterproofing.

Things to be aware of

If you’re used to super-lightweight hikers or trail running shoes, the Mountain 600 Evo still carries extra weight.

They’re not what I’d choose for high-mileage ultralight trips when every ounce counts but that’s because I know there are better options out there – and they’re not traditional hiking boots.

While $250 might be justified by durability and recrafting, some of you may find these just out of reach but having said that they are recraftable and will last longer than a pair of trail running shoes.

I’ve noticed these aren’t insulated either, which becomes important if you’re planning winter adventures in freezing temperatures, in which case, you might want to factor in thicker socks or additional layering.

My verdict

I see the Danner Mountain 600 Evo as a dependable choice for anyone juggling regular day hikes, the occasional backpacking trips, and wants a stylish boot to wear everyday.

They’re not the lightest option, but the payoff in stability, waterproofing, style, and a design that can be resoled makes them a worthwhile long-term investment.

The blend of comfort, grip, and classic style checks many boxes for me, and I’m encouraged by the brand’s approach to sustainability.

If you’re aiming for a balance between everyday usability and multi-day trail performance, and you don’t mind a bit of extra weight, these boots will be a solid companion for years to come.

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Let me know what you think! Have you tried these hiking boots, or are you considering them? Drop a comment below. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe to my newsletter and check out my YouTube channel for more outdoor gear insights!