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Pillars of Danner Quality

Field Testing

Wearing in the field is the true test. Let’s take them outside.

Our Wear Testing Team

There’s no replacement for wear testing out in the wild. Our field testers put our products through the wringer and give us real feedback so we can ensure the utmost comfort, wearability, and quality.

Featured Field Tests

Lower body view of hiker walking on a rugged mountain trail

Field Testers
James and Henry

Conditions
Wet and dry

Duration
5-8 hours a day over a 2-month testing period

Activities
Office work, running, hiking, and attending kid’s soccer games

Tester Feedback
James was happy with the fit, comfort, and performance of the Trail 2650 Mid GTXs. He appreciated their versatility as he was able to go from the office, to the track, and to his kid’s soccer games without changing shoes. James also appreciated the quick break-in period and that they never leaked.

Henry noted that the boots never leaked, and they remained comfortable through the duration of the testing period.

Addressing the Feedback
Prior to testing the Trail 2650 GTX in the field, we conducted an internal test and determined that the Trail 2650 GTX’s were fitting tighter than the Trail 2650 non-waterproof styles. Consequently, we adjusted the bootie pattern on the Trail 2650 GTX’s by approximately 2mm on each side to achieve a consistent fit across styles.

We then validated this change with our field testers who reported a perfect fit. The 2mm adjustment to the bootie pattern did not have any effect on the overall performance of the Trail 2650 GTX and no tester reported any leakage.

Lower body view of hiker walking on wet rocky terrain

Field Testers
Stephen, Mike, Kellie, and Jayne

Conditions
Wet and dry

Duration
2-10 hours a day over a 4-month testing period

Activities
Forest work, barnyard and stable work, forest and mountain trail hiking, and office work

Tester Feedback
Jayne, Kellie, and Stephen all note a perfect fit for these boots with Mike noting they felt slightly big but OK, which is within expectations for the DPDX Last.

Jayne, Stephen, and Mike all note a 0-day break-in period, saying these were comfortable immediately out of the box. Kellie notes a comfortable 7-day break-in period as there was a slight pinch to her pinky toe, but they broke-in during the week and didn’t cause further discomfort. Jayne notes “I have no fit or comfort complaints, these boots fit like a glove.”

None of the testers reported any leaks with Stephen writing “I stood in water to the ‘tongue line’ for several minutes with no leakage.” Mike and Kellie both noted they wore them during the very rainy spring in the Portland, Oregon area and reported no leaks throughout their test.

Mike notes that he would need a stiffer sole and upper to do more mountaineering, but loved the boots for their intended use. None of the testers noted issues with the boots being too hot or unbreathable.

Addressing the Feedback
Taking into account the valuable feedback from our testers and the outstanding performance of the Leaf Liner, we are confident that there are no issues moving forward into production.

Lower body view of construction worker in a building site

Field Testers
Gregg, Tyler, and Thomas

Conditions
Wet and dry

Duration
6-10 hours a day over a 4-month testing period (December to April)

Activities
Construction site work, indoor mechanic shop work, wood mill work, log yard work, and plumbing work

Tester Feedback
Greg tested the MET version of the boot inside a variety of work environments including construction sites, mechanic shops, wood mills and log yards without any discomfort. He noted a 10-day break-in period for the boots.

Tyler noted that the boots were a perfect fit after wearing the boots 10 hours a day at his mechanic shop. There was no discomfort with the safety toe, flex pressure, or with the upper. The boot broke-in within 6 days.

Thomas wears an “EE” wide width and noted the boots were good and snug at first, but felt comfortable after some break-in time. He tested the MET version of the boot and noted no discomfort issues above his foot. The height of the boot fit Thomas well and provided support during his 6-hour work day as a plumber.

Addressing the Feedback
The Vicious 6” NMT and MET boots garnered near-flawless feedback from our testers. Fit was on point, and our testers lauded the comfort of the safety toe and metatarsal guard, emphasizing their comfortable placement and the boot's overall height, which offered both comfort and support.

Lower body view of individual walking in concrete

Field Testers
Joe, Austin, Jono, Kyle, Heather, and Kellie

Conditions
70 % Outdoor environment
Wet and dry

Duration
3-10 hours a day over a 4-month testing period (November to March)

Activities
Yard work, forest and mountain trail hiking, warehouse work, construction site work, machine shop work

Tester Feedback
Joe noted a perfect fit and a short break-in period of 3-4 days. He wore them approximately 10 hours a day for activities including work, yard work around his property, and hikes. He reported that 30% of his test was in wet conditions and he experienced no leaks. His favorite aspect was the ankle and underfoot stability provided by the boot – all while feeling lightweight.

Austin noted a perfect fit and a 3-day break-in period. He wore them approximately 6 hours a day for activities including warehouse and construction site work. He did not experience discomfort throughout the testing period and notes, “This was the perfect hybrid boot for my job working in a warehouse and for light construction work. It was lightweight, waterproof, and durable enough for all environments I worked in.”

Joe noted that the fit was “Loose/Big” and comfortable within a 5-day break-in period. He wore them approximately 10 hours a day. 80% of the test time was spent in a factory/warehouse environment and the remaining 20% was on gravel, pavement, and forested land. 50% of the test was in wet conditions and he experienced no leaks. His favorite features of the boots were the waterproofing and the outsole traction. Joe noted that he added his own insole because he is on his feet for long periods at work.

Kyle wore his boots 10 hours a day and noted that “These [boots] were a near perfect fit. One of the best fits and my favorite boots Danner has developed.”

Heather noted a perfect fit with no break-in period. She wore them for 7 hours a day as an action sports photographer. Her typical work environment is outdoors on mountain and forest trails, mud, gravel, ice, and pavement. She mentioned, “I loved the out-of-the-box comfort and I didn’t have to worry about a long day in uncomfortable boots.” She loved the waterproof lining and said that these boots were the most perfect boots she has worn for her job.

Kellie wore her boots 3 hours a day and noted the fit was “Tight/Small” and that the vamp through the upper at her instep felt the most tight for her. Kellie wore these boots as an everyday shoe and as her hiking boots. She tested 25% of the time in wet conditions and reported no leaks.

Addressing the Feedback
The Logger Moc 917 GTX received great feedback from our testers. Four of the six testers noted a perfect fit, and each noted a comfortable break-in period of within one week. The immediate comfort and lightweight design of the boot were the common remarks made by the testers when asked what their favorite aspects were. Each also noted no leaks during their field-testing period. One tester, Kellie, noted that the fit at her instep through the vamp felt a bit tight for her foot. This is an area that we addressed during fit testing for the Men’s and Women’s styles, and we are now in a great spot with the fit.