Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Take on the coldest, wettest wintry trails in Danner’s new weatherized boots

danner weatherized boot collection danner5
Winter trekking is a popular pastime that requires the proper gear. Not having the right footwear can result in cold, wet feet and a miserable time out on the trail. Although there are many winter-specific hiking boots on the market, Danner has sought to go above and beyond with its new Weatherized Collection. It has integrated Primaloft insulation and Danner Dry waterproof protection into its new products to help ensure that your feet are kept toasty and dry during any winter excursion.

The Raptor 650 leads the way, mirroring the Explorer 650 but with integrated cold weather features including 400 grams of PrimaLoft insulation. The boot uppers are fleece-lined for warmth and comfort and constructed from durable wool and full-grain leather. The Raptor 650 boasts Danner Dry waterproof protection, which is guaranteed to keep your feet dry even in the harshest of winter conditions. The boots feature a Vibram SPE midsole for added durability, as opposed to fast-degrading EVA midsoles. The Vibram Escape outsole features Megagrip technology, which is ideal for maintaining traction on slippery, wet, and icy surfaces. The women’s version includes a touch of faux fur around the collar for added warmth and style.

Related Videos

The Weatherized Collection will also include the Mountain 600, an award-winning shoe now available in insulated versions for men and women. The Mountain 600 Insulated boasts 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation, fleece lining, and Danner Dry waterproof protection. This boot offers the Vibram Fuga outsole with Megagrip and Vibram SPE midsole for added durability.

“Danner hiking boots are already known to perform exceptionally well in winter conditions, but the new Weatherized Collection introduces best-in-class PrimaLoft insulation for colder temps,” states Will Pennartz, senior marketing manager for Danner. “With the new Raptor 650 in particular, we wanted to add a bit more style to create one truly weatherproof, fully functional, go-to boot for winter conditions.”

The Raptor 650 will be available for men and women in two colors each and will retail for $240. The Mountain 600 Insulated will be offered in two colors for men and one color for women and will retail for $220.

Danner was founded in 1932 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and has since relocated to Portland, Oregon.

Editors' Recommendations

Boots with integrated lighting will help hunters see better in the dark
high beam shoes new boot

Finding your way along a trail after dark can be challenging, particularly if you forget to pack a flashlight. But a company called High Beam Shoes is hoping to make it much easier to navigate through the backcountry after sunset by integrating lights directly into your footwear. The company unveiled a prototype design for a pair of boots aimed specifically at hunters that allow them to travel more safely in low-light conditions, while also maintaining their own natural night vision along the way.

The HB Hunting boot is based on a similar design that High Beam Shoes has been developing for military use. Both versions are built to provide good traction on a variety of surfaces, as well as plenty of ankle support and protection for the foot in rugged, uneven settings. Reportedly, both models are still in the early phases of development but are designed for use in environments that call for lightweight footwear that allow the wearer to remain nimble in adverse conditions.

Read more
Under Armour’s new hiking boots have the soul of a basketball shoe
under armour newell ridge ua 3

When Under Armour went looking for ways to create a lightweight and stable hiking boot, it found inspiration in an unexpected place. The designers of the Newell Ridge Mid took some cues from the company's basketball division, with NBA star Stephen Curry's signature shoe providing some direction. The result is a product that more closely resembles a sneaker than a hiking boot but it still delivers all of the performance you would expect from a backcountry shoe.

The Newell Ridge uses Under Armour's proprietary Anafoam overlay to give the boot structure and support, without adding much in the way of weight. That material works in conjunction with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex upper to keep feet comfortable and dry, even while fording streams or hiking in a heavy rainstorm. And unlike the standard Newell Ridge shoe, the Mid version wraps the ankle in well-padded materials too, offering extra support on unstable or rocky trails.

Read more
Vasque Breeze III Hiking Boots: Our First Take
Stomp through mud and slushy spring snow in Vasque's upgraded Breeze hiking boot
Vasque Breeze III

Now on its third version, the Breeze is one of Vasque's most popular hiking boots. It features a rare combination which merges a ruggedness needed for long days on the trail and a sneaker-like comfort that'll keep your feet happy for miles. Through the years, the company improved the Breeze boot, adding a slew of new features while retaining the staples that made the boot a market leader. This consistency is evident in the  Vasque Breeze III, the latest iteration of Vasque's signature hiking boot.
Ample ankle support and toe protection
Known for packaging backpacking-worthy features into a boot that fits like an athletic shoe, Vasque's Breeze III continues this tradition by offering ample ankle support for day and multi-day hikes. We walked through slippery, slushy snow and root-filled trails with no concern of turning an ankle.

That's the beauty of the Vasque boots — they manage to stay comfortable on the ankle while providing sufficient rigidity for most trail conditions. The metal lacing system, especially the hooks in the ankle, aid in this stability by allowing you to pull that part of the boot tighter if needed. It also allows you to lock your ankle securely in place to prevent slippage while ascending steep terrain.

Read more