Danner

Trail 2650 3"

Women's

Background: I’m actually not super outdoorsy generally... i definitely am not a trail runner, and I hike maybe 10 times a year for fun, but I’m a photographer and I photograph a lot of elopements and portrait sessions in more rugged locations. There’s one location in particular that I work at a lot that is just super rocky (Dolly Sods in WV), and I was tired of my ankles and knees hurting for days afterwards when wearing my Columbia hiking boots. So I ordered 7+ pairs of trail shoes last week, from brands like Merrell and Teva and Columbia. These were my favorite when trying them on. I usually wear a 9 but the 9.5 fit perfectly. They weren’t the lightest but they are still *really* lightweight. I have wider feet and was nervous that these were too narrow around my arches but they felt so comfortable otherwise that I figured I’d roll with them. I wore them two days in a row last weekend for two elopements- both were about 4-6 hours long, lots of hopping around on large rocks. I’d tweaked my knee somehow lifting weights the day before and was nervous about hurting my knee further but these magic shoes made my knee feel *better* despite the rugged terrain (as in, it hurt at the beginning of the elopement and 4 hours later felt completely fine)!!! The grip is fantastic. I was maneuvering on rocks that were at very steep angles with no issues at all. The cushioning is amazing, it feels like you’re walking on air. Also, this may sound silly but they are laced perfectly and I can pull them on and off without having to retie them which is always a bonus. My outdoor elopement this weekend looks like it will be in constant light rain (boooo) so if I can edit this review later, I will update on how these do in wet weather.

This is my first pair of Danners. I've had these shoes for several months and I love them! Light weight shoes, but with a nice sole. I am hard to fit (size 11, bunions, need wide toe box), but these fit really well and look good. I have been using them for light hiking on well maintained trails. They are not as good for hiking in mud, etc., because they soil easily.

Typically wear a size 7.5/38 euro. I went up to a size 8/38.5 Euro which is not unusual for me in sports/hiking type shoes. I love that they do not have just tons of “stack” underfoot or a super “rocker bottom” sole. 8 mm heel drop which is my upper limit of acceptance. I prefer to not walk in high heels, and let my feet do their job. They do have nice cushion on the footbed. Grippy soles. Toe box is a bit wider than most shoes found these days. I wear with a wrightsox coolmax double layer light hiking sock. And they are light compared to comparable brands unless you go to a trail running sneaker. They are not waterproof- (there is a goretex model) and have breathable perforated suede. I have treated the exterior of mine with a shoe spray for suede/goretex (to not “clog” or change the breathability of the shoe, just protect the exterior suede). I think they are ok looking for casual use around town or touring. Not as clunky as many.

I bought these based on others’ reviews that suggested to skip trying anything else because this would be the perfect hiking shoe. Did not find that to be the case. I wear size 10 and found them to be a snug fit bordering on being too small, with the heel area still having too much movement for my liking. Unfortunately, these had to be returned. Not the right fit for my narrow heel and spacious toes. Will continue my search.

Love these shoes! Save yourself some time returning others and try these first. First day, 7 mile hike in AZ and a whole lot less slipping on gravel and rocks, with their good traction, from previous hike last week in my ASIC runners. Sturdy and toe is solid to help when you kick/trip on boulders. Very comfortable. I wear 9.5 in ASIC and same in these.