Customer Reviews Danner Mountain Light Cascade

If you consider yourself a serious hiker, do NOT buy these boots. After reading so many wonderful reviews, I decided to buy these boots for a summer of hiking through different national parks. I broke them in by hiking 3-5 miles every other day through my neighborhood park for about 2 months. They felt fine and I was excited to wear them over the summer. As we hiked our first park, I wore them for 10+ miles on the first day and 10+ miles on the second day. On the third day, I started to feel intense soreness through my achilles tendons. My husband thought they just weren't broken in enough so I continued to wear them for a few more days. The pain just kept getting worse and worse, to the point where it was unbearable to hike in them. I switched to my Chacos and was able to hike many miles in them without any pain. I took a two week break from the Danner boots during the trip, thinking that my tendons just needed some time to heel and strengthen. The second I started walking in the boots again the pain flared up. I went to a nearby REI to get other boots to finish my trip in. I spoke with two different employees about the Danner boots and both said how horrible they were. People were constantly returning the shoes because they made the same mistake I did. While these boots look adorable, the technology is archaic, the soles are flat, and they are super heavy. They are NOT good boots if you plan to do any actual hiking!

As a serious hiker who works as a footwear designer, I have mixed feelings about these. Pros: - They are by far the best looking hiking boots on the market. And they look just as good (maybe better) with age. Mine are 4 years old now - They are extremely durable. I break everything! But the tough leather can really take a beating - No blisters. Once you break them in, there is no hike I can do (rain, 30 km downhill in a day, etc.) that has given me even a tiny blister - They look straight out of National Geographic in the 60s - Cute hiking photos Cons: - They are NOT waterproof. Wearing canvas sneakers is better for the rain. At least they dry. I’ve been on too many multi-day treks where I have to wake up in the morning, put on socks, then plastic bags (Good technique btw) then more socks, then stuff my feet into the super heavy, sopping wet boots. Still no blisters though - They come untied really easily- especially when wet - They aren’t comfortable. I mean, they aren’t uncomfortable but they don’t have an insole. Lots of hiking boots feel like you’re walking on a cloud where as these feel like you are walking on cement

Ok, I'll be honest. I went to see the movie Wild and fell in love with these boots. I thought they were pricey and thought I'll order them, try them on and get my fix and send them back. I LOVE them!!! No way I'm sending them back. Felt great from the moment I put them on and they look great on. They don't look bulky. They look like a woman's boot. I'm so glad I bought them.

I LOVE these boots!!! They are definitely stiff at first, but I’ve been wearing them 24-7 to break them in. It’s happening slowly. Let me say this: I’m a hiker. I hike a LOT and around 5-10 miles each time. I would NOT wear these boots hiking. I have the Danner Crater Rim for hiking and absolutely love them. I wore them on a 6 mile hike the day after getting them and didn’t have any issues with rubbing or pain. I purchased the Danner Mountain Light Cascade boots because they are just so dang cute! I plan to wear them around town and for things like that. They are too stiff and not cushy enough for me to be a serious hiking boot. Maybe eventually once I wear them in but I doubt it. I read tons of reviews before purchasing both the Crater Rim and Mountain Light so I’m doing my best to give as much info for people as I can! If you want serious hiking boots, I’d 100% go with Crater Rim. If you want super cute bopping around boots that look insanely adorable then get the Mountain Light. I usually wear a 7 in hiking boots (I did in the Crater Rim ones I have) but the 6.5 Mountain Light fit me perfectly. Size down a 1/2 size for them.

Amazing boots. I am normally a solid 8.5 , I bought both size 8 and size 8.5. After wearing them around the house, size 8 fit like a glove (not what you want in a hiking boot in the toe area) but if you are doing a lot of walking/hiking I can see toe issues and toenail loss (yes just like the movie Wild- the reason her toenail fell off is because her boots were too small) The toe area is narrow in these, I would order your normal size to allow for socks and circulation and toe movement. The Danner boot representative said she wears her normal size too. Trust me I struggled with sizing as I hate sloppy shoes, but after careful and long consideration, these boots are not going to be stretching especially in the toe area where I feel would be the most sizing issues so I stuck with my normal size 8.5. These are hiking boots and should not fit like ballet flats or any shoe like that. Also if you have a wide foot, go up a half size, this will allow for extra width. Hope this helps you don't want to have hiking boots too cramped.

I was a loyal Zappos customer when I lived in the US and miss it terribly but I consult this site regularly for customer reviews. These are wonderful, well made boots. The smell of the leather when you open the box and the quality of construction jumps out at you. I would not call these serious hiking boots as I would want a boot with GoreTex protection but I think these are great for long walks and light hikes. I notice that many people complain about break in especially soreness to the achilles tendon. I'm former military and had to break in many a stiff pair of boots. I solved this problem by wrapping a sock around that area and then put on another pair to hold it in place. This works fabulously well for me. I suggest you try it.

I wanted to wait a bit to write this review since I knew these were going to take a bit of time and effort to break in. Honestly, I'm still working on that process, but they are exceptionally awesome, and I will gladly keep wearing them! First, I thought that I was supposed to add inserts because they don't come with any. After speaking with Zappos and then with Danner directly, I learned that the inserts are actually sewn into the boot, so you do not need any additional inserts. This made a HUGE difference for me. Taking out the inserts I was using gave my toes the wiggle room they needed. I did end up adding the foam heel inserts from Danner, but I don't think they make much difference to be honest. I did have a bit of a problem with a wrinkle in the tongue causing some discomfort on the top of my foot, so I unlaced the shoe, applied Frye leather conditioner and worked it into the tongue. I then worked to situate the tongue so that it was comfortable and lying flat under the laces, laced them up, and wore them for hours. This helped a lot. I also had (and still have) a problem with the right boot rubbing my right Achilles' tendon. I had a blister after my first walk around the block with them, so I ended up wrapping a toe bed insert (similar to moleskin material) around my Achilles' tendon where the boot was rubbing it. I then put another thin pair of socks on over it to keep it in place. This has served to protect my ankle, and I imagine I will have to continue inserting this for some time. Having said all of that, they are 100% worth the effort. I can feel them becoming more and more comfortable, and I absolutely love the style. There is nothing else out there that comes close!

Love them. At first I thought I would like the size 8 as I am a size 8.5 solid and Danner sizing says size down 1/2 size. Well tried both and 8 fit like a glove but realized after walking a lot the toe area may be scrunched/cramped. These are hard toe hiking boots and they will not be stretching out in the toe area ever. I ended up keeping size 8.5 my normal size after walking around in them in the house and talking to representatives including a Danner customer service girl who takes her normal size in these as well. Order regular size these are hiking boots not ballet flats and you should be able to wiggle your toes are put a thicker sock on without pain.

My last pair of Danner Lights lasted through 20 years of heavy wear. I had them resoled twice. It was finally time for an new pair and I am so relieved that the quality is just as great. The craftsmanship is excellent. I am a fairly narrow 5 and 5’s fit perfectly without inner soles. Lots of people like an inner sole in these boots, but I find them completely unnecessary. I have never had any break in issues. They are comfortable out of the box. I understand that lots of people buy these boots because they are cute... which they are, but they are serious hiking boots that can take a beating. Highly recommend.

These shoes are so amazing! Very comfortable and durable. I am so pleased! I wouldn’t make them my go-to hiking shoes, I’ve actually decided to use them as city walking shoes. Fashionable and very durable. These will be around for a long time to come!

Super cute, super functional. Love how the laces come very loose and they’re easy to get off after a long hike!

They took a while to break in, but I have had them for about six months now and they are great. These boots have excellent construction. Love the Danner quality. I hiked every weekend during the fall in them and did not have any problems. I do suggest wearing good socks. I could see how they could rub on your heel otherwise. They are not fancy in terms of the modern technology and whatnot, but they are a classic. They are not a one season boot, they will last a long time. You can also send them back to Danner and get them re-soled and cleaned up. These boots are well worth the price.

I'm normally a size 7 or 7.5 but ended up going with a size 8 and adding Superfeet insoles (the boots only come with a slippery plastic insole) and so I could wear thick socks when hiking. I used a rubber mallet on the heel to break it in. I wore them on a backpacking trip with hiking socks and liners and only had one hot spot on my toe--which is pretty good for not breaking them in first. They kept my feet dry in the rain and when I stepped in puddles. To the people who complain that they're too stiff--they're supposed to be. They're hiking and work boots, they're meant to keep your ankles stable and support heavy weight. I have no doubt these boots will last me years, unlike my previous Gore-tex boots.

Felt like favorite old boots within two days- and perfect fit. Would have not liked them as much if I had gone down a size like some suggest. Would rather have space for thick sock without cramping.

Have no fear - these boots are amazing. I read every review I could find before purchasing them, fully aware that the heel of the boot may cause me problems. I ordered true to my current shoe size (8.5) despite the fact that I sometimes wear 9 in running shoes. I did this because the leather will stretch and now that I have broken them in, they fit like a glove. Also, please keep in mind that these boots are a tad narrow, but even with wide feet like mine, they fit okay (just more snug than I am used to, but not painful). As for the potential heel rubbing, you can avoid blisters by purchasing either leather conditioner or saddle soap to work into the leather on the boot heel. Also, wear two pairs of socks for about a week to break the heel in. This may seem like a bit of work, but it is totally worth it. The conditioner will also keep the boots clean and soft. Just be sure to follow the directions and be mindful the dye of the leather may be rubbed out if you do not do it properly. My best advice is to purchase these boots (despite any reservations) and wear them INSIDE ONLY with two pairs of socks until you have guaranteed that they fit and are broken in. Wearing them outside will prevent you from returning them for a difference size if they don t work. You can search online for proper boot fit guidance, such as this website (http://www.sheplers.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=BootFitGuide). I have worn these boots all around town and on two day hikes so far. I plan on wearing them during my backpacking trip to Iceland and am confident they will perform well for a long time.

I love the LOOK of these boots, but they killlllll your feet. They are so heavy, and on the inside is a thick, sharp ring i guess you can call it that digs into your heels. It almost feel like thats where two pieces of rubber connect and it just rubs right through a thick ski sock, its crazy. Im keeping them because I'm hoping i can take them to a shoe smith to help smooth out the inside so i can try to wear them! I agree with another comment where she said if your a serious hiker do not buy these boots, completely agree, unfortunately. Get yourself some Merrells.

These boots are amazing. They do run large. I usually wear a size 6 in women and i ordered the 5.5. I had some space with the 5.5 which is perfect if i wear thick socks. I read all the reviews before i bought them since they are expensive. I was reading how some people wrote about needing insoles. The insoles are sewn into the shoes as per Danner. So i didnt buy any extra insoles like some people recommended. The boots are comfortable right out the box and i never had to break them in. I am happy with my investment!

These boots feel great. Very comfortable for all day wear with no break in needed.

I bought these boots to hike the Inca Trail. I ordered 5 different boots to try and these were the best fit. If you need a boot that gives solid ankle support for trail hiking with some climbing, this is your boot. People on the trip who bought low-ankle boots or ankle height boots made with synthetic materials were miserable. This is an old school boot that gives reliable ankle support and comfort for long trips---this is a great choice.

LOVE these shoes!! They ran kinda of true to size for me... I'm usually an 8.5 in shoes but I normally go up to a 9 for boots/booties but the 9's in these felt a bit too big so I got the 8/5 and they fit great!! They definitely will take a little breaking in before my first hike but I'm hoping it's only a day or two before a decent hike! I love that you can wear them outdoors hiking/camping or with jeans and an oversized sweater when you're just out and about! You can tell the quality is great on them and definitely worth the price in my opinion!

I ordered these in my usual size 7.5. They were pretty big, even with a large sock, so I returned for a 7, which is perfect. Many people have mentioned something painful in the heel, but I am lucky enough not to feel that. They felt good from the beginning, but they do need some breaking in so they will be good for everyday. I did not buy them for hiking, but I think they may actually be good for that, which I didn't expect after reading reviews.. I wore them for the first time to a casual event with little walking and I was good in them for 5 hours. I have a narrower foot, but I don't buy narrow shoes, so the width is fine for me. I recommend them.

Takes me right back to the Seventies ?? Very nostalgic hiking boots....but I had to get a full size smaller than my usual size 8....I had to get a size 7 and they fit wonderfully....the leather is scrumptious!

Love it! Very cute but most importantly, very comfortable for my aching feet. This will be my daily, all-round, any weather, go-to shoe. Thanks, Zappos, for the always quick delivery!

Fits well to size. Somewhat stiff leather initially but breaks-in with wearing. I use the inserts which help with additional comfort and support. Have yet to wear them camping or hiking but have so far been a great casual boot.