Danner

Danner was founded in 1932 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, by William Weyenberg and his son-in-law Charles Danner as the Danner Shoe Mfg. Co. Charles Danner's intention was to make high-quality boots that were durable and affordable, taking advantage of the area's water resources which supported a thriving tannery industry for leather production.

In 1936, Charles Danner relocated the company to Portland, Oregon, where he was joined by his sons Bill and John. The move was motivated by opportunities in the booming timber trade of the Pacific Northwest. The company began manufacturing work boots with spiked soles that quickly gained popularity among loggers, timber workers, and shipyard employees. These durable boots earned the nickname "shipyard shoes" and became widely used throughout the region.

During the 1950s, Danner shifted its focus from work boots to trekking boots, adopting European designs and Vibram soles from Italy. The introduction of the ELK HUNTER boots in 1956 paved the way for future hiking and trekking shoes, establishing the brand's reputation in the outdoor industry.

The 1960s brought increased demand for outdoor boots due to President John F. Kennedy's health initiatives encouraging outdoor recreation. With John and Bill Danner now controlling the business, they began production of hiking boots, premiering the 6490 boot in the early 1970s. This model weighed just under four pounds compared to the typical five-pound hiking boots of the time, representing a significant innovation. The 6490 boot was later renamed the Mountain Light and updated with a Gore-Tex membrane for enhanced water resistance, influencing other boot manufacturers to adopt similar lightweight, waterproof technologies.

Bill and John Danner sold the company to Eric Merk in 1983, with the condition that he maintain the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Eric Merk tightened quality control before the company merged with Portland-based LaCrosse Footwear Inc. in 1994. LaCrosse Footwear was subsequently acquired by Japanese footwear specialist ABC-Mart, though Danner's operations continue uninterrupted with production remaining in Portland, helping the brand expand into Japanese and other Asian markets.

Danner's Portland, Oregon factory spans 59,000 square feet and serves as the largest footwear manufacturing facility on the West Coast. The facility houses over 200 skilled craftspeople with decades of specialized experience. Each boot produced is touched by at least 100 different craftspeople during the manufacturing process, reflecting the company's commitment to handcrafted quality.

The company uses 848 different lasts to accommodate every style, size, and width of boot built in the Portland factory. Each piece of leather undergoes testing six times for quality control. The company employs laser technology to note imperfections in hides, creating a digital map that ensures only the best leather is used during construction while dramatically reducing waste.

Danner sources materials globally while maintaining final assembly in Portland. The company utilizes full-grain leather selected through seven different strength and density tests, evaluating how leather conforms to the foot with age and ensuring durability in work environments. Many boots feature Gore-Tex waterproof liners and Vibram outsoles for enhanced performance.

The company's signature stitchdown construction method provides a wider platform for increased stability underfoot. This handcrafted technique is recognized among outdoor enthusiasts and contributes to the longevity of Danner boots. Many stitchdown-constructed models are eligible for the company's recrafting program.

The Mountain Light represents Danner's flagship hiking boot and has set the standard for outdoor footwear for over 30 years. Each pair is hand-built in Portland with full-grain leather, Vibram Kletterlift outsoles, and waterproof Gore-Tex liners. The boot features the company's stitchdown construction for stability and a lace-to-toe system for secure fit.

The Vibram Kletterlift outsole provides lightweight comfort with superior shock absorption and guarantees excellent traction and stability on both wet and dry surfaces. Due to the boot's fit characteristics, Danner recommends sizing down a half size for optimal comfort. The Mountain Light exemplifies the innovation that revolutionized lightweight hiking boots in the 1970s.

Today, Danner offers several main product categories including hiking, hunting, work, military, and law enforcement boots. The company produces both lifestyle footwear and technical outdoor gear, serving diverse markets from heritage boot collectors to professional users. Military and tactical lines meet Berry Compliant certification standards, ensuring all components are sourced from the United States per Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

Work boots remain an important product category, with dependable models built to handle demanding tasks. The company continues its heritage of serving loggers, construction workers, and other professionals requiring durable footwear, maintaining the tradition established during its early shipyard shoe era.

Danner operates a comprehensive recrafting program designed to extend boot life and reduce environmental waste. The service involves using time-tested craftsmanship and premium materials to restore boots to their original condition, preserving the fit that customers have broken in while replacing worn components for renewed performance and comfort.

The recrafting service offers different levels of restoration. The resole package includes midsole and outsole replacement, new insoles and Airthotic insteps, new laces, reconditioning, damaged stitching repair, hardware repair, and leather cleaning and polishing. The rebuild package encompasses all resole services plus liner and shank replacement when applicable, along with a new heel counter.

Pricing for recrafting services starts at $140, including free shipping. The typical turnaround time ranges between four and five weeks. To be eligible for recrafting, boots must have leather uppers free of holes and major cracking. The service is managed by a dedicated team in Portland, Oregon, with the capacity to repair and rebuild over 150 different Danner boot models from past, present, and future collections.

For international customers, Danner has established trusted repair partnerships in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan. All recrafting work carries a three-month warranty covering components specifically rebuilt during the process. This sustainability program reinforces Danner's commitment to creating products built to last and built to be repaired, reducing waste while maximizing customer value.