Danner

Charles Danner founded Danner Shoe Manufacturing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, in 1932. In 1936, Danner moved the company to Portland, Oregon, to serve the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. Danner supplied boots to the United States military during World War II, expanding its operations during that period. In the 1970s, the company began producing hiking boots, including the 6490 model. In 1979, Danner introduced the Light, which was the first hiking boot to feature a Gore-Tex lining. In 1994, Danner merged with LaCrosse Footwear. In 2012, LaCrosse was acquired by ABC-Mart, a company based in Japan.

Danner operates a factory measuring 59,000 square feet in Portland, Oregon. Roughly 40 percent of Danner boots are handcrafted at this facility. The company acquires leather from several tanneries in the United States and inspects each hide by hand. The manufacturing process includes the use of automated machines, such as laser cutters, alongside traditional equipment, including sewing machines from the World War II era.

Danner uses stitchdown construction when making boots. This method attaches the leather upper directly to the outsole to improve stability. Danner was the first company to use Gore-Tex liners in its boots, which provide waterproof qualities and allow moisture to escape. The company uses Vibram outsoles to increase durability and improve traction.

Danner produces boots for hiking, military, work, and outdoor use, including models such as the Mountain Light and the Rain Forest. The Mountain Light features a one-piece leather upper, a Gore-Tex liner, and a Vibram Kletterlift sole. The Rain Forest includes a full-grain leather upper, a Gore-Tex liner, and a Vibram 132 Montagna sole. Danner has manufactured combat boots for the United States Marine Corps, including the Marine Expeditionary model designed for different terrains. Danner offers a boot recrafting service, which repairs and maintains boots to extend their usable life.