Light

Built during the golden era of backpacking in the late 1970s, the Light was engineered to be rugged, water resistant, and stable on varied terrain. The boot's introduction revolutionized outdoor footwear by addressing the primary limitation of traditional hiking boots: the inability to remain both waterproof and breathable. 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of the Light's introduction, cementing its status as a long-running heritage footwear model.

The Light project began around 1978 when Danner recruited Guillaume "Willie" Sacre to develop a lightweight, breathable hiking boot. Sacre met with GORE-TEX representatives in New York around 1979 to integrate the then-novel waterproof membrane into footwear construction. The timing proved significant, as GORE-TEX jackets had only debuted two years earlier in 1977, making the company an early adopter of the technology.

The original 6490 boot, which preceded the Light, weighed just under four pounds compared to typical five-pound hiking boots of the early 1970s. This model was later renamed the Mountain Light and updated with the GORE-TEX membrane for enhanced water resistance. The Light built on this foundation, using high-denier nylon paneling to reduce weight to approximately three pounds for a 6-8 inch boot while providing water and abrasion resistance. While mixed-material uppers were already common in outdoor boots, cotton canvas was typically used rather than the more durable Cordura nylon employed in the Light.

The Light features stitchdown construction, a method handcrafted to provide a wider platform that offers increased stability underfoot. This construction technique allows the boots to be recrafted, with Danner offering recrafting services that include part replacement, leather care, and restitching to extend the boot's lifespan.

The upper combines premium full-grain leather with 1000 Denier Cordura nylon side panels. Modern versions incorporate a fiberglass shank for support and stability. Each boot is touched by at least 100 different craftspeople during the manufacturing process at the company's Portland, Oregon facility, where it has been produced since the late 1970s.

The Light utilizes a GORE-TEX liner that is 100 percent waterproof and breathable, ensuring water cannot penetrate while allowing perspiration and moisture to escape. This technology, revolutionary when introduced in 1979, put the boot in a category distinct from competing products of the era. Danner hand-selects the highest quality leather, physically tests the waterproofing qualities of GORE-TEX booties, and inspects every detail during production.

The Vibram Kletterlift outsole provides lightweight comfort, superb shock absorption in the heel, and traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The rubber compound guarantees stability across various terrain conditions. Updated versions of the Light incorporate Vibram's Megagrip technology to provide improved traction compared to earlier iterations.

The Light is built on the 650 EE last, which offers a more relaxed fit for casual, everyday wear while still providing support and stability. The EE width is designed to fit an average width foot, similar to a D width in standard sizing. Since the style runs slightly long, sizing down a half size is recommended for optimal fit.

Modern versions feature an updated Ortholite Airthotic footbed inspired by Danner's original Airthotic instep cup. The footbed provides the same support as the original design but incorporates long-lasting Ortholite cushioning. It is machine washable and antimicrobial, representing an evolution from the original design while maintaining core support characteristics.

Danner, founded in 1932 by Charles Danner, relocated operations to Portland, Oregon in 1936 to capitalize on the Pacific Northwest timber industry. The company's USA Made boots are built with the same commitment to superior craftsmanship established since the company's founding. Production continues at the Portland factory, maintaining uninterrupted operations despite ownership changes over the decades.