DannerRidge

Ridge

Model

About

The Ridge is a hiking boot manufactured by Danner at their Portland, Oregon factory. Created to be a lighter weight and more versatile alternative to the company's traditional hiking boots, the Ridge maintains classic Danner styling while incorporating modern construction techniques. The design is inspired by the original Danner Light and built for both light hikes and city streets.

Made in the United States with handcrafted stitchdown construction, the boot features a full-grain leather and waxed canvas upper backed by a GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane. The Ridge utilizes Danner's Bi-Fit construction, which integrates the shank, midsole, and lasting board into a single piece, resulting in a boot that is nearly 20 percent lighter than some of the company's predecessors.

Design and construction

The Ridge employs Danner's handcrafted stitchdown construction method, which provides a wider platform and increased stability underfoot. Many boots made with this construction can be recrafted. The boot is built on Portland-made 503 last, designed with a casual fit while maintaining Danner's comfortable lace-to-toe construction.

The Bi-Fit construction represents a departure from traditional bootmaking techniques. This method combines what previously required three separate pieces - the shank, midsole, and lasting board - into a single integrated component. By pairing this unified platform with a low profile Vibram sole, Danner achieved a weight reduction of nearly 20 percent compared to earlier models while maintaining structural integrity.

Materials

The upper combines full-grain leather with waxed canvas panels. The premium full-grain leather undergoes six separate quality tests to evaluate strength, flexibility, and durability before selection. The waxed canvas is supplied by Cordura, and helps reduce weight without sacrificing durability or comfort. Some versions of the Ridge incorporate naturally treated Horween leather. The boot collar features buttery, soft leather intended to provide out-of-the-box comfort.

The Ridge is fully waterproof through a GORE-TEX membrane that is both 100 percent waterproof and breathable. The liner prevents water from entering while allowing sweat and moisture to escape.

The outsole is a lightweight Kletterlift thin design from Vibram, specifically engineered for everyday use while reducing height and weight from the traditional Kletterlift pattern. The rubber sole features sturdy lugs capable of handling both light trails and city sidewalks, with traction on wet and dry surfaces.

The footbed is a plush, removable Ortholite design that provides cushioning support.

Specifications

The Ridge has a height of six inches and weighs 40 ounces per pair. The boot is non-insulated and features an Ortholite footbed with a Bi-Fit board shank. The boot fits true to size, though Danner boots generally run slightly large, and the manufacturer recommends sizing down half a size.

The Ridge is available in multiple colorways, including Dark Brown and Forest Green (style 34112), and Tan and Grey (style 34111). The boot is priced at nearly $400.

Danner offers a 365-day warranty across their entire footwear and apparel lines.

References

  • 1.

    "Danner Ridge". Danner. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

  • 2.

    "Danner Boots Ridge Hiking Boots". Stuart's London. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

  • 3.

    "Danner Ridge Explorer". Danner. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

  • 4.

    "Danner Ridge Boot - Men's". Backcountry. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

  • 5.

    "Topo Designs X Danner Ridge Boots". Outside Online. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

  • 6.
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