Danner Mountain Lite II vs Timberland Chocorua

Danner Mountain Lite II review By woodwacker

This review is for those who need a wider, medium duty hiking boot. I wear 9 4E in sneakers. At 9 2E, and with thick socks these Danner Mountain Light II boots are very comfortable. My experience with Goodyear welt and Vibram soled leather boots includes super stiff Vasque and Alico Summits. I am (or was) a heavy pack hiker needing excellent support only stiff boots like this can provide. The Vasques and Alicos are wonderful for heavy pack hiking in mountainous terrain. But in my old age, these Danner Mountain Lights are better since I can no longer carry a pack. The Danners are lighter. They are more flexible and they are not padded or insulated. The GoreTex lining is effective. During several hikes, my feet stayed reasonably cool. Leather quality is excellent. They come supplied with some odd but very comfortable hard plastic orthotics. I did not think these would work but they are great.

Video – Danner Mountain Lite II review

Check out the Danner Men’s Mountain Light II Boot @ Amazon.com

More Danner Mountain Lite II review By woodwacker

As to stiffness, these boots cannot compare to the Vasques or Alicos. But for general use they are much better than the sneaker based rubber soled, so called “hiking boots” that most manufactures have switched to. Now, I know there are those who think that light duty hiking boots are acceptable for long hard hikes. I can tell you, at age 59 I out hiked a bunch of younger folks wearing sneaker boots. Their feet were so sore they could barely walk. If you are planning any kind of serious hiking, especially with a pack, you need stiff soled boots. The Danners are not that kind of boot. But they will walk the guts out of any sneaker boot. If you do buy those super stiff boots, wear them around for at least a month so your feet can acclimate to them. The Danners won’t need much break in. They are great for regular no-pack hiking. Two additional pluses: these are USA made. Also, resolable. Nice.

Timberland Men’s Chocorua Gore-Tex Hiker

Check out the Timberland Chocorua Gore-Tex Hiker @ Amazon.com

Timberland Chocorua review By G. M. Waid
I bought my first pair of these boots in October 2005 and just replaced them with another pair today (March 2007). The old ones had about 1700 miles on them and were getting a bit worn out. My job involves walking most of the day through people’s yards and sometimes cross-country. These boots are light, comfortable right out of the box, and waterproof. In nearly 31 years on the job I’ve never had any boots as comfortable as these, and I’ve worn just about all the brands out there. I’m also a backpacker and would recommend these for all but the toughest hikes.