Danner Mountain Lite II vs Timberland Chocorua

Choosing the right pair of boots can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. In this comparison review, we will evaluate two popular models: the Danner Mountain Lite II and the Timberland Chocorua. Both boots have their own unique features and advantages, so let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other.

DESIGN and DURABILITY:

The Danner Mountain Lite II and Timberland Chocorua boots are designed for rugged outdoor use. The Mountain Lite II features a classic hiking boot design with a full-grain leather upper, while the Chocorua sports a combination of leather and synthetic materials. Both boots offer excellent durability and are built to withstand tough terrains and weather conditions.

COMFORT and FIT:

Comfort is crucial when it comes to outdoor footwear. The Danner Mountain Lite II incorporates a cushioning OrthoLite footbed and a Vibram outsole, providing excellent shock absorption and stability. It also features a wider toe box for added comfort. The Timberland Chocorua, on the other hand, utilizes a removable dual-density EVA footbed and a rubber outsole for good traction. It offers a snug fit and provides decent comfort throughout long hikes.

WATERPROOFING and BREATHABILITY:

Both boots excel in terms of waterproofing. The Danner Mountain Lite II utilizes a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining, ensuring your feet stay dry in wet conditions while allowing moisture to escape. The Timberland Chocorua employs TimberDry technology, a waterproof membrane that also promotes breathability. However, some users have reported that the Chocorua boots may be less breathable compared to the Mountain Lite II.

TRACTION and GRIP:

Both boots provide reliable traction on various terrains. The Danner Mountain Lite II features a Vibram Kletterlift outsole that offers excellent grip on slippery surfaces, including wet rocks and loose gravel. The Timberland Chocorua incorporates a rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs, providing solid traction and stability. Both boots perform admirably on trails and rugged terrains.

STYLE and VERSATILITY:

When it comes to style, personal preferences may vary. The Danner Mountain Lite II has a classic, timeless look that appeals to those seeking a more traditional hiking boot aesthetic. The Timberland Chocorua offers a more modern and versatile design, making it suitable for both outdoor adventures and casual wear. The Chocorua’s styling may be more appealing to those who prioritize fashion alongside functionality.

PRICE and VALUE:

In terms of pricing, the Danner Mountain Lite II generally falls into a higher price range compared to the Timberland Chocorua. The Mountain Lite II’s higher price can be attributed to its premium materials, craftsmanship, and enhanced durability. The Chocorua, although slightly more budget-friendly, still provides good value for its performance and features.

CONCLUSION:

Both the Danner Mountain Lite II and the Timberland Chocorua boots are excellent options for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mountain Lite II impresses with its classic design, exceptional durability, and superior traction. On the other hand, the Timberland Chocorua offers a more versatile style, solid performance, and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between these boots will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your outdoor activities.

Danner Mountain Lite II Review

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.

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 Chocorua Review

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.

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