Danner Logger 917 GTX - Women's Review

The Danner Logger 917 GTX is made with full-grain leather, a Gore-Tex lining, a Vibram rubber outsole, and OrthoLite footbeds that are removable. The Gore-Tex lining allows for better airflow over that of traditional rainwear while still keeping things waterproof. Other features include two pairs of laces to choose from, kilties (a false tongue that is laced to sit between the leather upper and the laces as an added barrier), a rubberized EVA midsole, and a TPU shank for added support. There is no doubt that these are quality boots.

Performance Comparison

Rain Protection

In and of itself, this pair offers a waterproof upper made of leather, and we did not find any leaks at any seams or where the outsole meets the upper. However, in the context of the great wide world of rainwear, this boot scores quite low for protection. When compared to more traditional rain boots, particularly those with tall shafts, the 6.25-inch shaft height just isn't as comprehensive. Additionally, the tongue is only partially attached, dropping the flood height to only 4 inches. This boot is designed for mild rain events and environments that don't accumulate deep puddles.

Comfort

This was a divided metric for us because the foot box and the ankle shaft occupy opposite ends of the comfort spectrum. The foot box is roomy and is made with ample support and is very comfortable — one of the most comfortable footbeds we've had the pleasure of testing, actually. But there are some conditions to this: stick to flat terrain. The leather upper is very stiff, meaning the whole boot is very rigid. On uneven terrain, the boot doesn't flex with the feet or ankles in a way that a normal hiking boot or even a soft-rubber rain boot would. This created some discomfort in the feet after a while, but most notably, the ankle shaft is so rigid that the lip dug into our legs with every step. We tried to massage and flex the leather to help "break it in," but this did not alleviate anything. We've come to expect discomfort and possible bruising because of this and therefore only recommend this model for short walks.

Traction

A strong suit, the traction on the Logger is notable. Vibram is, of course, known for its technicality, especially in the hiking world. The more pronounced tread on this boot allows for use on trails, which is a nice perk. We felt very stable, even during our creek wading test on wet rocks. There is enough versatility in the tread pattern to create a more consistent feel, whether you're going downhill or uphill. The feel of the outsole is also in a nice balance; there is enough sensitivity to feel agile while moving, but the outsole is also thick and durable enough for varied and rocky terrain.

Warmth

When it comes to retaining heat, leather is overall a warmer material than rubber, as the rate of the transfer of heat (thermal conductivity) in rubber is higher and, therefore, more easily lost or gained depending on the source. For example, during our creek wading experience, we didn't feel the frigid water temperature as much in the Logger as we did in any of the standard, non-insulated rubber boots. In tandem with the Logger utilizing a Gore-Tex lining that helps circulate airflow, the warmth of the feet is moderated in a better manner than traditional rainwear. While hiking, our feet didn't overheat until the very end at the last big uphill, and the temperature outside was in the 40's. Because of these warmer qualities, we feel that this model is ideal for colder environments and even suitable for winter.

Style

Another strong suit, the first thing anyone notices about this pair is the look. Our lead tester received many compliments about them during the testing period. The leather hiking appeal is clean and exudes luxury, quality, and tradition. We say this look is iconic to Danner because of their long-standing design and how their boots were made all the more famous due to the red-laced pair worn by author and hiker Cheryl Strayed (whose book was turned into a movie). We appreciate the subtle notes and careful craftsmanship, such as the stitching, seam designs, and added kilties. The overall color scheme is earthy and woodsy. But this style also transfers really well into urban settings. Fads celebrating mountain lifestyle or general outdoorsiness have not gone away. Too, leather has always been seen as a high-class material. The red laces have a unique sheen to them and aren't the easiest to tie or keep flat/untwisted, but another pair of laces also arrived with them that are more the standard nylon workboot shoelace and are of a black and brown color scheme.

Fit

We feel that the Logger is true to size and are thankful that Danner offers half sizes, from 5.5 to 10. This is really important to allow for a more personalized fit, optimizing comfort and long-term wearability. Since the leather design is already warmer than the typical rubber, sizing up to allow for thick socks isn't as much of a priority for us. But, if you do want to use these in the winter, doing so might not be a bad idea.

Value

Without question, there's a lot going on with these. But, whether the materials, design, and function warrant a jaw-dropping (for us) price tag is a matter we leave to you. You won't be disappointed with the craft and styling, but we do warn that the shaft isn't as flexible and comfortable as we thought it would, or should, be.

Conclusion

Our biggest critique of the Danner Logger is in how the comfort doesn't match the technicality and finesse of the overall design. Will this boot keep your feet dry in most casual circumstances? Yes. Will you look good in them? Yes. Will you be inspired to hike or tour the countryside in them? Probably not. Due to the stiffness of the leather, we wish the practical comfort matched the more versatile intentions behind the outsole and tread.