When you consider the history of two brands like Danner and Huckberry, it makes their latest collaboration, a 听($220), that much cooler. Let鈥檚 rewind the clock a little. Charles Danner started making boots in 1932, and since its听early days of Depression-era, four-dollar-a-pair boots, the company has crafted iconic hiking boots like the Mountain Light and the Jag (and听some of our favorite stompers, from hikers to footwear for more casual adventures). Huckberry, on the other hand, was started in 2010 by two outdoor-loving friends, Andy and Richard, who dove headfirst into their passion project and ran their business out of their two apartments. In less than a decade, the听company has grown into one of the premier curators of (mostly men鈥檚)听stylish outdoor gear. So听what happens when these two powerhouses unite to design a new boot?
The result is a twist on Danner鈥檚 venerated Vertigo 917. The new collaborative听model听feels like a sneaker but performs like a hiker. Credit that to the lightweight Vibram sole, which cushions听and supports听without feeling clunky (an issue of听many full-leather hiking boots with heavier听rubber soles). The stretchy upper near the ankles, which is reminiscent of a Chelsea boot, makes for easy slipping on and off, even when fully tied. And to give it some extra style points, Huckberry added suede and a special-edition听Gold Ore听colorway. On top of all that, a Gore-Tex liner coupled with the full-grain leather upper makes the entire boot waterproof.