Boot ratings: Danner v. Matterhorn v. Rocky

maximus otter

maximus otter

Joined
Jul 20, 2002
Messages
4,187
As you'll have seen in an earlier post, I'm looking for a top pair of boots for my Christmas present. My first thought was the Danner Acadia #69210 with the 200 gram Thinsulate lining. The boots will be for casual walking, duty wear & just dossing around in a temperate climate; definitely not for hiking, trail walking etc. I want to spend a goodly sum as I value my feet highly. I am roughly an American size 12E.

Any thoughts from forumites on the relative qualities of the boots named in the heading? Any sites reviewing and rating boots similar to the Acadia? Any US security forces members out there with relevant experience?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

maximus otter
 
Of the ones you named I have experience with the Danners. They are excellent. The best review site I know is here:http://www.trailspace.com/gear/boot.html
For raw function, as opposed to style, tripping/hiking/trekking/climbing boots are best IMHO. There is an amazing variety of them and many are better than the Danners, as good as they are.
 
I have the Danner Acadia with the 200 gram thinsulate and now that they are broken in they feel like slippers, i can hardly tell i have them on. And i have taken them hiking and they served very well, feet didnt complain at all. IMO i would go with the danners, they are way better than the rocky. I have never tried the Matterhorn's but have herd good things.
 
Thanks, gents. Keep the thoughts coming!

I'm so poor that the missus has bought me a dog suit so that I can search the neighbours' bins without embarrassing us........

I need expert recommendations before parting with this kind of money.

maximus otter
 
Have had the same pair of Danner Acadias for the past 15 years. Also own Danner Mt. Hood boots which are ankle boots in brown. Best money my feet ever spent. Can be re-soled too.
 
Heysox,

Thanks.

Bandit,

I'm sure they're *very nice*, but I don't know how those in authority would react if I reported for duty wearing them....

maximus otter
 
Other ones to consider that are available here are the Lowa duty boots Lowa
and Altbergs Altberg

I've been issued the Danner Olympic (now called the Pursuit, the all leather version of the Arcadia) for some years and love them, they are very very soft. I even bought a pair of Hoodwinter Lights (the same boot but in brown) for myself.
They are great pavement duty boots. However they may be a little too soft for rocks / extended field use etc. Our Dog Handlers are also issued them and give them a much harder use, they've experienced splits and broken stitching, though that's probably due to the way they (mis)treat them. Knowing they can have them replaced / repaired by the Job means they often don't look after them. They can't be beat for comfort though.
 
Max,
if these are not for outdoors or heavy weather, why do you want boots instead of shoes? Is it all the rain in Britain?
My favorite shoes are SAS (San Antonio Shoes, for walking or pseudo-formal) and Brooks Beasts (when I can get away with wearing running shoes). But I don't walk through puddles if I can help it.
 
The Danners are an excellent choice for a duty type boot. I have a pair of the 200 arcadias and love em, especially on cold wet days..I am about to purchase another pair. Any suggestions on where to get some off the web? My current pair were bought thru a dist. who is no longer in business.
 
Ah I have been asking myself and others this question for the last month or so. Heres what I know: I have worn Rocky boots as duty boots for the past 10 years I have owned 2 pair in that Time, I wear them atleast 8 hours a day for around 237 days a year as my duty boots and they have held up great each pair lasted about 4-5 years of daily wear which isnt bad considering the amount of use and abuse. So now I has come time to buy a new pair and Im looking at Rocky's Danner's and Matterhorns so I compare the boots and the prices and what I have figured is I get more for the money out of Rocky boots then others. Rockys are generally cheaper and they seem to hold up great and feel great why spend 100 bucks more for a different brand. I have a pair of Danner boots I bought for hunting and they to seem to be great boots. For work/duty I'm sticking with the Rockys though.
 
I've worn Danner's for years. I currently have the Ft. Lewis (200 gm), Acadia (200 gm) and Acadia (uninsulated). They are all excellent. I just ordered a pair of Cabella's brand that are 400 gm and look just like the Danner Ft. Lewis in their catalog. They're $159.95 compared with the Ft. Lewis listed in the same catalog at $229. If you're interested I can post again when they arrive.
 
Buy the Danner's and be done with it. They are Cadillacs for the feet.
I have worn them as a duty boot since 1990. I have an 11 year old pair of Arcadia 200gram that just weathered a week in the Colorado high country elk hunting, and they are still water proof. Big plus, they can be resoled for around $35 and they just get more comfortable with each new sole. You a get two year waterproof guarntee with Danner that you will not get from anyone else. Once you go Danner you will never go back. Like the man said, "Buy quality and cry only once." Semper fi. Tuna out
 
Gentlemen: all received.

The Danners seem to get the nod.

All I have to do now is find a supplier that won't cost me a kidney....

Zardoz: I have an e-mail out to your supplier. I get the impression that you and I are in the same line of work....

maximus otter
 
I am a full time police officer. I spoen a lot of time on my feet, so a good boot is very important to me. I wore Rock 911's for the first couple of years on the job. Mostly because that is what everyone else was wearing and they weren't as expensive as the Danners. I was going through a pair of boots every year though. In was walking so much I wore the soles out. I took the plunge and bought some Danner's. I figured they could be resoled so the boots would pay for themselves in no time. These boots rock! They are as comfortable as tennis shoes now. I have had them for 7 years and had them resoled once. I got them very muddy one day and didn't clean them before I came in the next day so I dug out my Rock's and wore them. My feet were killing me! I was miserable the entire shift. The first thing I did when I got home was clean and shine my Danners. They are like an old friend. I have very little doubt that they will last my entire career.
 
Thanks to one and all for making the decision easier. Danners it is.

All I have to do now is find someone in the UK who won't take my pants down over the price....

maximus otter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top