The Danner Mountain 600 Challenge: Testing The Boot In An (Altered) Reality

August 16, 2016

by Peter Reese
The Danner Mountain 600 Challenge: Testing The Boot In An (Altered) Reality

Active Junky testers continue to take Danner’s latest model to task across varied terrain and weather conditions. While the lightweight, abrasion-fighting Mountain 600 has endured every challenge suitable for an all-weather recreational hiker, the twisting, turning minds at Active Junky have conspired. 

To wit, here’s the Tough Mudder, Spartan Race-like obstacle course we’d like to see. And be able to watch how other under-$200 leather boots perform against the red-laced favorite. The fantasy throwdown’s working name? The Danner Delight 5K. Danner Mountain 600 Hiking Boots $171.86 - $187.96

Oh, and if the Delight course wasn’t character-building enough, entrants must race in boots straight out of the box. No break-in period, spray-on waterproofing, aftermarket insoles or substitute laces permitted.

THE STARTING LINE actually isn’t a line at all but is instead an edge. With the Mountain 600’s braking power on steep and rubble-filled slides, the gun sounds as challengers drop in. The 50-meter hill, well monitored by medical personnel, is where shelf-pretty styles lose their footing to Vibram Megagrip compound outsoles. An estimated 30% of other boots are done dancing within the first 100 meters as the group hits a level, well-packed trail. Confidence grows as remaining competitors relax following their daunting trial by gravity.

THE AQUA CHALLENGE appears at the 1K mark, a series of water-lapped boulders embedded in a 30ft-wide, fast-moving creek. Shallow enough to wade, the fastest way across is by stepping gingerly from rock to rock. The Mountain 600 combatant has two viable paths given: 1) the hiking boot’s waterproofing system and 2) the stability of the 4.5” suede upper in tandem with thermoplastic urethane heel frames. Either works as fellow racers slip, slide, and dunk to lose time and gain blister-provoking sock saturation in the process.

THE UPHILL CLIMB strikes at 2.5 kilometers. Those soggy-socked entrants who brought neither boulder-striding traction or adequate built-in waterproofing to the prior Aqua Challenge? Better they DNF now, as the slope ahead will create major heat in their heels. Here, the Mountain 600, now ahead in the race but way behind in the discouragement category, steps confidently. With credit to the out-of-the-box easy fit of the Danner boot, the next 1.5 kilometers are a chance to relax, hydrate and enjoy the view. Really. The field, now down to 25% of the starters, is focused on post-race pub selection as some solace for their unremitting struggle.

THE ROAD PORTION stretches from the 4K mark nearly to the finish. Boots without adequate heel-to-toe rocker inflict wincing strain on calves and hamstrings as course monitors encourage their wearers to halt pursuit of Delight 5K glory in favor of leg preservation. While the rules require walking instead of running, the Mountain 600-sponsored participant fights the urge to break into a trot thanks to a 37oz weight and proprietary SPE midsoles built for energy return plus all-day cushioning.

THE FINISH, it turns out, is a brats-and-beer gathering of family and friends and a final stroll across the 5K mark. Entrants exhibiting poor boot style that’s not suitable for off-trail life are, heart-breakingly, pulled off the course within meters of the finish. The Danner Mountain 600 wearer, sporting red outsoles, trim elements, lacing and a chill-out compatible suede upper, is cheered on to the waiting sausage condiment bar. And where their prize is displayed in plain site.

Three good friends looking to go for a hike together. Right here and now. Once the foam has settled, sauerkraut is cleared and the boot’s box is responsibly recycled.

Thanks to all for competing in this mind-bending fantasy event that’s closer to reality than most boots ever dare come.

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