Danner Women’s Mountain 600 Low

Field Notes: Active Junky testers took these Danner Mountain 600 low tops to red-dirt trails in Arches National Park, and they kept pace with burlier and tougher-looking boots. 

Pros: These hiking boots are extremely comfortable and performed better than expected at first glance. The Vibram sole is always a great choice for solid traction, and the suede upper with waterproof treatment is a huge bonus if conditions get stormy or small streams cross your path. The entire construction of the boot makes for a lightweight pair of low-top hiking boots. 

Cons: The laces tended to slip when trying to tie them down tight. Comfort may be at the cost of support, so these would not be our first choice for multi-day backpacking trips or technical scrambles.

Favorite Feature: Vibram Fuga outsole with a lug pattern that creates extra-sticky grip and confidence on trail, or in our tester’s case, desert sandstone.

Tester Quote: “These remind me of my favorite skate shoes: comfy and roomy. But then I was surprised by how they performed when hiking. Great traction and support. I’m not sure I’d take them to the top of a mountain, but strolling around trails, they were great.”

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comfortable, durable and lightweight pair of boots that you can throw on for a day hike around a national park or forest setting, these are a solid choice.

Key Attribute: Weight

Best For: Casual trails and non-technical day hike