"Which Boots"-Part Two

jefroman

jefroman

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May 17, 2001
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Well, I've decided to stretch my spending limit out a bit:D
This time I trying to decide between two models of Danner.
Here they are:

-Danner Explorer #45200
-Danner Mountain Light II #30800

Do those green Superfeet insoles fit in Danners??

P.S. The reason that I'm not considering the Asolos, is because I was reading on the Backpacker Magazine site about the Asolo FSN 95 GTX, and one person with size 13 feet(same as me), said that he didn't have enough room in the toe area. Plus, I love all-leather boots:)

Thanks for your input,

Jeff
 
I favour the Mountain Light. It has an amazing number of layers between you and the ground so you may not need inserts. Whether inserts will fit depends on your foot so you really have to try on a pair.
 
The Mountain Light II's are fabulous boots and well worth the money.
They have a heel cup "airthotic" (or some similar such name) and are not meant to be worn with an aftermarket insole.
Mine replaced a pair of Vasque Sundowners.
The Mountain Light II's are a bit heavier due to the stitch down (or welt) construction vs. the cement down seen in more modern boots, and therefore are more "old school" and one of the last truly American made boots. There are adv/disadv to both.
YMMV,
Wesley

I just looked at the Explorers, and the only difference I can find are that they are $15 cheaper, 4 oz lighter, 1" taller, and have more exterior seams that may compromise integrity in the long run. Both have stitch down construction and the same Vibram 148 Kletterlift outsole. They also both have the same upper, lining, and midsole.
Good choices!
Wesley
 
Wesley, what do you think is the reason(s) for the Mountain Lights costing more than the Explorers?
Do you think that the extra inch that the Explorers have would add very much more support than the Mountain Lights??

Thanks for your help,

Jeff
 
I've been wearing the explorer for about a year and a half now. Still on the same soles, a little cold without wool socks in the winter, but very very comfortable. I think my next pair will be the mountain lights, but I'll have to wait another few years until these wear out.
 
Jeff,
As far as the extra cost, the only thing I can think of would be the lack of seams on the leather upper of the Mountain Light II's and therefore, the cost of production.:confused:
Regarding the extra height of the Explorer, ideally it should provide extra ankle support. I will add though that ~3 years ago I had a luxation with complete disruption of the lateral ligaments of my right ankle in a motor vehicle accident, and I have had no lateral/medial support problems with the Mountain Light II on various terrain.
Hope that helps,
Wesley
Let us know what you decide. Again, both are great choices.
 
If you get the Explorers, I highly recommend using SeamGrip on all exposed seams before wearing the boots outside or treating them with dressing. I always apply two coats, one to impregnate the stitching and holes in the leather and another to provide some protection from abrasion. I'll admit it doesn't do anything for the appearance of the boots, but in my experience it makes them last WAY longer. For example, my wife has a pair fabric-and-leather boots that have lasted almost 10 years. My sister-in-law has the same boots and hers didn't last 2 years with similar use--the seams blew out. I wouldn't have bought the Asolos if I wasn't confident I could protect all those seams.

P.S. I've read "ankle support" has more to do with the quality and construction of the heel counter than with boot height. Short boots a good stiff heel counters can offer more support than taller boots with no or softer heel counters. My Asolos are definitely more supportive than my taller, heavier all-leather Merrell Leathers. I'd wear both boots for an extended period in the store. Other things equal, I'd go with the cheaper boot, or the one with less stitching, whichever is more important. Good luck :)
 
For good cheap boots, find an army surplus around you. I got a cheap pair about 2 yrs ago for $40(canadian). Wear them everyday. Pretty much water proof, and provide excellant ankle support.
 
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