Leathers
If there is one thing that's common to every Danner boot, it's great leather. Our leather comes from the finest quality tanneries in the world. We use only full-grain leather (the outermost portion of the hide), which is the longest lasting and most durable layer. Our leathers must meet very strict quality standards to be used in our boots. The following tests are used to gauge quality:
Thickness - Uniformity of thickness throughout the hide
Tensile strength - Ability to stretch and resist cracking
Temper or rigidity - Rigidity or softness of leather
Tear strength - Fiber strength and ability to resist ripping
Colorfastness - Resistance to fading or bleeding of the color
Hardware
There is an almost limitless selection of hardware options, but basically they all do the same thing: hold the laces in place and assist in adjusting the fit. The differences in design are partly aesthetic, and partly functional. Here is a summary of several types of hardware, and their respective functions:
Eyelets - Eyelets are the most basic type of hardware, as they are simply a hole in the leather surrounded by metal. They take the longest to lace and unlace, but are the strongest and the easiest to replace.
D-Rings - Like the name implies, these are loose-hanging, D-shaped metal rings. D-rings put no tension on the laces, and thus allow for easy tightening and loosening: one pull will tighten or loosen several sets of rings simultaneously. Due to this lack of tension, D-rings are normally used in combination with eyelets or cinch hooks, which hold laces tight.
Hooks - There are two types of hooks: milled or "stud" hooks, and stamped or bent hooks. Both types hold the laces in place more securely than either eyelets or D-rings, and allow for very fast lacing and unlacing (ideally suited for taller boots). Milled hooks (vs. wire hooks) are usually made from thicker metal and are of higher quality.
Cinch Hooks - Also known as "lace locks," cinch hooks are designed to hold the lace very securely by pinching it in the bend. Cinch hooks are frequently used at the flex notch (where the boot bends with the ankle), and allow the user to keep tension on the lower eyelets or D-rings while the upper part is being laced and tied.
Footbeds
The footbed, or insole, is what the foot rests upon inside the bottom of the boot. It is designed to perform several important functions: cushioning and shock absorption; arch support; and improving and adjusting the fit of the boot.
Typically made of polyurethane or other foam materials, footbeds are designed to cushion the foot from the repetitive impact of each step. Over time, the foam material will compress and lose its cushioning and support capability, requiring periodic replacement of the footbed.
An important but often overlooked benefit of footbeds is their arch support. Good quality footbeds will be molded with a clearly defined arch area in the center to help keep the foot properly positioned inside the boot to evenly distribute body weight.
The thickness and contour of the footbed greatly influences the fit of a particular boot. Adjustments to the footbed, or choosing a footbed with a different thickness can customize and improve the fit of a boot. For example, thicker material in the heel area can take up room and eliminate heel slippage, the most common cause of blisters.
In addition to footbeds, Danner features a patented Airthotic® insole in many work, uniform, hunting and hiking boots. The Airthotic® is a half-length, molded polyurethane instep that cups the heel and supports the arch area of the foot. More rigid than a foam footbed, the raised arch support won't compress over time, and is perforated for improved air circulation and comfort.
