Baby Needs New Shoes - Danner Talus Boots - Western Hunter Magazine
Well, two mother boards, one processor and one video card later my Dell XPS M2010 transportable is back up and running again. Last Wednesday in the middle of typing an email I got the dreaded black screen of death. This computer is just over a year old and it is an absolutely beautiful machine. It has a 21 inch monitor and it is the finest picture I have ever seen. Anyway, I am back. Two words. Extended Warranty.
I am working on several articles right now. One is a serious subject that I have been mulling in my head for a number of years. The other one is on boots. One of my favorite subjects but also one of the most difficult because while there are a number of great boot makers and many fantastic boots, it is impossible to pick "the best" out of the bunch. The reason is simple, everybodys feet are different. Fit is a very big deal. What is great for me may be totally unacceptable for you but we are in the process putting out a list of recommended boots for you to use as a guide.
The footer on every one of my posts pretty much says it all but the truth is we serve a diverse group of people. One thing they have in common is that they love the outdoors and they like to push the envelope. The other common thread that connects us is the gear we use. I break our readers down into three groups.
First, the Sweaty Bi-Peds. Backpackers, fastpackers, trail runners, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, mountaineers, Search And Rescue. Pretty much anyone that makes it happen with their own two feet. Weight, moisture control and utility are the most important things to this group.
Second, the Riders. ATVers, trail horse riders and packers, motocross riders, four wheelers, pilots, canoeists, rafters. These are people that travel by any means other than human power. Weight is usually not an issue but durability and quality are.
Third, the Trigger Pullers. Tactical law enforcement, backcountry law enforcement, military special operations, extreme hunters aka performance hunters, aka hard hunters, aka backpack hunters. These are people with guns and all that goes with that particular burden. They are a lot like the Sweaty Bipeds in most respects but differ in that color and noise control is critically important to them.
These are all things that I have done or have a strong interest in. They are all wilderness athletes in their own right and I have a great deal of respect for what they do. These are the people this site strives to serve. However, while I am very pleased to announce to you here that I have been invited to start writing articles for Western Hunter magazine, I don't want anyone to think that I am restricting my efforts to the hunting genre. The fact is that I have been presented with many opportunities as a result of this effort. Some I dismissed immediately, others I am considering but this one was something I jumped on without hesitation. I have been a fan of Western Hunter magazine for some time. It is aimed at the high end, hardcore hunter. People that hunt like I do. The guys that run it hunt hard and love great gear. It is a good match. So we will continue to do what we do here but look for my articles in Western Hunter. If you like what you see on this site, you need a subscription to Western Hunter magazine. You will enjoy it as much as I do.
The Danner Talus after a six mile hike in the McDowell Mountains North of Scottsdale. Out of the box comfort. Zero break in time. No hot spots when used with Smartwool Light Hiking socks.
Class-heavy hiker for light to moderate loads and terrain
Height-high, 6.5 inches, 7 loops/cleats
Materials-2.1mm leather, metal loops/hooks, rubber and Hyphalon
Insulation-none, Cambrelle lining, medium thickness skin, padded collar Waterproofing-Gore-Tex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-footbed is thin, midsole is soft to moderate, outsole is flexible
Flexibility-very good at the ankle, fore foot, moderate support
Tread-Vibram Bifida, moderate to aggressive, soft and sticky
Volume-full, comfortable tongue, good lacing system
Width Availability-yes, EE but no E
Weight-my 11 D US weigh 1 lbs 14 ounces per boot
Crampon Compatibility-not recommended, strap on instep only
Quality-high, made in China
Break In-no, they were comfortable out of the box
Lastly, Danner sent a few pairs of boots to evaluate and the first ones I tried were the Talus. I like them so much I haven't even put the other ones on. The Talus is an intermediate weight, all leather, uninsulated boot. It is a 6 incher with a Hyphalon rand that comes up over the side of the boot to provide additional protection without a bunch of extra weight. Now, I make no apologies for being a Danner fan. I have had very good luck with them when it really counted. The Talus is consistent with my previous Danner experiences. They are comfortable right out of the box and required no break in time.
The rand that comes up over the side of the boot looks like heavy rubber but it is Hyphalon which is a much lighter material. The Vibram sole is soft and forgiving but provides plenty of gription on rocks.
One of the things that I like best about these boots is the Vibram Bifida tread. It is soft and flexible but sticky and quiet.
A comfortable snow collar and smooth tricot liner makes these boots easy to get in and out of and there is nothing to rub you raw or pinch you. The footbeds are pretty good for stock but as I said, these are not stiff boots so you feel most of what is going on underneath you.
These are not heavy duty boots but they are a robust moderate duty hikers that I really like and they have a niche. You will definitely see the Danner Talus on the upcoming recommended boot list. Check them out.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
I am working on several articles right now. One is a serious subject that I have been mulling in my head for a number of years. The other one is on boots. One of my favorite subjects but also one of the most difficult because while there are a number of great boot makers and many fantastic boots, it is impossible to pick "the best" out of the bunch. The reason is simple, everybodys feet are different. Fit is a very big deal. What is great for me may be totally unacceptable for you but we are in the process putting out a list of recommended boots for you to use as a guide.
The footer on every one of my posts pretty much says it all but the truth is we serve a diverse group of people. One thing they have in common is that they love the outdoors and they like to push the envelope. The other common thread that connects us is the gear we use. I break our readers down into three groups.
First, the Sweaty Bi-Peds. Backpackers, fastpackers, trail runners, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, mountaineers, Search And Rescue. Pretty much anyone that makes it happen with their own two feet. Weight, moisture control and utility are the most important things to this group.
Second, the Riders. ATVers, trail horse riders and packers, motocross riders, four wheelers, pilots, canoeists, rafters. These are people that travel by any means other than human power. Weight is usually not an issue but durability and quality are.
Third, the Trigger Pullers. Tactical law enforcement, backcountry law enforcement, military special operations, extreme hunters aka performance hunters, aka hard hunters, aka backpack hunters. These are people with guns and all that goes with that particular burden. They are a lot like the Sweaty Bipeds in most respects but differ in that color and noise control is critically important to them.
These are all things that I have done or have a strong interest in. They are all wilderness athletes in their own right and I have a great deal of respect for what they do. These are the people this site strives to serve. However, while I am very pleased to announce to you here that I have been invited to start writing articles for Western Hunter magazine, I don't want anyone to think that I am restricting my efforts to the hunting genre. The fact is that I have been presented with many opportunities as a result of this effort. Some I dismissed immediately, others I am considering but this one was something I jumped on without hesitation. I have been a fan of Western Hunter magazine for some time. It is aimed at the high end, hardcore hunter. People that hunt like I do. The guys that run it hunt hard and love great gear. It is a good match. So we will continue to do what we do here but look for my articles in Western Hunter. If you like what you see on this site, you need a subscription to Western Hunter magazine. You will enjoy it as much as I do.
The Danner Talus after a six mile hike in the McDowell Mountains North of Scottsdale. Out of the box comfort. Zero break in time. No hot spots when used with Smartwool Light Hiking socks.
Class-heavy hiker for light to moderate loads and terrain
Height-high, 6.5 inches, 7 loops/cleats
Materials-2.1mm leather, metal loops/hooks, rubber and Hyphalon
Insulation-none, Cambrelle lining, medium thickness skin, padded collar Waterproofing-Gore-Tex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-footbed is thin, midsole is soft to moderate, outsole is flexible
Flexibility-very good at the ankle, fore foot, moderate support
Tread-Vibram Bifida, moderate to aggressive, soft and sticky
Volume-full, comfortable tongue, good lacing system
Width Availability-yes, EE but no E
Weight-my 11 D US weigh 1 lbs 14 ounces per boot
Crampon Compatibility-not recommended, strap on instep only
Quality-high, made in China
Break In-no, they were comfortable out of the box
Lastly, Danner sent a few pairs of boots to evaluate and the first ones I tried were the Talus. I like them so much I haven't even put the other ones on. The Talus is an intermediate weight, all leather, uninsulated boot. It is a 6 incher with a Hyphalon rand that comes up over the side of the boot to provide additional protection without a bunch of extra weight. Now, I make no apologies for being a Danner fan. I have had very good luck with them when it really counted. The Talus is consistent with my previous Danner experiences. They are comfortable right out of the box and required no break in time.
The rand that comes up over the side of the boot looks like heavy rubber but it is Hyphalon which is a much lighter material. The Vibram sole is soft and forgiving but provides plenty of gription on rocks.
One of the things that I like best about these boots is the Vibram Bifida tread. It is soft and flexible but sticky and quiet.
A comfortable snow collar and smooth tricot liner makes these boots easy to get in and out of and there is nothing to rub you raw or pinch you. The footbeds are pretty good for stock but as I said, these are not stiff boots so you feel most of what is going on underneath you.
These are not heavy duty boots but they are a robust moderate duty hikers that I really like and they have a niche. You will definitely see the Danner Talus on the upcoming recommended boot list. Check them out.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
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