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As any astute reader of Field Mag knows, we’re a bit obsessed with gear. And not just any gear, but aesthetic gear that blends form and function and blurs genres. Portland, Oregon’s Danner is home to many such designs. In the past we’ve exalted the classics. Today, we’re focused on a new boot silhouette altogether—the 917 Series, inspired by the famed bookmaker’s storied history, but made for everyday adventure in the city and out.
Named for Danner’s heritage in making hardy boots for forest workers, and New York City’s most notable area code, the Vertigo 917 and Logger 917 are both functionally and visually mashups of an old school hiker and modern sneaker. We’ve been running the Logger 917 in both men's Port and women's Port models throughout Fall here in New York, and can confirm, they do the job (no matter what it may be).
Though I have previously been partial to the heft of the Danner Light, the Logger 917’s light weight construction makes for an impressively comfortable fit out of the box. The ergonomic last and removable OrthoLite footbed help too, while the full-grain leather upper delivers all the durability one expects from a Danner branded boot. And of course, the optional waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining makes even the rainiest days around town a nonissue.
Outside of the functionality, the sleek styling makes these boots a real eye catcher. This is due in large part to the clean sole lines and modernized stitchdown construction, an innovative technique that combines the brand’s traditional stitchdown manufacturing style with cup sole construction (all my fellow skater’s out there already know this), reducing the need for a buffed sidewall while giving a wider platform.
The removable kiltie (a holdover from Danner’s classic logging boots that protects debris from collecting on and under the laces) is a clever nod to the past, and the crisp, exclusive Vibram 917 outsole is both visually bold and provides excellent traction on wet conditions—be it leaf-covered trails in the Catskills or soaked city sidewalks.
In short, you can always trust a Danner. But sometimes, you don’t want to look like an urban lumberjack. For those days, throw on some Logger 917 boots and hit the streets in style.
The Danner Logger 917 and Vertigo 917 are available in a range of colorways for men and women for $220.
Published 11-30-2020
