Comfort

Assuming you find the correct size (more on that later), these hiking boots are comfortable right out of the box. They have a removable three-layer Ortholite footbed that is made from open-cell polyurethane. Additionally, you’ll be greeted with an EVA PlyGo midsole that provides even more comfort without adding excess weight to the shoes. In fact, each shoe only weighs 14 ounces.

Like I said, these boots are comfortable right out of the box. They are also comfortable for the first few miles of a hike. However, for longer hikes, you’ll be wishing for more cushion and arch support. The 2650 is severely lacking arch support. I suppose you could buy an insert if you are really set on this shoe.

Fit

Let’s start with the facts. This boot has a four-inch height and an 8mm drop. This means there is an 8mm difference from the heel to the forefoot. 8mm is pretty standard and allows you to run or walk comfortably. For long hikes, you may start to notice slight leg and calf fatigue. A higher heel-to-toe drop helps to lessen this. The 2650 features a traditional lace-up system that allows you to get a good fit around your foot, but unfortunately, not your ankle.

Moving on to the sizing, this style seems to run about half a size small. So, I recommend sizing up a half size and unless you have very narrow feet, you may also want to order the wide option. Sadly, for many people, even the wide shoe is not wide enough. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the shoe is made from leather and will slightly stretch out over time.

Features

For added protection on the trail, the outsole of the boot extends partially over the toe box. This is great for technical footing and to avoid toe-stubbing injuries. On the heel of the boot, you’ll find a rather large rubber piece. Aside from showcasing the brand, it doesn’t make much sense. It sticks out like a sore thumb and provides unnecessary protection. Even though I have no complaints about the weight of this boot, it could be even less without this addition.

The Gore-Tex liner makes these shoes waterproof, yet breathable. As long as water doesn’t enter through the top of the boot, your feet will stray dry through puddles, rivers, streams, and more. They have a four-inch rise and sit just above the ankle, which helps to keep rocks and other debris from entering the shoe.

Durability

Nestled between the insole and the outsole you will find a Trailguard TPU shank that provides protection, stability, and overall durability. The upper is made from suede leather and textile fabrics. As I mentioned before, the leather will begin to stretch a bit once the shoes are broken in, but that doesn’t at all take away from its durability. The GoreTex liner, Vibram 460 outsole, and fabrics all work together to create a very durable product. Danner also offers a one-year warranty.

Stability and Traction

In terms of stability, I would expect more from a mid-height shoe. While the height does help to keep debris out, it doesn’t do much for stability. Even with the laces pulled tight at the top of the boot, the shoe doesn’t hug your ankle enough to add proper protection. However, the reinforced Exo heel does a great job of keeping your heel in place.

Vibram outsoles are incredibly impressive. The 2650 features Vibram Megagrip compound and has self-adapting lugs. This allows you to walk with confidence on wet or dry ground. When looking at the bottom of the boot, you’ll notice all of the different patterns of grip. Slipping is not a concern with this shoe.

If you are considering this shoe, you most likely looked at the low-rise version. The name of the boot is exactly the same, minus the word “mid.” Even though the mid version sits above the ankle, the stability is equal. As I said, you can’t tighten the laces enough around the ankle of the mid to get the stability you would expect from this shoe. The low-rise weighs four ounces less. Unless you aesthetically prefer the mid-rise, I think the low-rise version is a better choice.

Similarly priced, the Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid GoreTex 2 is a great hiking boot. It also features a Vibram Megagrip outsole and has five-millimeter lugs for enhanced traction. The pair weighs about twenty-six ounces, very similar to the Danner 2650. They have a 4mm heel to toe drop, which is quite close to a barefoot feeling. One possible downside to the Speedgoat is the attention-grabbing design and color options. If your personality is outgoing enough to match the shoes, these might be a great option.

What sounded like a great companion and long-term hiking shoe seems to have fallen short of my expectations. It has the framework to be a great sidekick, but the lack of ankle support, the difficulty to find the correct size and width, and the fact that there’s not enough comfort for long-term hikes has made me rethink this shoe.

However, for short hikes and for traversing small rivers or streams, this is an incredibly lightweight option. Do I recommend it for the Pacific Crest Trail? No. I would save this pair of boots for a ten-mile hike, maximum.