Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boot Review
A Light and Breathable Repairable Hiking Boot with a short break-in time
The author gives the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots a very solid thumbs up.
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
January 10, 2025
Our verdict
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are a super comfortable and reliable pair of boots that perform well in terrains ranging from the grocery store to a moderate ridgeline hike. I found them best suited for moderate hikes without super steep or slick conditions, as their ankle support and stability is insufficient for more challenging terrain. In dry weather, these boots feel lightweight and breathable enough for all-day wear—and if the sky turns dark, they’ll keep your feet dry so you can continue on your way without worries about blisters from soaked socks. With a short break-in time and great flexibility right out of the box, you can wear your boots straight away.
They’re also a sustainable pick. Danner’s commitment to using high-quality recycled components in their boots means you’ll enjoy them for a long while—and Danner also allows buyers to repair and replace worn-out soles, stitching, and leather. This will let you put your shoes through whatever life throws your way with the confidence that you’ll be able to use them for future adventures too.
Overall, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are an excellent pick for an all-around boot that’s light and waterproof. Read on to learn if they could be the ones for you.
Men's
Women's
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Specs
Weight: 2 lbs, 4 oz
Materials : Vibram Fuga with Megagrip
Outsole: Leather
Available sizes: 7 to 15
Available colors: 3 varying shades of neutral browns
Price: $220
Comparison table
Men’s
| HIKING BOOT | HEIGHT | MSRP | WEIGHT PER PAIR | SOLE MATERIAL | MIDSOLE | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY | WIDTH | AVAILABLE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX | Mid | $220 | 2 lbs, 4 oz | Vibram Fuga with Megagrip | Vibram SPE | Leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 7 to 15 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX | Mid | $170 | 1 lb, 15.7 oz | Vibram TC5+ | Merrell Air Cushion | Leather and mesh | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 7 to 15 |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | Mid | $175 | 1 lb, 14.4 oz | Rubber | EnergyCell | PU-coated leather and textile | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 7 to 14 |
| La Sportiva TX Hike GTX | Mid | $190 | 2 lbs 2.6 oz | Vibram Ecostep EVO | Compression EVA | Recycled air mesh | GORE-TEX | Medium | 38-49.5 (EU sizing) |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Mid | $170 | 2 lbs, 8.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry | Medium, wide | 7 to 15 |
Women’s
| HIKING BOOT | HEIGHT | MSRP | WEIGHT PER PAIR | SOLE MATERIAL | MIDSOLE | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY | WIDTH | AVAILABLE SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX | Mid | $220 | 2 lbs | Vibram Fuga with Megagrip | Vibram SPE | Leather | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 5 to 11 |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX | Mid | $170 | 1 lb, 13 oz | Vibram TC5+ | Merrell Air Cushion | Leather and mesh | GORE-TEX | Medium, wide | 5 to 12 |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | Mid | $175 | 1 lb, 10.1 oz | Rubber | EnergyCell | PU-coated leather and textile | GORE-TEX | Medium | 6 to 11 |
| La Sportiva TX Hike GTX | Mid | $190 | 1 lb, 12.6 oz | Vibram Ecostep EVO | Compression EVA | Recycled air mesh | GORE-TEX | Medium | 36 to 43 (EU sizing) |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Mid | $170 | 2 lb, 2.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry | Medium | 5 to 12 |
Who is it for
The Danner Mountian 600 Leaf GTX boots with pine cone for scale (not included).
For casual use or moderate hiking, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are ready to go.
For an eco-conscious hiker seeking a “recraftable” (repairable) boot that’s lightweight enough for all-day use and reliable enough for pretty much all-weather performance, the Danner Mountain Leaf boots are an excellent choice. They’re roomy enough to accommodate any thickness of sock while still allowing enough room for your foot, and can even fit an ACE bandage for low-key hiking with a bone bruise, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. I have feet that require really good ankle support, and these boots are a winner in terms of that (more below).
The Danner Mountain Leaf 600 boots are great boots that can be pushed to withstand moderate to challenging hiking in all seasons. Given this, their weight per pair at about 2lbs 4oz is still pretty lightweight. They’re also breathable enough that you can wear them comfortably in all seasons, though in extreme heat or cold it would be wiser to choose something more suited to the conditions, like our Best Overall Winter Boot, the Sorel Caribou, which we’ve also written an in-depth review on.
Reliable grip on wet and slippery surfaces is essential, especially for boots that will be in and out of wet circumstances—from kitchen floors to slick quartzite slabs. The Danner Mountain Leaf boots performed exceptionally on slippery leaves and wet tiles alike—I was confident that I wouldn’t experience a cartoon-style wipeout, and thus far haven’t.
How we tested
Waterproof leather keeps rain and dew from entering the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots.
My initial weeks of field testing for the Danner Mountain Leaf 600 boots occurred on and off trail in upstate New York during the drought this late fall. We (the boots and I) ventured up and down steep sections on dry leaves, through sand dunes, and over rock scrambles to test the comfort and durability of these boots in rough terrain. The rest of the testing took place in Uruguay, where these boots got to experience humidity and the occasional swamp or torrential rainstorm for the first time.
With each subsequent outing, I found the boots more and more comfortable. They resisted abrasion well—whether from encounters with rough granite or brush—and were light enough that I never felt like I was lugging them around.
The ankle support of these boots was adequate for moderate to difficult hikes and urban strolls alike. I have ridiculously hypermobile ankles, so boots and shoes with sufficient ankle support are huge in terms of gear that enables me to hike. The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots were great for me on easier to moderate hikes as they helped keep my foot stable on somewhat uneven terrain without rolling an ankle about it. But the flexibility of the boots that made them so comfortable right out of the box proved to be a problem for me on steeper, less stable terrain as it caused my ankle to roll quite a few times.
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots enjoying a well-earned break on an off-trail rock.
On subsequent challenging hikes, I wore my ankle braces to prevent the 90º turn my ankles are so fond of. The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots were great on steeper terrain when I wore them with the braces. Often this creates discomfort from friction between sock, brace, and boot, but the Danner boots were roomy enough to accommodate them and make them almost unnoticeable. In sum, those with ankles super prone to turning and seeking a standalone hiking boot for challenging hikes might want to look elsewhere.
That said, in all other conditions these boots were awesome. I wore them for many long walks around New York and throughout southern Uruguay and found the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots comfortable, breathable, and supportive in cold, dry weather to warm, humid, and sometimes super rainy weather.
What we liked
Super comfortable right out of the box, with minimal break-in process
Breathable enough to be comfortable in all but the hottest of weather while keeping feet dry in rain
Sufficiently supportive for all-day wear and moderate hikes alike
What could be better
Ankle support felt insufficient on challenging hikes with steeper and less stable terrain
Features
The soles of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are grippy on every terrain I’ve tested them on– from sand to wet leaves.
Upper material
The laces of these the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots stay in place and are easy to switch out.
The upper material of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots is breathable full-grain leather that is fully tested for strength and durability prior to the construction of the boots. The boot is lined with waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX, made from 45% post-consumer recycled materials. While the leather upper appears to take on a little water in truly rainy and wet conditions, no water managed to get through to the interior of the shoe (assuming no complete and total immersion into a body of water occurs).
Midsole
The midsole of the boots is Vibram SPE, rubberized EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate — lightweight foam, the most common material for footwear midsoles) for increased durability, cushioning, and lightweight comfort. I found the midsole as comfortable as advertised and enjoyed the thicker cushioning and rebound with each step.
Outsole
The adaptive lugs of the Vibram Fuga Megagrip outsole on the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots ensure great traction, flexibility, and adaptability on both wet and dry surfaces. I hiked in these boots in very different conditions, from dry and cold Northeast/North America down to humid South America. Whether on slippery mud in humid weather or just-frozen dry leaves, the traction of these boots kept me upright no matter what.
Recraftable design
The recraftable design of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX hiking boots allows for resoling, reconditioning, and restitching by Danner. This extends the lifespan of the boots and reduces overall waste while letting you keep the character your boots have earned.
Moisture-wicking lining
Whether on wet city streets or an off-trail bathroom excursion, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots.
The effective moisture-wicking lining of the boots keeps your feet dry during prolonged hikes, lending these boots well to all-season use. The lining of these boots was good at wicking moisture during extended use– I’m a notoriously sweaty individual and found the moisture-wicking lining consistently effective even while wearing these boots all day in warm conditions.
Anatomical fit
The low-profile, anatomical fit of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots is super comfortable and great for hiking to everyday wear. My feet are neither narrow nor particularly wide, I have especially high arches and ridiculously turning-prone ankles. I rarely find boots that are comfortable to wear right out of the box in such a variety of conditions– but the fit of these boots has been consistently comfortable for regular, all-day wear.
Eco-conscious construction
Recyclable materials are not only used in the footbed of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots. The liner and collar are made from 100% recycled textiles, too.
Performance in the field
From sand to snow, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots kept my feet dry and debris-free.
Even while shoveling snow off a steep driveway, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots stayed grippy.
The waterproofing of the Danner Mountain Leaf boots is consistently effective. The leather outer appears to take on some water in intense downpours, yet none ever got through to the interior of the shoe. Even in torrential rain, minimal water entered, and all was from the force of the wind blowing it directly into the shoe from above. On wet rocks, sand, and sidewalks, I found the traction excellent, even on the slippery linoleum lobby of my dad’s building, when adequately cautious steps were taken.
Due to the aforementioned drought in New York, field testing for waterproofing took place in the humid early summer of Uruguay. I walked in deep-flowing puddles to see if water would enter the shoe through the lower or upper part. I was pleased to find that even when my foot was fully in the water, none got through the boots. That is, until I misjudged the depth of the water and submerged my entire lower leg. That was my bad — not the boots’ fault — and they dried in just a little over a day, which I found impressive given the humidity and relative lack of sunlight in the hours following Puddlegate.
My initial weeks testing these boots were spent in the drought-ridden forests of New York, so when I got to Uruguay and got to experience these boots in torrential rain for the first time, I was thrilled to find they kept my feet consistently dry. I’d also been curious to see how they would feel to wear in hotter weather since it was summer in Uruguay and was further pleasantly surprised to see that the waterproofing and the breathability held up. They were breathable enough for long bouts of urban exploring in temperatures up to 75ºF and would have been fine in temperatures somewhat warmer as well.
Personally, I prefer wearing these boots in cool to cold weather over warm — I run hot, and waterproof boots tend to retain heat in the feet — but I was not uncomfortable in these, even in warm weather.
Sustainability
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are recraftable by Danner. This means that when I inevitably wear out some part of these boots to the point that they can no longer be worn as-is, Danner will rescue them by replacing the soles, restitching them, or reconditioning the leather. You, too, can put these boots through all that you need to, with the confidence that you’ll get more use out of them down the line.
Not only is this great for those of us who are emotionally attached to our gear, but it helps lower waste by reducing the need for replacement gear too. It lets you get heavy use out of your boots by replacing only worn-out components, keeping the feel of the boots you love while lightening their environmental impact. Long-term gear use is always the goal, and gear that comes with a longevity guarantee is one way to ensure that your boots will be with you for the long haul.
Danner has committed to reducing its impact on the environment in many ways — not just through their Recrafting program. They’ve lowered the footprints of their shoeboxes and construct them without glue, which makes them not only use fewer materials but ensures that the materials used can be easily recycled. All the packaging of the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots I received was recyclable.
The leather used in Danner boots is certified by the Leather Working Group, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainability in the global leather supply chain. Plus, they came laced with flat laces– with an additional pair of round laces, so whichever style you prefer, you’re covered (or have a backup).
Should I buy the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf?
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are certainly worth the investment if the boots you desire are long-lasting, hardy, and comfortable enough for day-in and day-out wear. Especially in cooler-weather conditions — for moderately intense hiking, work, or just wearing around town — they will more than meet your needs. They’re consistently waterproof (as long as you don’t fully submerge them) and remain comfortable when you’re on your feet for hours.
For an ultralight hiker, there are better go-to hiking boots than these. At just over one pound per boot, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots are lightweight enough to remain comfortable for most people but are significantly heavier than the most lightweight trail shoes out there.
For a long, non-winter backpacking trip, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots feel unquestionably heavier than trail runners and lighter-weight, non-waterproof boots. I would be unlikely to use these for a thru-hike for the same reason — something lighter and faster-drying would be ideal for that. I’d prefer something with greater ankle support than these offer for a winter backpacking trip. Unsure whether hiking shoes or trail running shoes will meet your backpacking needs? Check out our Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes guide.
However, since I started testing them, I’ve been wearing them all the time. In temperatures from 20ºF to around 65ºF, they’ve been fantastic. But I run hot, so when it gets hotter than that outside, wearing any kind of waterproof boots — even breathable ones like these — is just not comfortable. If you run cold or just have cold feet, the warmth these boots provide could be good for use in all seasons. If you run hot, they’re more likely better suited for three-season use.
Similar products
Merrell Moab 3
Weight: 1 lb, 15.7 oz
Materials: Vibram TC5+
Available sizes: 7 to 15 men’s and 5 to 12 women’s
Available colors: 2 neutral colors (men’s and women’s)
Outsole: Leather and mesh
While I have not personally tested the waterproof version, the Merrell Moab 3 Mids that I’ve used are a lighter-weight, more breathable boot than the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots, with comparable traction. I’ve thru-hiked both the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail in these boots. For a colder-weather all-purpose waterproof boot, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf boots might be a better pick, and for colder-weather hiking the waterproof Merrell Moab 3s seem to be an ideal pick too.
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Women's
Keen Targhee IV
Weight: 2 lbs, 8.6 oz
Materials: TPU
Available sizes: 7 to 15 men’s and 5 to 12 women’s
Available colors: brown, black gray, dark olive, khaki, rose brown (women’s), granite (women’s)
Outsole: Nubuck leather
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots were more breathable, significantly easier to break in, and had greater rebound with each step with the original insoles than the Keen Targhee IVs. That said, the Keen Targhee IV boots had much better ankle support, and are equally easy to switch out the insoles of, which I nearly always do with hiking boots. I liked the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots as all-purpose boots for all-season wear, and ended up preferring the Keen Targhee IVs for more intense colder fall/winter hiking.
The Keen Targhee IV is also the winner of Best for Wide Feet in our Best Lightweight Hiking Boots guide.
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Women's
Hoka Anacapa 2
Weight: 1 lb, 13.4 oz
Materials: Vibram Megagrip
Available sizes: 5.5 to 11 men’s and 5.5 to 11 women’s
Available colors: (men’s and women’s)
Outsole:
The Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX hiking boots are a comparably lightweight model of waterproof hiking boots, with a narrower fit and seemingly greater cushioning in the soles which makes them a great pick for hikers with foot pain and narrow feet. Like the Danner boots, the Hoka Anacapa have great traction on a variety of terrains and are comfortable right out of the box. If you have narrow feet, need greater cushioning, and don’t want a lower-drop hiking shoe, these might be a better pick for you than the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots.
Men's
Women's
Hoka Kaha 2
Weight: 1 lb, 15.4 oz
Materials: Vibram Megagrip
Available sizes: 6 to 11 men’s and 6 to 11 women’s
Available colors: (men’s and women’s)
Outsole:
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX hiking boots seem to be another great pick in the same weight class of boots– they’ve got the classic great Hoka cushioning, excellent traction and performance in terrains wet and dry alike, and are more suitable for those with wider feet than the comparable Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX boots. While I haven’t personally tested either, I can vouch for Hoka cushioning being excellent for hikers with foot or ankle pain.
Men's
Women's
About the author / Why you should trust us
The author spotting a rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus)—the national bird of Argentina—in the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots.
Elliot Koeppel is a graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in History. He finished his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in December 2023 and the Colorado Trail in August 2024. In his free time, he can be found birding, drawing, watercolor painting, making jewelry, and listening to Van Halen.
Koeppel has been testing a range of thru-hiking apparel and gear for Treeline Review. Read some of his stories on his author page and find him on Instagram at @elliotkppl.
