Vista Street
Danner has been making boots for a long time, a very long time. Since the company’s founding in 1932 by Charles Danner, the tradition of those bygone days of bootmaking continues to thrive in Portland, Oregon. Danner also continues to handcraft a portion of its line in the USA, in Portland to be exact, and Danner has appropriately dubbed it the Stumptown Collection. A short time back I was invited to see the line at an event in downtown LA. It was the first time I was able to see a large selection of Danner boots and shoes all in one spot, and it was remarkable. I could have easily been happy with any I saw. In the end, I chose the boot you see above, the Vista Street. The construction is flawless. The solid Livetech outsole is lightweight while providing supreme support. The brogue detailing is office friendly and belies the fact that the boot is waterproof by way of a GORE-TEX® lining. The boot is built on the 971 last, making for a fit that accommodates wider feet such as mine. The moment I first put these on I appreciated the comfort the design provides. This boot is equally appropriate for going out to dinner or exploring a ghost town. Maybe a little explanation is needed there – when I received these boots, I was headed out on a road trip to the Eastern Sierra to explore Bodie, CA, a beautifully preserved ghost town. I climbed around the entire town in the Vista Street boots, and pulled off what many say not to do, which is to wear a new pair of shoes on a trip or adventure. Well, I did, and I never regretted it, not even once. The boots are good to go right out of the box. The breaking-in period is non-existent. So, am I a fan? Absolutely. Danner boots will be part of my wardrobe for years to come.