Danner Stumptown Mountain Light Hiking Boot

Brace yourself for a round of widespread fascination with all things hiking, especially thru-hiking, as Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, Wild, comes to the big screen this fall, with Reese Witherspoon in the starring role. Danner has even created a special women’s boot, worn by Witherspoon in the movie — I only got a sneak peek and can’t share it yet, but it will be out soon.

In the meantime, there’s the made-in-America Stumptown Mountain Light. “Light” is a relative term here, of course. The boot was launched back in 1979 when traditional backpacking was booming, and it’s built in a rugged, last-forever manner. The one-piece, full-grain leather upper is lined with Gore-Tex, so it’s 100 percent waterproof, and the outsole is durable Vibram Kletterlift rubber. Added protection from rocks and roots comes from the fiberglass shank.

If you want a boot that’ll go fast and light on the PCT, the Mountain Light probably isn’t it. If you want a boot that will last forever, offer unparalleled support, and look good on the trail or with selvedge jeans, it’s the one.

$330 • BUY

Read more from Steve Casimiro at his blog, Adventure Journal.