Crafted in the United States with a commitment to excellence dating back to 1932, the Bull Run embodies a utilitarian essence with a design that stands the test of time, remaining versatile enough for the worksite or city streets. Featuring a full-grain leather upper, it strikes the ideal balance between durability and suppleness. Paired with the robust Danner Wedge outsole & a stitchdown construction, all Danner Boots are still manufactured in Portland, Oregon to this day. Check out a brief history behind the Danner boots below.
Danner Boots History
Founded by Charles Danner in 1932, the company began by embarking on a mission to produce durable boots that are both affordable and resilient. Initially focusing on loggers, who require sturdy and comfortable footwear for their rigorous outdoor tasks, Danner bases the company on the principle of utilizing top-notch materials to craft superior-quality boots. Following the Great Depression, with material costs reduced, Danner starts handcrafting robust boots capable of enduring harsh conditions, and manages to market them at a price as low as $4 per pair.
After spending the late 30s winning a US government contract providing boots for the WWII US soldiers, after the war had come and gone, the company changed hands from father to children John and Bill took the reigns from Charles.
Fast forward to 1973, Danner unveiled one of its most iconic creations: the Danner 6490 Mountain Trail boot, specifically tailored for hiking enthusiasts. Swiftly earning acclaim among walkers and adventurers alike, this boot became a coveted essential, lauded in outdoor publications for its exceptional comfort, durability, and notably, its lightweight construction compared to contemporaneous footwear offerings. Featuring a one-piece leather upper with D-ring eyelets, the design significantly reduced break-in time, allowing hikers to achieve comfort more swiftly. The influence of the 6490 extended far beyond its time, serving as inspiration for numerous future hiking boot designs. Subsequently, Danner escalated production to 480 pairs per day, all meticulously handcrafted in Portland.
The late 70s brought a groundbreaking collaboration between Danner and W.L. Gore & Associates - leading to the creation of the world's inaugural fully waterproof hiking boot, now famously recognized as Gore-Tex. The outcome was the pioneering Danner Light boot, drawing inspiration from the esteemed 6490 yet emerging as a trailblazer in outdoor footwear innovation during that era.
After changing company ownership again in the 80s & merging with a Portland based footwear brand LaCrosse in the 90s, Danner enters the noughties with all new creations. Danner introduces a revolutionary breathable material named DXTVent in its latest offerings, the Formation Light hiking boot and EXO Edge shoe. This innovation sets unparalleled standards for ventilation and breathability within the hiking footwear sector. Paired with Gore-Tex XCR fabric, these products provide a unique blend of breathability and waterproofing, ensuring enhanced outdoor comfort while upholding Danner's renowned durability.
Today, Danner appears poised to maintain its production and promotion of a diverse array of footwear designed for hiking, military, hunting, and work purposes, all while keeping its manufacturing operations rooted in Portland, Oregon, USA. Fuelled by its unwavering dedication to quality, it comes as little surprise that Danner has attracted attention from both style-conscious individuals who value authentically crafted goods and adventurers seeking top-tier boots capable of excelling in any environment.
The Moc Toe silhouette remains as popular if not even more so today than when it was born in 1952. It was in fact Red Wing, Minnesota-based boot craftsmanship company ushered forth the inaugural creation of the original 877 8-inch classic moc toe boot, originally for farmers and hunters who spent most of their days outside, under strenuous, wet and often cold conditions.
Externally, the Bull Run channels the timeless aesthetic of a traditional work boot, reminiscent of a piece plucked from one's grandfather's wardrobe, with hopes it would still suit. Through meticulous re-engineering, the fit is optimized to harmonize with the foot's anatomy, accommodating a plush yet robust footbed, prioritizing both enduring comfort and support. The Portland made 503 last has a casual fit without compromising Danner's comfortable lace-to-toe construction.
After incorporating oil into the tanning process, the oiled, full-grain leather for the uppers is then put through a series of rigorous testing to ensure its strength and durability. This form of leather is more resistant to water and other liquid damage and requires less maintenance over time, with the stitchdown construction & unlined leather uppers moulding to your feet over time with wear.
Shop the Moc Toe & our full Danner Boots collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
Danner Boots