Danner Recurve Boots Review: Hunting in Heritage Footwear

The Danner Recurve Hunting Boots are a reliable, noteworthy pair worth strong consideration by any hunter.

Danner Boots can point to a foundation of footwear expertise that's kept them at the top of the game for generations. The Danner Recurve Hunting Boot follows suit, and I've become a firm believer in the brand's commitment to classic inspiration and modern innovation.

After several upland, mountain, and swamp hunts over the course of two seasons, the Recurves have cemented themselves in my hunting gear collection. They're versatile, comfortable, and represent the next generation of performance while still honoring the hiking boots history from Danner's past.

No matter what type of hunt I've used these boots on, they've stood out as the heroes my feet have needed.

As far as waterproof hunting boots go, these are top notch. The Danner Dry waterproof lining underneath the full-grain leather and suede upper give it strong tech-based advancements while maintaining the look and feel of traditional style hunting boots. Danner Dry is optional, and adds a little extra cost.

A Vibram SPE Midsole contributes enhanced rebound, comfort, and foot support with its rubberized EVA midsole. It's said to have the same cushioning properties as traditional EVA, but can claim more durability over strenuous use. That's good, considering the miles and terrain some hunts can demand of us and our feet.

The Recurve outsole is formulated with Megagrip compound, and gives me legitimate confidence on some of the more gnarly treks I've taken them on. And the removable open-cell Ortholite footbed is made of polyurethane for better heat dissipation and air circulation.

The pair I've worn around Texas, Oklahoma, and California are non-insulated, but you can opt for a 400g Thinsulate version if you wish. They come in Brown, Olive, or a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern.

I like that they easily open nice and wide, and I personally love the heavy duty laces, which seem like they'll never fray or break down. In fact the whole boot gives off that vibe, as though it's put together with the utmost attention given to sturdy, reliant construction. The ankle support is great, and they're a far cry from some of the flimsy, less reinforced boots of the past. The Recurves mean business.

They'd even serve well as a rancher's work boots or on a family hiking trip. But if you're weaving through the timber on your way to the whitetail tree stand, or covering ground in search of pronghorn antelope, they're serious contenders for the most versatile hunting boots on the market. There's no specific women's version, but they'd stand in as a female hunting boot just fine.

Ranging in price from $200 to $220 (or $160 for the casual Moc Toe model), these should be on your hunting boot wish list.

NEXT: PREPARING FOR ELK HUNTING: 6 WAYS TO ENSURE YOU'RE READY FOR ELK HUNTING SEASON