Danner Trail 2650 Review

Danner introduced its lightest weight, most breathable hiker yet this last spring and it has been my go-to for everything so far this summer, from hiking and biking, to walking the dog and even just cruising around town. The Trail 2650, named after the Pacific Crest Trail that’s 2,650 miles long, is so incrediblycomfortable and requires zero break-in out of the box – it’s really a hiker that’s made for those who like to hike in running shoes. It feels more like a trainer, but has all the underfoot support of a true hiker with its Vibram Megagrip outsole.

New for Fall 2019, there’s even a Mid version landing any day now that has a Gore-Tex liner making it waterproof, as well as a couple new GTX (Gore-Tex) Low options that are waterproof and available now. I was lucky enough to test these along with a few journalists in the gorgeous Andes mountains of Peru and they performed great throughout the many rigorous hikes that we did in the Salkantay region of the Andes and around Lake Humantay (pictured) – I think it was the most gorgeous and magical place I’ve ever visited.

All in all, the Mid provides a bit more ankle support than the Low version, but I think it’s really based on personal preference and whether you need them to be waterproof or not. I tend to reach for my Lows more often than not, but it is summer. Come fall, I’m sure it’ll be a different story…