When you consider the history of two brands like Danner and Huckberry, it makes their latest collaboration, a special-edition Vertigo 917 boot ($220), that much cooler. Let’s rewind the clock a little. Charles Danner started making boots in 1932, and since its early days of Depression-era, four-dollar-a-pair boots, the company has crafted iconic hiking boots like the Mountain Light and the Jag (and some of our favorite stompers, from hikers to footwear for more casual adventures). Huckberry, on the other hand, was started in 2010 by two outdoor-loving friends, Andy and Richard, who dove headfirst into their passion project and ran their business out of their two apartments. In less than a decade, the company has grown into one of the premier curators of (mostly men’s) stylish outdoor gear. So what happens when these two powerhouses unite to design a new boot?
The result is a twist on Danner’s venerated Vertigo 917. The new collaborative model feels like a sneaker but performs like a hiker. Credit that to the lightweight Vibram sole, which cushions and supports without feeling clunky (an issue of many full-leather hiking boots with heavier rubber soles). The stretchy upper near the ankles, which is reminiscent of a Chelsea boot, makes for easy slipping on and off, even when fully tied. And to give it some extra style points, Huckberry added suede and a special-edition Gold Ore colorway. On top of all that, a Gore-Tex liner coupled with the full-grain leather upper makes the entire boot waterproof.