Danner Mountain Overlook Review

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Danner Mountain Overlook

The Danner Mountain Overlook offers the perfect blend of a hiking boot and an around-town shoe, making it a versatile choice for a variety of activities. Constructed entirely from leather, this shoe is designed to withstand even the toughest of elements. Throughout the winter season, it has been a reliable choice for both work and leisurely strolls around town, especially during the snowy and slushy weather.

Danner, the company behind this exceptional shoe, is based in Portland, Oregon and has been renowned for its high quality footwear for almost a century. Originally crafted for the lumberjacks of the Pacific Northwest, Danner’s commitment to rugged craftsmanship and durable materials remains evident in the boots and shoes they produce today. Over the past few years I have had a chance to try out some of Danner’s other shoes and I have always been impressed by the quality. Here are those reviews: Danner Trail 2650 and the Danner Mountain 600.  

Initial Thoughts

The Danner Mountain Overlook is a shoe with a heavy-duty build that offers the ruggedness of a boot. The shoe’s upper portion is crafted from Nubuck leather, a soft and durable material that requires a shorter break-in period than other types of leather. Also, this leather almost has the feel of velvet.  

Nubuck Leather Construction

The shoe features an oversized tongue, which adds extra protection against snow, slush, and moisture. Additionally, the Mountain Overlook comes with two sets of laces – one in brown and another in a fun red color. The shoe’s eyelets are heavy-duty steel D-rings, adding to its durability and ruggedness.

Large Tongue

Heavy Duty Eyelets

The midsole of the Mountain Overlook features Danner Pylolite, a lightweight material that offers shock absorption. Made from dual-density foam, the midsole adds support in the right places, ensuring a comfortable fit. Beneath the midsole lies the Vibram Overlook Outsole, which features megagrip technology that makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The outsole’s triangle-shaped lugs are large enough to provide grip on slick surfaces.

Overlook Vibram Sole

The shoe’s removable Ortholite footbed is made from layers of open-cell polyurethane in varying thicknesses, providing exceptional comfort and support. The Mountain Overlook is designed to fit like a trail runner, with a bit of extra room in the toes for added comfort. Overall, the Danner Mountain Overlook is a great option for those in need of a durable, versatile shoe that can handle a variety of activities.

Performance

Living in Steamboat Springs, where 400 inches of snow has fallen this winter, I need reliable footwear that can handle snowy walks to work every day. The Danner Mountain Overlook has quickly become my go-to shoe for winter.

Danner Mountain Overlook on Ice and Slush

Despite its appearance, the Mountain Overlook is surprisingly comfortable. Although it may look stiff and difficult to break in, this was not the case for me. While it was a bit stiff at first, it quickly became very comfortable within a few days of use. The Plyolite midsole and Ortholite footbed offer ample support, making it comfortable for me to be on my feet for up to 8 hours a day as a teacher. 

One of my favorite features of the Mountain Overlook is the oversized tongue, which keeps snow and moisture out of the shoe, keeping my feet dry even when the snow covers the tops of the shoes. Often, the snow is deep enough to cover the top of the shoe and with the large tongue no moisture enters. This has been a game changer for my problem with wet socks. Additionally, the Vibram Overlook outsole performs exceptionally well on various surfaces, including ice, gravel, and snow-packed streets, thanks to its triangular lugs and soft rubber.

Tromping Through the Deep Snow

The all-leather appearance of the Mountain Overlook is another standout feature. It has a rugged look that is suitable for outdoor activities, but it is also right at home in a professional setting. I also appreciate the option of two colored laces – the traditional brown laces and the bright red laces. Personally, I love the look of the red laces with the brown shoes.

Brown Lace Option

Specs Taken Directly From Danner

• MSRP $190
• Height 3”
• Insulation None
• Color Monk’s Robe
• Footbed Ortholite
• Outsole Vibram Overlook
• Upper Shoe Nubuk Leather 

Final Thoughts of the Danner Mountain Overlook

Overall, the Danner Mountain Overlook is a versatile and reliable shoe that can handle a variety of activities and environments while keeping my feet comfortable and dry. This is the perfect shoe for anyone who needs a rugged touch for their everyday footwear. For more info on the Mountain Overlook and other Danner products, visit www.rei.com/danner or www.amazon.com/danner.