Weight: 12.0 ounces (Men’s 9)
Trail Use: Very Good
Off Trail Use: Very good to excellent
Stack Height Heel/Toe: Unavailable
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
Width: Medium
Fit: True to size
Waterproof: No, but GTX available
What We Like: An innovative, lightweight and grippy hiking shoe from an industry classic

MSRP: $150
Traction: 4.5
Support: 4
Long-Distance Comfort: 4

Danner is a classic name for sturdy, chunky hiking boots. However, the company decided to step into the low-top game and engineer a pair of lighter, low rise shoes. The Danner trail 2650 shoes are inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2650 miles through the Western United States. So, they’re designed to be light yet supportive enough to carry a hiker from Mexico to Canada. The versatile Vibram outsole is made to handle both wet and dry conditions, with extreme stability. These shoes are stable and supportive on and off the trail, with the grippy outsole and 5mm lugs with the Danner Trail 2650.

The 8mm drop is a happy medium between high and low drop shoes, and will feel comfortable when transitioning from either model of shoe. These are the lightest shoes in this category, and may be able to squeeze into the trail runner category, for a runner who values stability and is running through technical terrain. Though this model isn’t waterproof, the shoe does come in mid-rise and Gore-tex options. We recommend this shoe for hikers and backpackers who want a shoe that’s on the lighter side, but does not skimp in traction or stability. These shoes are also more comfortable over longer distances than other shoes in this category.

Read our complete guide | Best Hiking Shoes

PROS:

• Vibram outsole provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces
• Shoes come in a variety of color, rise, and feature options
• 8mm heel to toe drop will suits wearers used to high or low drop shoes
• Lightest shoe option in this category
• More comfortable over long distances than other traditional hiking shoes

CONS:

• Suede upper outsole takes a very long time to dry out
• Newer shoe, we do not have that much data on how it performs
• More expensive than comparable models

BEST FOR:

• Hikers and backpackers who want a cross between a true hiking shoe and a lighter trail runner
• Trips where traction is important and the conditions are varied
• Longer backpacking trips (like the PCT!), where all-day comfort is extremely important