|
|
Post by markinohio on Nov 21, 2016 4:30:50 GMT -8
I’m in the need for a non-technical trail boot. Something for day hikes, fishing, yard work, and running around town. I had a pair of Sundowners that I got in the 90’s, and they were my all-time favorite boots (lasted over 10 years). I know that they are not the same, but I’ve read some decent reviews on the newest version. Just looking for some input before making a purchase……mainly concerned about durability.
Thanks,
Mark
|
|
ogg
Trail Wise!
Posts: 139 
|
Post by ogg on Nov 21, 2016 8:36:41 GMT -8
Take a look at the Lowa Renegade, which are comparable to the Sundowner I think, maybe a little lighter. I have both the Goretex and Leather Lined versions and use Marino gray Superfeet insole in both. I did have the toe rand on one of the Goretex boots begin to delaminate, but I think leaving them in my car for several weeks during the summer may have had something to do with that. So far, a repair with Seamgrip has held up.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685 
|
Post by rebeccad on Nov 21, 2016 8:46:25 GMT -8
Really mostly a matter of which boots fit you the best, so go somewhere and try them all on. You can't even count on what fit well 10 years ago, because both boots and feet change. I used to wear Sundowners, but had to switch out to a different brand the last couple of pairs, for a better fit.
|
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Nov 21, 2016 9:22:16 GMT -8
Same experience for me. Sundowners don't work for me anymore. I bought a pair of Vasque St. Elias in a wide, but they hotspot after 6-7 miles, so I now bang nails in them. If you have a wide (or wider than it used to be) foot be careful; I sure begrudge the money I spent on work boots I didn't need.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685
|
Post by rebeccad on Nov 21, 2016 11:54:53 GMT -8
Yeah, my feet aren't particularly wide, but my toes seem to be spreading, and it was a lack of room in the toe box that made mine fit poorly.
The last pair I had, I sold for $50 in the parking lot at the trailhead, after finishing the hike barefoot.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2016 12:56:14 GMT -8
I really like my Danner Lights, but I have AAA width feet.  They're not very light weight, despite the name, but seem durable. |
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 21, 2016 19:11:56 GMT -8
I had a pair of Sundowners that I got in the 90’s, and they were my all-time favorite boots (lasted over 10 years). Many of us have fond memories of Sundowners. I wore mine until the tread was completely smooth, and then for a couple years longer. |
|
davesenesac
Trail Wise!
Our precious life is short within eternity, don't waste it!
Posts: 1,710
|
Post by davesenesac on Nov 21, 2016 21:00:51 GMT -8
Many recent decade boots have little in common with older designs of the same name because shoe and boot manufacturing in this era is often done offshore with machines that use modern hi tech glues and materials putting together molded parts. Thus marketers have tended to keep model names merely because of consumer familiarity.
David
|
|
|
|
Post by bradmacmt on Nov 22, 2016 6:51:47 GMT -8
Sundowner's were originally made in Italy, then production went to China. Quality suffered. People everywhere lamented. Recently, production has moved to Vietnam and it looks better than the previous Chinese made Sundowner's. They're one of the few all-leather boots that really work on my feet.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685
|
Post by rebeccad on Nov 22, 2016 8:04:11 GMT -8
Your comment makes me realize that the boots I had issues with were Vasque Breeze, not Sundowner. But the point remains: feet and models change, so what you loved 10 years ago might not work now. Try them on.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2016 9:36:57 GMT -8
The Danner Light II's are still made in the USA.
They seem little changed from the boots I remember from 30 years ago.
I'm very pleased with the workmanship, but it comes at a hefty price.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2016 7:12:13 GMT -8
Scottmc, I found Danners quality control and sizing to be lacking the last six years. I live in Portland and frequent their company store and have found their quality has gone down. I still wear their boots for work (Danner Patrols and BlackHawk II); however, they are not lasting or holding up as well as past models. I'm sorry to hear that. I think I bought my Danner Lights (or Light II's; not sure which they are) around 2006. They were one of the few models available in a 'B' width, which is close enough to my actual foot width. I also have a 'B' width pair of New Balance boots that are lighter weight hikers, but I haven't worn them yet. I also still have (and use) a pair of Red Wing Irish Setter sport boots that are ~30 years old and have been resoled about 3 times. The uppers are pretty shot, though, so I don't plan on resoling them again. I hope to resole the Danner Lights as needed; it seems boots these days have become much more disposable. |
|
|
|
Post by Campfires&Concierges on Nov 23, 2016 8:43:09 GMT -8
I just got rid of my 90's Sundowners the last time I moved :( Bought them in college when I most certainly could not afford $200 boots!
Anyways, can't help answer your question, just wanted to join the nostalgia train.
|
|
|
|
Post by hikerchick395 on Nov 28, 2016 14:18:58 GMT -8
I'm wearing Alicos...made in Italy but they aren't as cushy as my beloved Sundowners. I'll still wear my Sundowners if I don't need tread...ha.
Now, my Vasque Breeze's are cushy but they seem to only be comfortable for about 8 miles. They are not and never were waterproof, even though they were supposed to be. But they are just a bit sturdier, now that I've Shoe Gooed them. In fact all of my boots, except the Sundowners have required Shoe Goo.
My husband hikes in Alicos...the Tahoe and a heavier version.
|
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Nov 28, 2016 14:34:06 GMT -8
but they aren't as cushy as my beloved Sundowners. I'll still wear my Sundowners if I don't need tread...ha. Have you tried to get them resoled? |
|
