The art and craft of creating a pair of Danner boots

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a pair of Danner boots? Well, today I’m going to go over and talk about the process of creating a quality pair of handmade boots from start to finish. Danner has been making boots and shoes since 1932, the year Charles Danner founded them in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Danner has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but they still adhere to the same high standards of quality and craftsmanship set forth by their founder. Today, Danner is based in Portland, Oregon; where they continue to design and create some of the best boots and footwear on the market. Not all of Danner’s boots are made in their Portland factory; however, the boots made there are created and crafted almost entirely by hand. From start to finish, more than 100 hands will touch and contribute to the making of a single pair of boots.

Every process begins with an idea and a concept; this is where the art form comes in when making a pair of boots. Danner designers spend hours and hours drafting and creating the perfect idea and concept for a boot. They will then put pen to paper to give the artisans a plan to follow. The first step in making a pair of boots begins with sorting and cutting the leather to be used. Danner craftsmen will grade and test 100% of the used leather by hand; there is no automation or machine that does this. The leather skin is then graded on a scale of 1 to 5, letting cutters know what they can use from each skin. Craftsmen will then put the hide through at least six tests that measure the temper, thickness, flexibility, durability, finish and appearance of the leather. Next, the leather will go to the cutters; another step that is done entirely by hand. Because the different parts of the hide each have their own purpose, the artisans will evaluate each hide and see if it has any flaws. If you do, they will cut it down and use the best parts.

After cutting the leather into several parts, the boot will begin to be put together piece by piece. Almost the entire boot will be sewn by hand, much of it by eye. Another important aspect of this whole process is that Danner puts hinges on the lasts of his boots. The reason for this is to allow the boots to be easily removed from the last without damaging the lining and shape of the boot. Both the hand stitching and the use of articulated lasts are quite unique to Danner; most companies do not use such practices, instead relying on automation and machines to get the job done. Danner takes his time making a pair of boots. They don’t rush the process and they don’t cut corners.

Danner has a very good reputation for partnering with companies that are at the forefront of their fields; using the best technology and materials that these companies offer and putting it in their boots. Components like waterproof Gore-Tex liners and Vibram soles are incorporated into the boots, along with Danner’s own technology and materials. Danner has worked with Gore-Tex since the 1970s making waterproof, breathable linings for their boots. These liners have a single seam; ensuring complete protection from the elements. Their collaboration and use of Vibram soles is also worth talking about. The Vibram soles used in Danner boots are made from vulcanized rubber in a multi-step process that is also done by hand. The end result is a sole that is both highly durable and supportive. Vibram is another great company that has very high standards and makes great products.

The last thing I want to talk about is reworking. As you may or may not know, Danner offers a redesign service for many of their boots. This process means that you can take an old pair of boots and almost completely refurbish and update them. It’s a great service and only available for boots that can be recrafted; more or less boots that use a stitched construction and are made by hand. I myself took advantage of this service and shipped an old worn pair of Danner boots to their Portland facility. What I got in return was a nearly new pair of boots that looked and felt even better than before.

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