The Danner Cascade Crest Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Danner Cascade Crest is a versatile hiking boot designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require performance on rugged terrain and urban environments. With its exceptional Gore-Tex waterproofing, this boot is particularly suitable for hikers facing wet conditions.

Notable features include premium leather construction, which enhances durability, and high-quality craftsmanship made in the USA. Although the boot has a higher price point and a weight that may be significant for some, it offers longevity and reliability, especially with Danner's recrafting services.

Overall, the Danner Cascade Crest serves as a dependable option for those looking to invest in a long-lasting outdoor footwear choice.

Pros

  • Excellent materials and craftsmanship (made in USA)
  • Hard-wearing and durable build
  • World-class Gore-Tex waterproofing
  • Isolates the foot from trail hazards
  • Stable platform and reliable foothold
  • Wide-foot friendly
  • Can be resoled/recrafted
  • Beautiful vintage vibes

Cons

  • Much heavier than average
  • Very expensive

Key Features

  • Durable full-grain leather and suede or textile upper
  • GORE-TEX waterproof breathable lining made with 30% post-consumer recycled materials
  • Cushioning open-cell OrthoLite Eco footbed for enhanced comfort
  • Bi-Fit board for improved stability
  • Handcrafted, stitchdown construction for added strength and stability

Specifications

  • Origin: Made in USA with Imported Components
  • Sole material: Vibram Traction Cascade Outsole
  • Shaft height: 5 inches
  • Outer material: Full-Grain Leather & Nylon Upper

Danner Cascade Crest Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Danner Cascade Crest Vasque Breeze Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Price $350 $160 $170 $230
Trail terrain Moderate Moderate Moderate Technical
Weight lab Weight brand 26.5 oz / 751g 19.9 oz / 563g 17.5 oz / 495g 23.4 oz / 663g
Lightweight
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Use Day Hiking Backpacking Day Hiking Backpacking
Orthotic friendly
Drop lab 17.2 mm 16.4 mm 13.5 mm 18.0 mm
Size Half size small Slightly small Half size small True to size
Midsole softness Firm Firm Firm Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Normal
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Stiffness Stiff Flexible Moderate Stiff
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Average
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Material Leather Leather Mesh Textile
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Toebox durability Decent Bad Bad Good
Heel padding durability Good Bad Good Good
Outsole durability Decent Decent Bad Decent
Width / fit Wide Medium Medium Wide
Toebox width Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Lug depth 5.0 mm 4.6 mm 5.0 mm 4.7 mm
Heel stack lab 41.6 mm 38.7 mm 36.1 mm 38.0 mm
Forefoot 24.4 mm 22.3 mm 22.6 mm 20.0 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Technology Gore-Tex - Gore-Tex Gore-Tex
Cut Mid cut Mid cut Mid cut High cut
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 21% Bottom 36% Bottom 29% Bottom 39%
Popularity Bottom 9% Bottom 12% Top 30% Top 18%