Danner Agitator 45 GTX

This is an amazing boot. I bought these on a whim at a local Gander Mountain clearance sale. I expected to use them for hiking/camping, but they're so comfortable that I find myself wearing them on a daily basis.

I walk to work every day; about a 3-4 mile round trip. I've been wearing these boots for about 3 years now with NO visible wear and tear! They are as comfortable as tennis shoes, but with the advantage of Gore-Tex.

I HIGHLY recommend these boots.

Update: April 14, 2009

This is a follow-up to my earlier review. I gave this one three stars so as not to disturb the average between my rating and the other user rating.

Recently my left boot started to leak. I found the problem: a small hole in the tongue gusset on the left boot. For the number of years and miles I've put on these boots, I don't consider it a premature failure.

As the other reviewer said, and as I probably should have mentioned, these are on the stiff side compared to tennis shoes or trail runners, but that's what I expect from a boot. Some people feel differently, so take that into consideration.

These boots did take me a bit longer to break in that boots in the past, but were very comfortable thereafter.

I bought these boots on a clearance rack at Gander Mountain, thinking I had found a good deal on a well made pair of boots. Thought they appear to be very well made, they were stiff and uncomfortable from the beginning, and never really seemed to "break in". I've had them over a year now, trying to wear them now and again hoping they will eventually loosen up, but they always hurt my feet so I've given up on them.

Quality seems good, as they have no appreciable wear showing after a year (and I have worn them enough that some should show by now), but fit is horrible.

I ended up going with a pair of North Face Venture Mids, which felt great from the first day, and have only gotten better.

I purchased these after a search for quality boots at a low cost for my 10 year old son's fast growing feet. He found them very comfortable without any break in. They are a little big for him (1/2 too large) even with thick winter socks, but after a five-hour hike with a 20 lb. pack, ascending 2300 ft in 4.4. miles through the snow (6-15" deep) he had no leak-through (gaiters and snow pants really helped).

The boots gave him lots of traction and support, and the stiffness was a plus with his heavy load during the hike. High quality craftsmanship. His feet will outgrow them before they show any signs of wear.