Forest Heights II is a sleek-looking pair of boots that will turn heads whenever you wear them out. During my time of testing, I received loads of compliments from friends and colleagues.
Other than the aesthetic appeal, there’s a lot to love about these boots. First of all, the material choice is out of this world. The Rio Latigo from Horween is not only comfortable on the skin but also durable as hell. Learn more about what it has to offer in my full Danner Forest Heights II review.
Danner Men’s Forest Heights II Boots
Material and Durability
The choice of material can either make or break a boot. While most brands promise a leather-like feel from vegan leather, Danner has cut no corners in that aspect. Forest Heights II has its upper portion crafted from 100% Horween Rio Latigo tanned leather. This leather offers excellent flexibility alongside sturdiness.
What else matters for durability is the outer sole, which Danner is usually best at. With a Vibram® 232 mini-lug outsole, Forest Heights II is no exception to that either. Danner has specifically designed this outsole for not only comfort but also top-notch durability. Therefore, this pair will easily last for years.
Fitting
In terms of fitting, it depends on the quality of the shoe last. For those unaware of what a shoe last is, it is basically a mold of the human foot used to make a shoe. If the last is not ergonomic, it will produce poor-fitting boots. Luckily, Danner Forest Heights II is built on an ergonomic and proper-fitting 971 last that fits true to size.
Best of all, this boot comes with a lace of closure with metal eyelets, providing the perfect fit regardless of the foot size. Besides, the arch on it is appropriate, making sure your foot sits confidently on the sticky Vibram outsole.
Aesthetic
Though looks are entirely subjective, you cannot but fall for the elegant finish on this boot. A streamlined design, paired with clean lines, makes it just the right footwear to roam over the West End of Portland.
However, you can also wear it on urban trails. It has a minimalist vibe with very subtle branding. Yet, there is a good deal of detailed stitching on the upper part to add a bit of character. That also compliments the plain-toe silhouette like nothing else. Plus, the Vintage 270 outsole lets you pull off a more classic, timeless look.
Comfort
People who think of boots as nothing but day-long fatigue haven’t tried Forest Heights II yet. Though it might sound a bit exaggerating, this boot is arguably the most lightweight out there. It’s super easy to wear, and so you can wear it in casual environments with comfort. It even has a pull tab at the heel for effortless wearing.
Cons
One thing that I found not so great on this pair of boots is the sole. Though I might be nitpicking at this point, the inclusion of leather soles would have been marvelous. Don’t get me wrong. The synthetic sole it comes with is okay despite lacking that premium touch I would prefer at this price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the shaft and heel measurements on the Forest Heights II?
Although Danner shoes are usually broad, the shaft on this one measures more or less 5″ from the arch. As for the heel, it measures 0.75-inch approximately.
How long will it take to break in my Danner boots?
Danner suggests you wear the new boots indoors for an hour or two every day during the first week. Trust the process, and they should feel comfortable in no time. The time required, however, might increase if the boots have stiff components and thick leather.
Verdict
During my Danner Forest Heights II review session, I noticed one thing in particular. Despite being snug, the fitting is somewhat different from the regular Danner sizing. However, that’s not a dealbreaker at all. Go for half a size larger than your regular fit, and you will have no complaints whatsoever.
Also Read-
Leave a Reply