Our verdict

83
Good!

The Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 sounds like a masterpiece, thanks to its virtually zero break-in time. Its prestige is made up of more than just day-one comfort—indeed, its excellence is also comprised of superior lightness and eye-catching aesthetics among others. The one thing that might give it a hard time winning the hearts of skeptics, however, is its insufficient arch support.

Pros

  • Superb lightness
  • Minimal break-in
  • Stylish
  • Its durable triangular lugs are formed into a geometry that provides multi-directional traction
  • Grippy

Cons

  • best summer hiking boots

Who should buy the Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 

The South Rim 600 from Danner is a day hiking boot specifically crafted for warmer conditions. It is ideal for:

  • individuals who want a breathable gear that is extra comfy during summer hikes
  • outdoor lovers who want to experience the lightness of Danner’s hiking shoes without compromising underfoot protection

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 brand logo

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600’s Vibram Fuga outsole

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 Vibram Fuga outsole

For surface traction, Danner’s South Rim 600 sports a Vibram outsole called Fuga. It is based on Vibram’s Megagrip compound, granting it a kind of grip that works on various types of surfaces, may they be slippery wet or bone dry. 

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 heel lugs

best summer hiking boots.

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 triangular lugs

Danner equipped South Rim 600 with a durable Vibram SPE midsole

The South Rim 600 gets to stabilize the user’s footing on bumpy trails thanks to its cushy Vibram SPE midsole. It is made of a special kind of rubberized EVA that offers improved comfort and enhanced rebound.  A nylon shank is placed within its interiors, reinforcing its medial zone for more arch support.

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 Vibram SPE midsole

Working alongside the midsole unit in delivering comfort underfoot is the boot’s Ortholite footbed. This cushioned component is made entirely of open-cell polyurethane—a type of material that has heat-mitigating properties.

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 part nylon, part leather upper

Danner engineers gave the South Rim 600 a part nylon, part suede leather upper which grants hikers a blend of comfort and protection on the trail. Its inner liner is made of air-mesh fabric which promotes the boot’s overall breathability. 

Part nylon, part leather upper of Danner’s South Rim 600 lacing system

Making up its speed lacing system are synthetic laces as well as D-rings and open hooks made of metal. The gear’s tongue has multiple lace keepers, allowing for a firmer hold on both the laces and the tongue.