Danner 15660X - Danner® USMC RAT Temperate 8" Military Boots

I've spent untold hours, days and months in boots for sixty years as of October 2015: as a Boy Scout camper and hiker in the 1950's; as a US Army soldier and paratrooper in the 60's and early 70's, including in hot combat; and for all the years since, I've hiked and trekked and jogged cross-country on mountain trails, chain-sawed logs, cut and split cordwood, remodeled old buildings and built a house for my wife and myself, and generally mucked about in all weather in activities requiring boots, and I can safely, without the slightest qualm, say these Danner Temperate Climate USMC RAT boots are the best I've ever worn--by a country mile. I endorse 100% everything "Jim" says below in his review just before this. He has hit all the high points, but I want to emphasize COMFORT. Right out of the box! If kid gloves were made for feet, they would be Danner USMC RATs. They are that comfortable. As for performance, Jim is spot on about all else and about how they add spring to your stride. Amazingly, they seem to boost your every step going up-grade, and coming down they cushion heel impact so you're highly unlikely ever to get shin splints or achilles pain, even on a long rough descent. On a level stretch of trail, I can't help but break into the old airborne shuffle, jogging for long distances in them. An interesting thing is that with all that comfort and cushioning built in, they do not place your CG too high or create any awkwardness on rough terrain. If anything, they increase confidence and agility. I've had boots that were comfortable on a workshop floor, then murdered me on a steep no-trail 2,000 foot ascent and immediate descent. I threw those boots out the same day I first put these Danner RAT's on. That was nearly three years ago. Mine have the steel toe option, and you'd never know they had those steel cups in there. Regrets? Just one: that I didn't have them in the tropical climate version in Viet Nam in 1968. The price might seem to be hefty, but think long-term. Danner will resole and refurbish them for you. I'm looking forward to having a second pair so I'm always pulling on a dry pair in the morning. If you're one of our military people in an area at risk, these boots could save your life. They are that good. They're NONPAREIL! I am not kidding!

Fit:4/5
Comfort:5/5
Quality:5/5
Durability:0/5

I haven't responded to the review yet because I've been busy HIKING - ha ha!!! These boots - Danner USMC RAT 8" TEMPERATE - are EXCELLENT !!! Full support and completely water proof. I stood in huge mud bogs, water 1" from the top of the boot, and not a drop. NO LEAKS. They are bouncy and responsive, and surprisingly agile and tactile on rocks and logs. Fast movement : no problem. You can easily jump / climb / fight in these. These boots are designed for soldiers carrying weight and they lap it up under load. They truly 'shine' when ascending / descending - or - running with pack on. In some ways ( I find ) them MORE comfortable then runners - something I was surprised to discover. The treads grip is like a cats paws - you grab and hold, with confidence. And on pavement and smooth surfaces they are essentially silent. You can ghost right up on your target - not a sound. Like a Hawk floating over a Hare. Wonderful. Simply put - these are TOP QUALITY BOOTS. If your serious about your outdoor time and the quality of your hiking / trekking / hunting, then do yourself a favor and invest in a pair. I'm glad I did !!!

Fit:3/5
Comfort:5/5
Quality:5/5
Durability:0/5