Thanks to Foster H. of A Restless Transplant for blogging about the Danner factory store. After reading Foster's post, A Trip to the Danner store, I immediately planned my own follow-up field trip. My main motivation was to see (if not purchase) some of the Japan-only styles that Foster documented in his blog.
At the factory store, I was hoping for more ah-ha moments of shopping from Japan (by way of Airport Way in Portland). The DJ (Danner Japan) models are mixed in with forestry, utility and hot weather military boots. It's fun to hunt for the DJ models amidst the more boring, US only boot and shoe options. While Sara tried on some two-toned Super Rainforest 8" boots, I got sidetracked by a "the making of" Danner boots industrial film (footage of folks chalking up stacks of leather hides to indicate quality levels, etc).
The one DJ model I did find in my size was a variation on the Danner Mountain Light II Hikers in a tan, roughout leather w/a white crepe sole. Though the boots fit OK, they felt pretty blocky when I actually tried to walk forward (like wearing boots made out of legos). For the same price point, I'd prefer 6" Red Wings, or better yet, customized, "My Danner" boots based on the vintage models on display in the main reception area.
Next Archival Fieldtrip: Danner factory tour!
