Danner Light Pioneer NB

If Danner Boots and New Balance got together and had a kid, and that kid grew up to work as an environmental lawyer living in Oregon, this is what it would look like. The Danner Light Pioneer NB are a pair of rugged but refined boots built as much for taking on long hikes on rarely traveled routes as they are for wearing in the city.

These boots have Danner’s tough, road tested frame, but with New Balance’s understated sense of style. The grey color-way on the boots is directly inspired by the running brand, as is the back heel tab, speckled Vibram sole, Cordura, and reflective underlay on the collar. The waterproofing? The GORE-Tex liner, Suede, and Horween leather panels that sit on the outside of the 650 EE design? The rugged and comfortable design that’ll keep you going for hundreds of miles? All Danner. Just like all other boots by the Pacific Northwestern brand, these are made completely in house at their Portland workshop. You can get a pair yourself for $430. [Purchase]