REASONS TO BUY
Durable yet lightweight leather
Metal eyelets
Accommodating fit
Superior build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as flashy as some modern designs
Average traction on loose material
Vague fit for narrow feet
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Review
A surprisingly lightweight leather boot that delivers modern performance in a classic design
Credit: Chris Maxcer
By Chris Maxcer ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 21, 2025
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots for Men
Our Verdict
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is a midweight durable leather boot that blends a throwback classic hiker style with modern materials. The OrthoLite Eco open-cell polyurethane footbed and Vibram SPE rubberized EVA midsoles offer great cushioning and spring underfoot while the waterproof Gore-Tex liner keeps your feet dry. The full-grain leather is surprisingly flexible but is able to take a beating from trailside rocks and sticks. We particularly like the rugged metal eyelets, making this a dependable option that's built to last for many miles on or off the trail.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is built so well that Danner has a dedicated team that can resole these boots if you manage to wear down the tread. The leather upper, which is made from large sections with recessed, protected seams, is a key to its longevity. This sort of service is usually only available on heavy-duty boots that weigh significantly more, so this is a cool option that speaks to Danner's commitment to quality and desire to make boots that stay out of the landfill as long as possible.
The Danner Mountain Leaf 600 GTX is a modernized hiking boot with a classic vibe.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Comfort
The Mountain 600 Leaf feels cushy and springy underfoot. The leather upper feels lighter and maybe a bit thinner than we we find on most leather boots. Out of the box comfort is excellent, requiring little break-in — though the boot's leather does begin to fit even better after a few solid hikes. The laces are super easy to pull tight and allow easy lockdown well over the forefoot. For large, high-volume and wider feet, the fit is very accommodating — almost vague for those with narrow feet. Danner actually recommends sizing down a half size if you want a snugger ride.
The midsole is made from a rubberized EVA that provides a nice blend of impact absorption with a predictable, stable feel.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Support
The relatively wide and flat sole provides consistent feedback whether you're stepping on a pointed rock, root, or mess of pinecones in a forest. This inspired confidence when we were scrambling over loose scree or tromping off-trail through brush and deadfalls. Those with smaller, lower-volume feet might benefit from sizing down, but there is plenty of room for a thicker premium insole for those who might want extra heel or arch support. The excellent laces let us lock our foot down, letting us explore steep ground with confidence.
The Mountain 600 Leaf offers predicable stability on uneven terrain, while allowing your foot to flex and ankles to move. Those with weak ankles might prefer a stiffer boot for backpacking, though.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Traction
The 600 Leaf GTX lug pattern isn't much to look at, but the Danner/Vibram partnership in its Megagrip rubber sole is doing something right. The overall traction was much better than we were expecting, given its short, non-aggressive lugs and relatively flat sole. It gripped hard-packed dirt, gravelly surfaces, and rocky slabs remarkably well; however, it's not as adept at biting through forest duff and softer dirt as those with more aggressive lugs. When it did slip, it felt consistent, letting us adjust our steps. For most people, the traction will be good, but for really hard and fast chargers, something more aggressive might be needed.
We loved the flat-soled traction on all but the steepest pitches. It offers one of the most predictable steps we tested on mid-surface trails.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Water Resistance
The near-seamless leather upper sheds water easily, but will eventually saturate over time — which is when the waterproof Gore-Tex liner takes over. We experienced no wet feet while hiking in the rain. With a respectable flood height of 5.0 inches in our size 14 test pair, we could quick-step through mountain streams and keep our feet dry.
With a 5-inch flood height and a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, we could step through mountain streams without fear of wetting our socks.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Weight
Weighing in at just 3.03 pounds in our tester's size 14, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is a midweight option compared to most new synthetic-based hikers, but it's lightweight compared to many full-leather hiking boots.
At just over 3 pounds for an admittedly large pair of size 14, these boots feel nimble on the trail.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Durability
The Mountain 600 Leaf is manufactured with excellent attention to detail, formed with quality leather, and with near-perfect stitching. While the upper is made from several sections of leather, the side seams are tucked inside. Unlike exterior stitches, this design results in a smooth exterior that is less likely to fray from passing sticks, brush, and stone. The metal eyelets are burly, too. Our review pair has more than 40 miles on them, without signs of wear, but our lead tester's hiking buddy has put his Mountain 600 Leaf GTX boots through 150-plus miles and a couple of backpacking trips… and wear has been minimal.
Two key takeaways from this photo: First, the metal eyelets are bomber. So durable. Thank you, Danner. Second, note how the vertical side seams hide the stitching on the inside. Without exposed threads, these seams should last much longer than typically sewn seams.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Should You Buy the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX?
At a glance, the Mountain 600 Leaf GTX might look like a heavy, classic hiking boot, but once you try a pair on, the lighter, more flexible and cushy feel will set you straight: This is a modern hiker. It has enough support to take backpacking, but it's agile enough to wear on day hikes. Those with larger, wider or higher volume feet will enjoy the roomy fit the most, but some may be able to size down 1/2 size for improved snugness. The traction isn't aggressive for steep traverses off trail, but it's quite capable for nearly everything else.
Even if you rarely stray from the main trail, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX can offer sure footing in all but the steepest areas when you do.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
The synthetic On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof has a similarly roomy fit, similar traction, and a cushier midsole for increased trail-cruising comfort — though it's not leather and isn't quite as durable. The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX has an insanely soft ride and all-leather upper, but it feels a bit less agile off trail due to its thicker, chunkier midsole and sole. If you want to go with increased support for heavier loads, the Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid weighs about the same as the 600 Leaf, has a snugger fit, and has a more aggressive tread pattern that's better for off-trail exploring.
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is an excellent all-around hiking boot that's built tough but feels agile.
Credit: Chris Maxcer
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX versus top competing products:
—Chris Maxcer
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