Walking Boots

Danner N45 GTX Review: A Smart Crossover Boot for Hiking and Everyday Use

Like a lightweight boot? Here's one to consider. OM editor Will has been out and about testing the Danner N45 GTX in the UK's hills. Here's his verdict.

Danner is a brand with deep roots in traditional bootmaking, but in recent years it has been pushing harder into lighter, more modern designs that blur the line between hiking footwear and everyday shoes. The N45 GTX sits squarely in that territory.

I’ve been using it regularly for around two months, wearing it both on mountain hikes and hillwalks in North Wales, Pembrokeshire and the Lake District, and as an everyday shoe for travel, dog walks and general life.

Fit and Comfort

Straight away, these felt comfortable out of the box. There’s no real break-in period to speak of, which is partly down to their lightweight construction and EVA-based midsole. The Enduro Foam cushioning feels soft underfoot without tipping into trainer-like mushiness, and over long days it remains comfortable rather than tiring.

Wales is always good for waterproof testing.

Fit-wise, I found them true to size. I tested a UK 10, which is my usual size, and wouldn’t want to size up or down. That said, the shape will be decisive for some people. The toe box is quite narrow, while the heel is on the more moderate side in terms of fit. My feet are fairly average, and they suit me well, but those with wider forefeet may struggle. It’s a shame Danner doesn’t offer a wide-fit option here.

One thing I particularly like is the ankle cuff. It’s low and relatively open, which means I can slip these on and off without bending down or using my hands. That might sound trivial (and might make me sound like an OAP), but it makes a big difference to everyday usability – whether that’s taking the bins out or stepping out of a tent in the middle of the night.

Walking Feel and Performance

On the move, the N45 GTX feels very light and agile. It rolls smoothly through the stride, encouraging a quicker pace rather than a plodding one, and there’s plenty of flex for long-distance comfort. At the same time, a protective plate in the sole does a good job of blocking out rocks and roots, so you’re not constantly aware of what’s underfoot.

Pros: Light and agile, comfortable straight out of the box, breathable for a Gore-Tex boot, versatile design
Cons: Narrow toe box, limited long-term durability for hard use, expensive for its category.

Buy the Danner N45 GTX: £230 at global.danner.com

Grip comes from a Vibram Megagrip outsole, which performs as you’d expect. It’s excellent on loose gravel and reassuring on grass and dry rock. In mud, it holds its own, though the lack of a pronounced heel brake does limit confidence slightly on steeper descents. On wet rock, it has the same limitations as most lightweight hiking footwear – usable, but not something I’d actively seek out if conditions were poor.

Overall, I’d trust these on steep terrain within reason, but they’re not designed for scrambly ground or rough, technical routes. They’re much closer in feel to a hiking shoe than a traditional boot, with some similarities to trail running footwear in how they move.

Waterproofing and Breathability

The Gore-Tex lining has been effective so far. I’ve had no issues with water ingress through the tongue or seams, and they’ve stayed dry in sustained rain and shallow stream crossings. The ankle cut does limit how deep you can go, but that’s to be expected.

Will using the Danner NG45 GTX in the Preseli Hills

Breathability is a real strength. These are among the coolest Gore-Tex boots I’ve worn, never feeling clammy even on warmer days. The mesh upper dries quickly, and the liner seems to wick moisture well.

That said, I do have some reservations about long-term durability here. I’ve previously experienced Gore-Tex membrane failure in lighter Danner models like the Trail 2650 and Mountain 600. That hasn’t happened yet with the N45, but it’s something I’d keep in mind if you’re planning heavy use.

Support and Stability

Support is modest. The ankle collar is low and only offers a touch of structure, which is fine for what this boot is trying to be. Under load, they feel reasonably stable, helped by the close midfoot fit and well-cradled heel, but they don’t inspire the same confidence as something like the Salomon Quest or Haglöfs Skuta Mid.

I’ve used them with a backpack without issue, but I can see the EVA midsole compressing over time if you regularly carry heavy loads. That’s the trade-off with foam-based cushioning compared to PU.

Build Quality and Everyday Use

Build quality feels good overall. There’s a lot of stitching, which looks nice but does increase the number of potential failure points. After two months of near-daily use, though, they’re holding up well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and there’s no fraying or obvious weak spots yet.

Aesthetically, they strike a nice balance. They look like hiking footwear, but in the black colourway especially they blend in well around town. I’ve worn them casually and while travelling and never felt out of place. They’re also not bulky, making them easy to throw in a car boot or wear all day without thinking about it.

Verdict

The Danner N45 GTX is best understood as a crossover boot. I wouldn’t say it’s built for relentless abuse or technical mountain terrain. Instead, I see it as a lightweight, comfortable option for people who want one pair of footwear they can travel in, wear around town and take out on weekend hikes without fuss.

They are quite expensive for what you’re getting, and serious hikers who regularly tackle rough ground or carry heavy loads may be better served by something more robust. But for mixed-use walking, groomed trails and everyday wear, the N45 GTX does a lot right.

Price: £230
Weight: 737g

Buy The Danner N45 GTX: £230 at global.danner.com