Bottom Line
The Danner Trail 2650s are versatile and some of our favorite men’s hiking shoes that are both exceptionally stylish and comfortable whether you’re thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail or walking the dog to the coffee shop. Tested everywhere from Colorado peaks to Utah slot canyons to Vermont’s rocky trails – as well as the breweries and burger spots we visited afterward – the 2650s offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics. They have excellent traction with sticky Vibram outsoles and stellar protection thanks to a thick toe and heel guard, all in a streamlined and clean profile. Lightweight and breathable, they are comfortable right out of the box.
However, they are not the most durable of the pack, with uppers that tend to wear out faster. Additionally, they dry very slowly once wet, making them less ideal for consistently soggy and damp conditions. That said, this is ultra fashionable, high-performance footwear for those who want shoes that transition effortlessly from backcountry to brewery.
Quick Specs
Men’s Danner Trail 2650
Best for Town to Trail
CleverHiker Rating: 80.8/100
Price: $170
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 8 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Pros
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Outstanding traction
- Soft insole
- Comfortable out of the box
- Breathable
- Protective heel & toe guard
- Excellent lacing system & long laces
- Large heel tab
Cons
- Suede / leather uppers dry very slowly once wet
- Uppers not as durable as other shoes
- Runs a bit narrow
- Tread not effective on wet surfaces
- Thinner foam midsole can feel uncomfortable on long miles
Comfort
The Danner Trail 2650s are comfortable, lightweight shoes with a cushy insole and semi-firm midsole that make these feel soft and easy to wear right out of the box. Featuring a burly toe and heel guard, they provide on-trail protection while maintaining an agile and responsive feel.
We love the highly adjustable lacing system with long laces, perfect for different configurations and accommodating various foot shapes and sizes. The toe box offers plenty of room for your feet to flex easily, and a snug fit through the middle of these shoes makes them feel reliable and stable on steep ground and uneven rocky trails. Plus, the 2650s come in lightweight mesh, waterproof, and mid-height versions, so you can find the perfect version for your needs depending on your hiking conditions.
However, the 2650s run narrow, so those with wider feet may need to opt for a “wide” version. They also have a medium break-in period of about 10-15 miles, which means you’ll want to wear these Danners a few times before tackling long distances. And the midsole foam, while comfortable, isn’t nearly as thick as other trail shoes we’ve tested. That means you’ll feel the ground – including rocks and roots – more than many other shoes, but they may not be a good fit for those who prefer a softer ride.
Traction
The Trail 2650s offer excellent traction. Gore-Tex outsoles with an aggressive lug pattern, featuring a well-designed mix of triangular and rectangular lugs, bite the ground to keep you feeling stable and confident on most surfaces. Gear analyst Ian Krammer has used the Trail 2650s to climb class 3 routes to the summit of many 13,000’ peaks in Colorado and found they perform exceptionally well on everything from scree, talus, and rock scrambles to gravel, sand, and packed trails.
While the chunky lug pattern offers great grip on rocks and roots, it isn’t nearly as effective on wet or slippery surfaces. If your route is full of slick rocks, the forecast calls for rain, or you’ll be crossing lots of streams or late-season snowfields, you may want to look elsewhere.
Weight
The Danner Trail 2650s weigh in at one pound and eight ounces for the pair, which puts them in the middle of the pack for the hiking shoes we’ve tested. This weight represents a sweet spot between durability and agility – they’re robust enough for rugged trails yet nimble for agile movement. With this weight, you can rely on the Trail 2650s to minimize fatigue without feeling heavy. They’re not the lightest shoes out there, they excel in providing reliable performance without excessive bulk.
Durability
The Danner 2650 Trail shoes have some excellent durability features. Their burly rubber toe cap and thick heel pad offer excellent protection on the trail from sharp rocks, pokey underbrush, and rough roots. Their strong Vibram outsoles handle obstructions with ease for hundreds of miles. The suede or textile uppers effectively resist abrasions, scrapes, and scratches.
However, the Trail 2650’s combination of style and function comes with a trade-off in long-term durability. The suede and textile uppers of the Trail 2650s are simply not as durable as shoes with thicker uppers or materials like leather. We’ve also found the laces, while holding well initially, start to show signs of fraying around the 250-mile mark. While they perform admirably on the trail, these shoes may require more frequent replacements for serious hikers racking up high mileage.
Weather Resistance
Most of the Trail 2650 lineup is waterproof and uses a Gore-Tex liner that will keep your feet dry through puddles, streams, and water crossings. However, like most waterproof shoes, these models are not nearly as well-ventilated compared to the suede version of the 2650s, which is our favorite version of this model for dry and warm conditions. The downside of the suede version: once it gets wet, your feet will stay damp for the remainder of your hike, as it can take many hours before they fully dry out. However, we love the suede version since it dumps heat and wicks sweat with ease when you’re cruising backcountry routes on those hot days in June, July, and August.
Should You Buy the Danner Trail 2650?
The Danner Trail 2650s are perfect for folks who want versatile shoes that excel on both hiking and urban adventures. Whether you’re thru-hiking the Colorado Trail, heading out for a weekend backpacking trip, or just want a dynamic and stylish pair of shoes for the coffee shop or dinner on a patio, the 2650s are the rare shoe that can do it all. This model offers excellent traction, thick toe and heel guards, and breathable mesh uppers for comfort in any environment. Thanks to a cushy heel cuff and tongue, a highly adjustable lacing system, and cushy insoles, they are comfortable right out of the box.
However, the 2650s fall short in durability, with suede or leather uppers that wear quickly and a toe cap that separates around the 300-mile mark. And, we don’t recommend these shoes for consistently wet conditions because they dry very slowly, so you’ll want to keep these for drier activities. The 2650s are an outstanding option for those who prioritize style, comfort, and versatility over long-term durability and wet-weather performance.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Review: The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor is a great alternative to the Danner 2650 since it also offers excellent traction and ground feel. What sets the Ultra Raptor apart is its superior durability and even more robust protection on technical trails, making it ideal for rugged terrain.
Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: The Saucony Peregrine 14 shares the Danner 2650’s focus on lightweight comfort and breathability, so it’s another excellent choice for long hikes. However, the Peregrine 14’s more robust lug pattern provides better grip on muddy and slippery surfaces, and it dries much faster due to its all-mesh uppers.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review: The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX matches the Danner 2650 in terms of waterproofing and protection, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Its advanced chassis and Contagrip outsole offer superior support and stability, making it a better option for hikers seeking more structured and secure footwear.
