This is one of the most confusing—and most-asked—questions in the boot world. You see “Danner” and you think “Portland, Oregon, 1932.” You picture old-world craftsmen, and for good reason. Danner built its entire reputation on its “Made in USA” heritage.
Then, you see a Danner boot in a store for $170, and the tag says “Made in China” or “Made in Vietnam.” So, what’s the deal? Is it all just a marketing trick?
As your resident boot expert, let me clear this up for good. The simple, honest answer is: YES… and NO.
Danner operates two *very* different manufacturing models at the same time, and it’s critical you know which one you’re paying for.
The Two Sides of Danner: USA vs. Imported
You have to think of Danner as two brands under one roof.
1. The “Made in USA” Boots (Portland, Oregon)
These are the boots that built the Danner legend. They are handmade in their Portland, Oregon factory using the traditional “stitchdown” construction. This is a labor-intensive, old-school method that makes the boots incredibly durable, stable, and (most importantly) recraftable.
When you buy a pair of these—like the flagship Mountain Light or the Quarry work boot—you’re buying a boot that can be sent back to the factory, torn down, and rebuilt on its original last. These are the “buy it for life” boots. They are also, as you’d expect, the most expensive, often starting at $350 and going way up from there.
2. The “Imported” Boots (China, Vietnam, etc.)
To compete in the wider market, Danner also produces a huge portion of its footwear overseas. In fact, about two-thirds of their boots are imported.
These are *not* bad boots. In fact, many of them are excellent. This line includes many of their lightweight hikers, tactical boots, and more affordable work boots. They are built with more modern, cemented construction (like a sneaker) and are designed to be lighter and more comfortable right out of the box. However, they are *not* handmade in Portland and are generally *not* recraftable. This is how they can offer a high-quality boot for a much more competitive price.
How to Tell if Your Danner Boots are “Made in USA”
So, how do you know which one you’re holding? It’s simple. Danner is very proud of their USA-made boots and they make it easy to tell.
- Check the Tongue: The answer is stitched right inside. The USA-made boots will proudly say “Made in USA” and often feature an American flag. If it just says “Danner” or has a tag with “Made in Vietnam” or “Made in China,” it’s imported.
- Check the Price Tag: This is the biggest giveaway. If you’re paying $150-$220 for a new pair of Danners, it’s a 99.9% chance they are imported. The USA-made, stitchdown boots start in the $350-$500+ range. You are paying for that Portland, Oregon labor and craftsmanship.
- Check the Box: The country of origin is always printed on the original box.
Danner’s Most Popular Boots
Now that you know the difference, here are some of the most popular Danner boots on the market. Before you buy, be a smart shopper: check the features, check the price, and check where it’s made to be sure you’re getting the boot you want.
Danner FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Let’s clear up the other common questions you’ve probably Googled.
Who owns Danner boots?
Danner itself is owned by LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (who they merged with in 1994). And as of 2012, LaCrosse Footwear is owned by a Japanese parent company called ABC-Mart, a large footwear retailer.
Is Danner owned by Nike?
No. This is a common mix-up. In the 1990s, Danner was briefly sold to a businessman named Eric Merk, who *later* went on to be a big-shot at Nike. But Danner itself has no corporate connection to Nike.
Are Danner boots handmade?
Their “Made in USA” boots are. The process of stitchdown construction and inspecting/cutting the leather is a very hands-on, manual process that requires skilled craftspeople. Their imported boots are made in a more conventional, modern factory setting.
Are Thorogood and Red Wing boots also made in the USA?
Yes, but with the same “it’s complicated” answer.
- Thorogood: A large portion (over 60%) of their boots are still produced in their union factories in Wisconsin. They are one of the biggest champions of “Made in USA” at a fair price.
- Red Wing: Their iconic Heritage line is still made in Red Wing, Minnesota. However, many of their other lines (like Irish Setter, Worx, and some of their standard work boots) are manufactured overseas.
Why are Danner boots all out of stock sometimes?
Like many companies, Danner has been hit hard by supply chain constraints, especially since 2020. This affects both their imported products (shipping, factory delays) and their USA factory (raw materials, labor shortages). Since their USA boots are handmade and not mass-produced, it can take a long time to restock a popular style.
Is Danner an ethical brand?
From a product standpoint, yes. Danner’s entire philosophy is built on using high-quality materials to create “slow fashion”—boots that are built to last for years, not be thrown away. Their Recrafting program, which rebuilds their USA-made boots, is the definition of sustainable and ethical, as it keeps old boots out of a landfill.
The Guru’s Final Word
Danner is a fantastic brand with a split personality, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Their USA-made, recraftable boots are some of the best, most durable boots on the planet. Their imported boots are high-quality, comfortable, and compete fairly with other big-name brands.
The key is to be an educated customer. New, there’s nothing wrong with either one, as long as you know what you are paying for. Check the tag on the tongue, look at the price, and you’ll have your answer.
