Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip Review

Pros

• Stout construction
• Well insulated
• Easy on the feet
• Bolstered feeling
• Multitalented

Cons

• More expensive
• Medium shaft height
• Slightly tricky laces

Warmth

Built on sturdy Vibram soles and equipped with 200g of Primaloft insulation beneath the leather exterior, these boots kept our feet warm in a variety of settings. Whether we were relaxing by the firepit in chilly winter temperatures or staying active outdoors, they delivered consistent comfort. During outdoor work or longer hikes, the boots offered plenty of warmth, particularly when paired with quality winter socks.

In our subjective side-by-side comparisons, the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip boots felt warmer than other options, and our objective tests confirmed this impression. Despite having a shorter shaft height than some competing boots, they excelled at retaining heat effectively.

Fit & Comfort

The Arctic 600 boots strike an excellent balance between support and comfort, thanks to their suede leather upper and cushioned midsole featuring a nylon shank. The uppers offer solid support without being overly stiff, allowing for a good range of motion and requiring minimal break-in time. Weighing a combined 2.75 pounds, they avoid feeling clunky on firm ground. The slightly upturned sole under the heel and forefoot ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, while the sole’s width adds noticeable lateral stability.

When it comes to sizing, the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip boots cater to a variety of foot shapes, available in both D and EE widths. We evaluated the D width and found it well-suited for narrow to average foot shapes. For those with long or high arches planning to wear these boots for 4 to 12 hours daily during winter activities, custom footbeds are recommended, as the factory insoles tend to be somewhat flat. The length of the boots aligns accurately with standard sizing.

Weather Protection

The leather exterior serves as the initial barrier against the elements, offering inherent water-resistant qualities that vary depending on the chosen finish. The full-grain, smooth-out option naturally repels water more effectively, while we tested the suede, rough-out version and found it remarkably adept at shedding water during hikes and crossings through shallow streams. Over time, both leather types will require treatment to preserve their water-repellent properties, with the suede needing attention sooner than the full-grain. This upkeep is not a significant issue, however, since the entire upper is supported by Danner Dry, Danner’s proprietary waterproof membrane. This ensures robust protection from water penetration, even as the leather’s natural repellency wears down with use.

The Arctic 600 boots have a maximum puddle height of five inches, measured from the sole to the top of the gusset linking the tongue to the upper shaft. We assessed their waterproof capability by standing in five inches of water for 60 seconds, and no water seeped in until we flexed the ankle in a way that let a small amount trickle through the side zipper. As long as you avoid prolonged standing or moving in water, these boots will keep your feet dry.

With an overall shaft height of eight inches, there’s a chance of exposure when trudging through snow deeper than eight inches, especially if your pant cuff rises above the boot’s top. For those anticipating frequent deep snow conditions, pairing these boots with Gore-Tex gaiters or snow pants that fasten securely to the laces via hooks offers an effective solution to this potential drawback.

Traction

The tread on the Danner Arctic 600 Side-Zip varies from four to six millimeters deep and features a mix of lug shapes and angles, ensuring traction regardless of the direction you move. Scattered throughout the sole are specific lugs crafted from a Vibram compound engineered for enhanced grip on wet ice, which we noticed offered a clear improvement over other boots. That said, this design doesn’t match the grip of metal-studded traction. When we intentionally twisted and turned in compacted snow, the wider lug pattern didn’t dig in as fast as some other boots’ treads, though it still delivered reliable and safe traction.

While hiking through varied snow conditions like wet and dry snow, we noticed a rare tendency for snow to build up under the arch of the boots, much like how snow can cling to backcountry ski skins. This didn’t happen often and was simple to address with a quick swipe of the sole across the ground.