Danner Men's Melee 8" Multi-Cam Military Boots

I bought these boots to train for and run a GoRuck Challenge - the boots have been great! I used them for some short distance rucking and generally walking around the neighborhood prior to the Challenge and I should have gone on a few more vigorous rucks prior. The boots do require some break-in and I had a could of hot-spots, but even over the 18 miles under-load we covered these boots held up like champs.The only changes I will make in the future will be to change out the standard insoles for something a little better on the cushioning - particularly under the fore-foot. Rucking with a 45+ pound load on concrete and keep up a fast shuffle made my feet a little sore.Additionally, it would be nice if the boots had drainage holes. I don't know how these would drain, but it probably isn't as well as might be desired. I think the addition of drainage holes to the in-step area of the boots would make these perfect.

These boots are classic Danner; very well made, with all seams even and solidly sewn. The problem though was with the insole. The heel cup was way too narrow and I have very narrow heels, so it was surprising that is felt so confining. I had to scrap the Danner insoles and put in flat foam soles. I couldn't even use other insoles, with more arch support, because even the foot bed of these boots has what feels like raised up edges in the heel. I think Danner is just trying to be too fancy with custom fitting their boots.

I usually wear 10.5 D shoes and 10.0 D combat boots.I checked with Danner and was informed that these boots are running somewhatnarrow,however,I did not find that to be true in my case.Although these 10.0 D Danner Men's Melee boots are snug right out of the box theyare loosening up well and are conforming to my somewhat high arch foot structure.More than adequate ankle support and the material and construction are excellent.Double stitching throughout and the Multicam appears to be Crye licensed.Even the mostly flat,upturned toe,well lugged Vibram soles are Multicam.Boot review will not be complete until this spring when I can test them out in therain and the mud in the woods/fields/creeks with my dogs.Amazon price fluctuates from day to day,but,don't wait too long;there may be alimited production run similar to that of the now unavailable Magnum Multicams.Only wish the Melee's also came sized for women,so I could order a pair for mybeloved wife.

I ordered an 11, but usually wear a 10.5 and Amazon is out of that size. I decided to see if the extra size up would be okay with thick socks and they are with a bit of heal lift, but I opted for a more precise fit and returned these. The quality is top notch and the look is nice too. The sole feels solid and the tread secure. The ruggedness of the boot is actually more than I expected. I may grab another in the future or grab a boot that is a bit less substantial for more casual hiking use and everyday wear. It's a nice boot though and I would recommend it for sure. Really like the camo too.

Ordered a bunch of stuff and didn't know what was in the plain box until I opened it. When I saw it was the Danner box, it was so light I thought they may have shorted me a boot. It arrived 4 days before estimated delivery so that's a plus. I went off the sizing chart provided and they fit to a T. For those a little worried about sizing, I'll try to provide some reference; I'm a 9.5 in Nike's, 9 in 5.11 ATAC's, and I got the 9.5 in these boots. I put them on and wore them around the house. They feel good and look great. Quality appears top notch.

Although my foot is smaller either way (9.5), this boot is shaped very weird on the outside. The boot makes you look like you don't have toes. The sole is very misleading in the picture. I thought it was thinner but it is very thick and bulky. Due to the weird shape on the side made this boot very uncomfortable. I literally had this boot out of the box for 7 minutes before it was boxed up for return and I hate the return process more than anything. Very disappointed because the boot looks great in the picture. Example if you have ever worn a orthopedic boot/cast for a foot injury, you will have the same effect and feeling. I looked for a long time for this boot before I bought it. I thought I did my homework. Just to add I hate leaving reviews even more than returns.

The heel cup is too big and makes for a sloppy fit. No matter how I adjusted the laces, my heel would slide up and down about an inch while walking up an incline. This was the perfect recipe for massive blisters on both heels.

Excellent light weight boot, very comfortable like wearing sneakers. breath well, feet stay cool. Only complaint is the chemical smell from something in the boot, not sure what it is but it is not a pleasant odor. Hopefully this will go away by leaving them in the fresh air for a couple days.