We hate to bring it up so soon after we were released from its slushy grip, but remember how awful last winter was? Remember how many "all-weather" boots the weather destroyed? And how stores everywhere were barren of seasonal footwear for a solid month? Sorry to dig up bad memories of The Suckiest Winter, Ever, but it's coming around again, and it's time to be sure your boot game is on lock.
Here's a solid option to consider: The Danner Mountain Light boot, an updated tribute to the brand's iconic — and hardy — 1970s hiking styles. If you need any confidence that your pair won't fall apart as you traverse a particularly nasty curbside snowdrift, get this: Cheryl Strayed, the hiker Reese Witherspoon is portraying in the upcoming movie Wild, wore them on her trek down the Pacific Crest Trail. You may recognize those red laces from the cover of her memoir of the same name.
We're not saying Danner's going to be up for Best Supporting nods, but the boots do play a pretty big part in the film. There are tears involved. Blood. An action sequence or two. Here, we've got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how their role came together, as well as some backstory on how each perfect pair is crafted here in the United States. As for your seasonal needs, you probably won't log anywhere near as many miles as Strayed, but these 100% waterproof, slip-proof, and leak-proof stompers will surely help you withstand a hike to the bodega during Polar Vortex Part Deux.