Danner Trail 2650 Review

by Bennett Colvin · Published May 9, 2019 , 2:06 pm · Updated December 19, 2022 , 8:01 am

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On the road or off trail the new Danner Trail 2650 is the lightweight hiker for all occasions. Danner Shoes have been around for quite some time. Danner’s beginnings date back to the 1930’s logging days when a pair of work boots would cost $4.00. Today Danner has expanded considerably, with many different footwear lines in many different regions of the world. One tradition that has maintained through the years is the quality products that Danner brings to the footwear industry.

This spring I have been rocking the the new Danner Trail 2650 shoes. The Danner Trail 2650 is a lightweight trail shoe that can fit the bill for a number of different activities such as trail running, hiking, and even a work shoe. With a reach to so many different activities it has been a fun spring getting to know the Danner Trail 2650.

Initial Thoughts

The Danner Trail 2650 are slick looking shoes. Everything about them makes you want to put them on and go for an adventure. The exterior features a combination of smooth and brushed leather. There are ventilation holes throughout the sides of the shoes allowing for large amounts of air movement.

Danner Trail 2650 Side Image

Danner Trail 2650 Ventilation Holes

One of the prominent exterior features of the Danner Trail 2650 is the unique heel. This hiking shoe has the heel contour built into the outside the shoe rather than having the hard structure built inside. Another notable feature on the outside is the aggressive tread and protected toe. The Danner Trail 2650 uses the Vibram 460 outsole with deep lugs and uses Megagrip Tread. The Megagrip Tread is known for its ability to hold tight to many different surfaces.

Danner Trail 2650 Aggressive Tread

Danner Trail 2650 Tread

Within the build of the Danner Trail 2650 is a hard TPU shank that provides strength throughout the entire shoe. Surrounding the TPU shank is lightweight EVA foam that is comfortable and ultra light.

Fit and Comfort

The Danner Trail 2650 has definitely been up to the challenge of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The number of activities of Steamboat Springs is only limited by one’s own imagination. This spring my Danner’s have been on hikes, around town, trail runs, and even at work.

Danner Trail 2650 Hiking

What makes the Danner Trail 2650 solid is a marriage of comfort and capability. There are many awesome hiking shoes on the market with the focus now of making capable shoes comfortable. No longer are the days of breaking in a pair of hiking boots.

The Danner Trail 2650 hit the nail on the head with comfort. The heel support structure is genius. When a hiking boot fails me it is usually that my heel has worn through to the hard plate. Problem solved! Take the hard heel support and move it to the outside of the shoe. Such a simple solution made a big difference. This approach created a stable yet comfortable heel.

Danner Trail 2650 Heel Contour

The fit of the Danner Trail 2650 is true to size. Originally, it was suggested that I size one half down as these shoes run a bit on the large size. I did not find that to be the case. When I tried the half size down the entire shoe was tight in both length as well as width. Having my usual 10.5 made all the difference. Additionally, the folks at Danner took care of me with great customer service. In no time I was in a proper fitting pair of Danner Trail 2650.

Danner Trail 2650 in the Field

The Danner Trail 2650 are solid performers at everything outdoors. I have used them for trail running, hiking, and working. Although I am risking sounding like a broken record, the reason for the versatility is the comfort and fit.

Hiking is especially enjoyable with the Danner Trail 2650. I love the stability the TPU Shank provides. Where this is most noticeable is on uneven terrain where the shoe would be likely to twist. Additionally the fit throughout the shoe keeps the entire foot in place with very minimal slipping. The tread on the Vibram sole has no issues keeping traction on varied surfaces. Ice, mud, loose gravel, and rocks were handled easily. For such a light hiker it really acts burly.

Danner Trail 2650 Evening Hike

Danner Trail 2650 Versatility

In a pinch the Danner Trail 2650 makes a solid performer as a trail running shoe. It is definitely light enough and has more than enough traction to get the job done. Although, I did some running in the Danner Trail 2650 I would not make it my sole trail running shoe. For my preferences, it was a bit stiff making more of an ideal hiker.

I love wearing these shoes to work. As a teacher I am on my feet for 8 hours a day. Comfortable shoes are necessary but support is what is really needed. Chasing around middle schoolers all day long can be fast and furious and aching feet will not help. The Danner Trail 2650 are great and also encourage me to take a lunch hike.

Specs on the Danner Trail 2650

MSRP $150
WEIGHT 18 oz per pair
HEIGHT 3″
INSULATION Non-Insulated
FOOTBED OrthoLite
SHANK TPU
LAST TYPE DT 6
LINING Non-Waterproof
LINER Mesh
OUTSOLE Vibram 460
Imported

Final Thoughts on the Danner Trail 2650

If you are in need of a comfortable versatile hiking shoe, look no further than the Danner Trail 2650. These shoes are as comfortable on the trail as they are in the office. Although they are capable of a wide range of activities, don’t be fooled as the Danner Trail 2650 have the features of a rough and tumble hiker that can go for miles.

For more information on the Trail 2650 and other Danner products, visit www.rei.com/danner.