For the previous two years I have been wearing the Danner Lookout 8” side-zip boot. As an EMS helicopter pilot, I need a boot that is not just comfortable to wear for hours on end, but something that I can slip on quickly when the phone rings. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 as a UH-47 Chinook pilot, our crews were issued a desert boot from Danner. While flying and walking around the hills of Afghanistan I thought I had the most comfortable boot ever. Until I started wearing the Lookout side-zip. The Lookout is constructed with

legendary build quality. Making this boot the best in class for durability, support, and cushioning right out of the box.

This lightweight boot utilizes the Danner Comfort System (DCS). Something I can personally attest to after spending the past couple of years in the same pair. When you slip these puppies on, it’s like wearing a pair of slippers. Combining comfort with a wider toe box (for a more responsive fit) these boots fit like a glove. Did I mention that the Lookouts are also waterproof? Making this purchase a win-win in my book. Not having to worry about sore wet feet is also a major plus. And these boots have persevered in some torrential downpours without issue. Additionally, the Lookout boots are absolute rock stars when it comes to traction. The slippery ramp in addition to the helicopter handler we land on is no match for Danners dynamic lug pattern. This unique sole design always offers top notch traction and maneuverability.

Danner Lookout 8" Boot | Chopper pilot approved

 

Although designed for Law Enforcement use, the Lookout from Danner remains a versatile boot. Utilizing full grain leather and a ripstop ballistic nylon upper, they can handle almost any job. For optimal comfort, the Lookout is designed around Danner’s patent-pending, ultra-plush footbed. Running true-to-size with a broader toe box and a more athletic, responsive fit. Danner also sells an EMS version that offers non-metallic toe protection. Greatly reducing the transfer of heat or cold to your toes. Additionally, the EMS specific boot offers both oil and slip resistant traction as well as body fluid-borne pathogen resistance. Finally, a puncture resistant midsole protects the bottom of the foot while still offering the Danner Dry liner and the same comfort features as the regular Lookout.

Danner Lookout specifications courtesy of danner.com

  • STYLE:  23822
  • WEIGHT: 54 oz per pair
  • HEIGHT:  8″
  • INSULATED:  No
  • INSULATION:  Non-Insulated
  • COLOR:  Black
  • FOOTBED:  Patent-Pending Plush Dual-Density
  • SHANK:  Nylon
  • LAST TYPE:  DCP
  • WATERPROOF:  Yes
  • LINER:  Danner® Dry
  • OUTSOLE:  Danner Lookout
  • RECRAFTABLE:  No
  • MANUFACTURING:  Imported
  • TOE PROTECTION:  Plain Toe
  • MSRP:  $150.00

As comfortable as the Danner Lookouts are in the summer months, a pair of warm socks is necessary in the winter months. If you spend a fair amount of time outdoors in the cold, Danner offers an Insulated 8” Lookout option. This cold weather boot shares a lot of the same characteristics mentioned above with the addition of 800G Thinsulate Ultra insulation. After 22 years in the Army and wearing just about any kind of boot thrown at me, I would choose Danner again and again. So if you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight boot that can handle anything your throw at it, consider the Lookout line of boots from Danner.

Danner Lookout 8" Boot | Chopper pilot approved


About the author: Jon Nowaczyk Served in 101st Airborne Division, as a Chinook Pilot in Command with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Central America. A licensed commercial instrument pilot, avid golfer he enjoys camping, boating, hunting, motorcycles, and traveling. A military brat himself, he grew up all over the world from Japan to Germany and Alaska. After his military career, he settled down in Michigan with his wife and 4 kids and continues to fly as an EMS Pilot.

100% Leather/Nylon
Imported
Rubber sole
Shaft measures approximately 8″ from arch
All-new Danner comfort system (dcs) delivers best-in-class durability, support and comfort
Durable, waterproof, polish able, full-grain leather and rip stop ballistic nylon upper
Waterproof Danner dry liner pulls moisture away from the foot for greater comfort
Semi-locking side-zip provides a fast and secure fit
Anatomical design and broader toe box for responsive fit