Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX shoes, lightweight and tough for long days on the trail

 

Hiking footwear is a very personal preference. Some people are content to hike mountains in Chaco sandals. Others won’t step on a trail without their heavyweight leather boots. For many, it depends on the terrain and type of hiking we are doing. The challenge is finding one show that works for all conditions. 

I was fortunate to get a pair of the new Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX this season to test out. They proved to be a standout option from 2021 in terms of a great shoe to tackle almost any hike and a variety of terrain. 

This year I put a huge emphasis on cutting weight and going as light as possible on the trail. Shedding pounds in the backcountry makes loads lighter and days more enjoyable. It’s with that in mind that the new Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX stands apart from other trail shoes.

 

On the trail

The shoe fits like a glove as Danner promises. It’s akin to a sock-like shoe that slides one. The one-piece collar means there is no tongue on the 2650 Campo GTX. The

The shoe was inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail and is ideal for thru-hikers and trail runners looking to go fast and light. If you are hiking with a heavy pack these may not be the best option, but from those going light, and especially trail runners, it is ideal.

The shoe was a bit narrow for my wider foot and the OrthoLite footbed insoles are a bit thin, but those can be removed and replaced if needed Aside from that the shoe performed great. I didn’t get any blisters and there’s zero break-in time needed for this shoe. It’s trail-ready out of the box.

The GORE-TEX is great for wet conditions. I even tested this shoe out in the snow just to see how it would handle it, and while it has no insulation, I stayed upright and dry with zero effort.

The other standout feature of the 2650 Campo GTX is the Vibram Megagrip sole with multi-directional lugs. This means that even in wet slick conditions the show will continue to grip the terrain.

 

 

 

 

Final takeaway

The Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX is a lightweight trail runner or hikers’ dream shoe. It has the features of a heavy-duty hiker, but it’s stripped down to a lightweight shoe that will still get you from point A to point B on the trail. 

The sticky soles and waterproof membrane are two of the standouts with this show, plus the design is great. The 2650 Campo GTX looks great out of the box and even better in its natural environment on the trail. 

The only drawback of the shoe is the lack of ankle support and if you find yourself in deep waters the inside of the shoe will get wet. However, the Trail 2650 Campo GTX is dust gaiter-compatible which would help.  

For anyone who is in need of more support, be it weight or ankle support, this shoe might not be the best option. The bottom line is trail runners and lightweight hikers are sure to be please with this offering from Danner. 

 

 

 

Features

• PU-coated leather and textile upper with TPU overlays provides durability with superior breathability
• Sock-like construction wraps the food for a comfortable, snug fit
• GORE-TEX Invisible Fit lightweight construction provides superior waterproof protection with increased flexibility and comfort
• Updated EXO Heel System features lightweight TPU to provide maximum support and comfort with a reinforced external heel counter
• Cushioning open-cell OrthoLit footbed
• Trailguard platform with exposed TPU shank offers lightweight, athletic performance
• Danner PlyoGo lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA midsole with drainage ports for quick drying
• 8mm heel-to-toe drop
• Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip technology offers superior grip on wet and dry surfaces
• Dust gaiter compatible
• Men’s Sizes D: 7-10 (1/2 thru 12); EE: 8-14 (1/2 thru 12)
• Women’s Sizes M: 5-11 (1/2 thru 11)
• 24 oz per men’s pair (size 10)
• 19 oz per women’s pair (size 7)
• MSRP: $190

Get your pair here