Portland-based shoe company Danner has a fantastic supporting role in the new film Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon. Danner was selected to custom-make the pair that the actress wears throughout the film as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail.
As explained by The Oregonian, the Danner boots weren’t actually worn on the original trek by Cheryl Strayed, whose memoir inspired the movie, but a very similar boot appeared on the book jacket of Strayed’s bestselling book.
Danner was tapped to adapt one of its existing boots for the movie, making 25 pairs for the purpose. The Wild-inspired Danner Mountain Light Cascade is now available for $299 a pop, helping the company capitalize on some high-profile product placement.
Seattle-based outdoor retailer REI also has some products featured in the film and has hosted several events with the author for book signings and boot fittings.
Rotten Tomatoes is already calling Wild the best reviewed film of the season with a 92 percent fresh rating. It had a limited release, and opens nationwide this Friday.
See the story behind making the boots below:
Making of the Danner WILD Boot from Danner on Vimeo.
