When it comes to mountaineering equipment, shoes are an absolute necessity. Their importance increases especially when the distance is long and the load is heavy, such as on a thru-hike or full-scale traverse
In the past, hiking boots were mainly made of sturdy, heavy leather so that they could withstand heavy loads and impacts, but these classic boots are now rarely seen in the mountains. In recent years, they have been replaced by trekking boots, which are lightweight and comfortable like running shoes, even though they are designed for serious mountain climbing with heavy loads
One of the cutting-edge models in high-tech mountaineering boots the Ducan Knit High GTX which first appeared two years ago from MAMMUT . It was an astounding pair of boots that combined the comfort and ease of walking of hiking shoes with the stability and durability of trekking boots, and I still remember how I chose it without a doubt as my personal Gear of the Year that year.
the MAMMUT Ducan BOA® High GTX, as its successor . While inheriting the legacy of its predecessor, it has evolved in a more active direction, making it a boot at the forefront of modern mountain shoe trends (incidentally, it also won an award at ISPO, Europe's largest outdoor equipment trade fair, in 2021).
As part of Outdoor Gearzine, I immediately got hold of a pair and have been wearing them out for the past few months, but to give you my conclusion straight away, the performance was beyond my imagination: ``I can run in them! I can carry them!'' It's just amazing
After wearing these boots extensively this summer, I'd like to take a look at their appeal and concerns, including comparing them with the previous model
table of contents
- Main features of the MAMMUT Ducan BOA® High GTX
- Main specifications and evaluation
- Detailed Review
- It's so light you wouldn't imagine it!
- The dramatically changed exterior combines functionality and design
- The perfect fit and comfort will make you forget you're even wearing shoes
- The uniquely developed midsole is lightweight yet extremely stable!
- The sense of security provided by ample protection and grip remains as strong as ever
- Summary: Recommended for these people
Main features of the MAMMUT Ducan BOA® High GTX
The MAMMUT Ducan BOA® High GTX is a technical hiking shoe that combines a three-dimensional pattern design that perfectly conforms to the body's movements and posture, a moderately stretchy 3D knit material, and the new BOA® shoelacing system to provide an unprecedented fit and comfort. The proprietary Flextron technology midsole, a feature of the previous model, supports the foot's natural movement, reducing fatigue and providing a more stable landing and stepping-off. The Vibram® Flextron outsole provides reliable grip and excellent mud shedding. Combining cutting-edge technology with stylish design, this next-generation trekking boot is ideal for active and sporty mountain activities, such as fastpacking, speed hiking, and trekking
Here is ◎
- Perfect fit
- Lightweight and easy to move around in, yet provides solid protection
- MAMMUT Flextron Technology™ provides both ease of walking and fatigue resistance
- High grip thanks to Vibram sole and calculated lug shape
- High waterproofing due to the boots fitting tightly up to the ankle
This is what I'm curious about
- While they are easy to walk in, the shank is not stiff enough to be used as an alpine boot
- While ankle mobility has improved compared to the previous model, ankle support is not as strong as the previous model (be careful when hiking with a heavy load)
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| Weight (actual measurement) | 521g (8.5UK) |
| Upper fabric | MAMMUT® Georganic 3D Technology／3D Knitted Textile |
| Midsole | MAMMUT® Flextron Technology™ |
| Outsole | Vibram® Flextron outsole |
| shoelaces | Patented BOA® Fit System |
| waterproof | GORE-TEX® |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
It's so light you wouldn't imagine it!
The first thing that surprised me about these boots was how light they were when I picked them up. At first glance, they look like regular high-top hiking boots, with a thick midsole and reinforced edges, so you'd imagine they'd be fairly heavy to hold. But they're surprisingly light. When I let my friends hold these boots, they usually say, "Wow, they're light!"
When I weighed it, it was a whopping 521g for a UK size 8.5 (see photo below, right). Generally speaking, 500 grams is just about light enough for a mid-cut lightweight hiking boot these days, so I'm honestly impressed with the weight considering how bulky it is. Incidentally, I also weighed the previous model (see photo below, left), and it was also nearly 600g (which was still quite light), so when you consider that it's more than 10% lighter, this change cannot be ignored
The dramatically changed exterior combines functionality and design
The appearance has also changed significantly. Not only have they changed from the traditional shoelaces to BOA®, but the shoelace (wire) that touches the instep has also been redesigned to be covered in stretch fabric. Of course, preferences vary, but the clean, futuristic design is a perfect fit for the concept of these shoes, and I personally don't dislike them. *By the way, I deliberately chose the "white" color this time, but although it is somewhat less likely to get dirty, white is still a bit too harsh for hiking boots, so I recommend black. It does look cool for everyday wear, though
Of course, it's not just about the design; it also provides better protection for the instep of the foot, and by protecting the wire part it prevents snagging, so it makes sense from a functional standpoint as well
The perfect fit and comfort will make you forget you're even wearing shoes
After looking at the appearance and specs, let's move on to our impressions of actually wearing and walking in them (the core of the appeal of these boots)
As has been the case with the previous model, the primary feature of these boots is the upper structure that covers the instep, tongue, and entire ankle with stretchy knit fabric (see photo below)
The characteristics of knit fabric are, of course, its flexibility and stretchability. Shoes made from soft knit fabric adhere to the foot not only through the laces but also through the fabric itself, so the entire foot feels wrapped in a comfortable embrace with just the right amount of pressure
Now, the shoe has been fitted with a BOA® fitting system instead of shoelaces, providing an even more comfortable, snug fit
By turning the dial, which can be easily operated even with gloves on, you can feel the pressure being evenly applied to your entire foot
The upper material where the wire is connected is also soft, and the snug fit when tightened is something I've never experienced before, even though I've worn many different types of hiking boots
The shoes fit snugly from the ankle to the toes, almost like wearing socks, and the otherworldly comfort makes you forget you're even wearing shoes. To put it bluntly, it feels more like you're "wearing" them than just wearing them
Of course, it's important to remember that this exquisite fit isn't something anyone can achieve using knit fabric and BOA; it's only possible thanks to Mammut's unique ergonomic three-dimensional last and patterning technology called "Georganic 3D," which takes posture and movement into account
By the way, even the knit fabric is waterproof and breathable with GORE-TEX, so not only does it prevent pebbles and other debris from getting in, but it also remains waterproof up to a fairly high altitude, so you can feel safe even on routes that involve many stream crossings (photo below)
The uniquely developed midsole is lightweight yet extremely stable!
The midsole is largely the same as the previous model, featuring the company's proprietary Flextron Technology. I've written about the details my review of the previous model , so I won't go into them here, but this boot with Flextron Technology provides the flexibility and agility of a lightweight hiking boot, while also absorbing shock and providing stability when landing by minimizing side-to-side movement and twisting.
In addition, the shoelaces, which previously tightened all the way up to the ankle, have been extended to about ankle height thanks to the use of BOA®, improving ankle mobility. As mentioned above, the new boots are lighter, making them much easier to walk and run in overall. The riding feel is closer to hiking shoes than trekking boots
The three-dimensionally designed last (foot shape) provides excellent heel support. The heel does not float easily inside the shoe, and the stability and moderate cushioning help to reduce fatigue
The sense of security provided by ample protection and grip remains as strong as ever
The protection covering the upper has been changed to a lighter material. However, the basic durability is still sufficient. You can walk on hiking trails all over Japan without worry. The outsole is made by Vibram, just like the previous model, and uses Mammut's original Flextron outsole. I tried walking on a variety of terrain, including rough terrain, and with the exception of mossy rocks, tree roots, and wet, slippery rocks, I didn't feel any slippery feeling on almost any terrain
Summary: Recommended for these people
Ducan BOA® High GTX now even lighter and easier to walk in than the impressive first model released two years ago, offer an even more exceptional fit and exceed high expectations, delivering a completely different experience from its predecessor. Optimized for today's sportier mountain activities, these boots are perfect for a wide range of mountain activities, from light hiking to speed hiking, fastpacking, approaches, and trekking on technical terrain like rocky areas. They're the hiking boots you'll want to wear right now.
Just to be safe, it's important to remember that, as we pointed out with the previous model, the Ducan Knit High GTX , these boots are designed as technical "hiking shoes" and are weaker than alpine boots designed for long-term trekking over rocky terrain or with heavy loads. If your body weight exceeds this limit, those with weak legs may find their landings unstable and fatigued. This tendency is stronger than with the previous model. In terms of nuance, it may be easier to understand if you think of the new model as a subtle adjustment from the previous model, which was a "lightweight mountaineering boot," to a "comfortable and stable hiking boot."
Anyway, if you're looking for the most cutting edge in fitting technology and safety in outdoor footwear, be sure to check out these boots. Have a safe and enjoyable trip
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