Review: MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX: Is this really a high-tech hiking boot? These durable trekking boots offer exceptional lightness and a perfect fit

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Recommendations , MAMMUT , Gear Reviews , Trekking Shoes

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

Personally, I've been hiking in lightweight, flexible, runnable mid-cut boots for quite some time now

However, this is simply because people are now walking relatively short routes with light loads, and does not mean that trekking boots that cannot be run in are outdated

The Ducan Knit High GTX a much-hyped new hiking boot from MAMMUT for the 2019 season. At first glance, it looks like a sturdy, full-fledged trekking boot, but when you put it on, it's surprisingly light, almost like a lightweight hiking boot. In reality, it's a new type of trekking boot that has an exquisite balance of both hard and soft.

I've been wearing these shoes for a while now to see what makes them so innovative, so I'd like to take a closer look at them from various angles

table of contents

Main features of the MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX
Main specifications and evaluation
Detailed Review
Summary: Recommended for these people

Main features of the MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX

The MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX features proprietary Flextron technology in the midsole. It supports the natural movement of the foot, reducing (distributing) pressure and reducing fatigue, while enabling stable steps and improved performance even on hard terrain and heavy loads. The upper combines Georganic 3D and 3D Knit to control pressure and support, providing a three-dimensional, excellent fit and comfortable feel. The anatomical last further enhances comfort. The sophisticated design of the asymmetrical lacing is also attractive, making this a next-generation trekking boot that combines the latest technology with stylish design

Here is ◎

Asymmetrical and cool design
Comfortable fit that wraps around your feet from toe to ankle
MAMMUT Flextron Technology™ provides both ease of walking and fatigue resistance
High safety with reliable protection and grip
Waterproof protection down to the ankles

This is what I'm curious about

The ankle has low mobility and seems strong enough to withstand heavy loads, but the shank feels a little soft to actually withstand heavy loads

Main specifications and evaluation

item	Specifications and reviews
weight	595g (8UK)
Upper fabric	MAMMUT® Georganic 3D Technology™／3D Knitted Textile
Midsole	MAMMUT® Flextron Technology™
Outsole	Vibram® Flextron outsole
waterproof	GORE-TEX®
Comfort	★★★★★
weight	★★★☆☆
grip	★★★★☆
protection	★★★★☆
stability	★★★★★
Overall score	★★★★★

Detailed Review

Asymmetrical and cool design

The upper features a distinctive design with asymmetrical eyelets. It's simply cool, and I like the way it adds a bit of playfulness without affecting the tightness or fit

Comfortable fit that wraps around your feet from toe to ankle

The stretchy knit fabric that is sewn from the top of the toe to the tongue and the entire ankle is one of the major unique features of these boots

This knit not only works in conjunction with the shoelaces on the instep to hold the entire foot in place with just the right amount of pressure, but also provides a secure fit from the heel to the ankle, further enhancing the sense of unity with the shoe, providing an exquisite fit that cannot be experienced with ordinary hiking boots

This perfect fit is made possible by a combination of calculated pressure and support control, which Mammut calls Georganic 3D, and a knitting technique called 3D Knit

Furthermore, this knit fabric is waterproof and breathable thanks to the latest GORE-TEX stretch technology, which not only prevents the intrusion of small stones and other debris but also makes it waterproof up to the neck, killing two or even three birds with one stone

The shoelace hooks near the ankle are easy to fasten and do not come loose easily, making them very easy to use

MAMMUT Flextron Technology™ provides both ease of walking and fatigue resistance

After a short walk on the trail, it quickly became clear that the exceptional comfort of the upper was only the beginning of the shoe's appeal. Regardless of the unevenness of the road surface, the soles always felt flat and stable. And from landing to pushing off, the shoes weren't as stiff as those found in sturdy hiking boots, but instead had just the right amount of flexibility to follow the movement of the foot, making them lighter and smoother than expected. The stability and ease of walking are exquisitely high-level. The secret to this is the latest midsole technology, Flextron Technology™

As shown in the image above, the sole of these boots contains a metal plate called a "spring steel sole" with waves at angles calculated to take into account foot movement and pressure on the ground, creating several effects

First, the wavy plate prevents push-up from the ground, protecting your feet from uneven surfaces and dispersing the impact of landing

The system also suppresses unnecessary lateral twisting of the foot, even on unstable terrain, while guiding the natural bending of the foot and weight transfer according to the angle of the waves, maintaining stability in the step

The newly designed three-dimensional last (foot shape) at the heel also provides a firm hold. The heel is less likely to float inside the shoe, and the stability and moderate cushioning will help to reduce fatigue

High safety with reliable protection and grip

Naturally, the upper is equipped with robust protection, so it will be durable enough no matter where you walk in Japan. The outsole is made by Vibram and uses Mammut's original Flextron outsole

I tried walking on a variety of hard terrain, including wet rocks, and they provided sufficient grip on almost all terrain. However, when comparing them with Vibram Megagrip on wet rocks (comparing them on the same spot with different shoes on each side), I found that they lacked stickiness, which was a bit disappointing

If you're worried

As long as you're walking with a weight of 1-2 nights, they're extremely comfortable! I have absolutely no complaints, but when it comes to heavy hiking, such as carrying tens of kilograms of luggage, the stability and cushioning of the sole can be limited for those with weak legs. On the other hand, the weight and the knit that holds the ankles in place make it difficult to run boldly. Of course, fastpacking is possible, but I found that a brisk walk was the most comfortable speed to go

Summary: Recommended for these people

Mammut Raichle Ducan Knit High GTX Men's Black/Titanium EU 44 2/3 - UK 10.0

created by Rinker

MAMMUT

¥54,625 (as of 2026/02/17 22:22:02, according to Amazon - details)

I've embarrassingly never tried Mammut hiking boots before, but I was honestly blown away by these new ones (sorry for overlooking them until now). They combine the ease of walking in sneakers with the stability, durability, and comfort you expect from hiking boots, making them an excellent fit for typical hiking and trekking, and making walking itself enjoyable. They're a pair that should be loved by all mountaineers and beginners looking to enjoy hiking

On the other hand, if your intended use is limited to endurance activities like fastpacking or speed hiking, or long mountain hikes carrying heavy loads, or winter hiking, you may not be able to fully utilize the performance of this model. However, in such cases, the wide range of options in the Ducan series, Ducan Low GTX , Ducan Mid GTX , Ducan High GTX , and Ducan Pro High GTX , may be able to solve this problem to some extent. Be sure to try out this comfort for yourself during your favorite activity.