Personally, it's been quite a while since I've been hiking more often wearing light, soft, and running mid-cut boots.
However, this is because we are often walking relatively short routes with light luggage, and it does not mean that trekking boots that we can never run are outdated.
The Ducan Knit High GTX , a new hiking boot from MAMMUT for the 2019 season , looks like a sturdy, authentic trekking boot, but when worn, it is surprisingly light and looks like a lightweight hiking boot. The reality is that both are new-sense trekking boots with an exquisite balance that is both hard and soft.
I've been wearing it carefully this season to see what's innovative, so I'd like to start by unraveling it from various angles.
table of contents
Main features of the MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX
The MAMMUT Ducan Knit High GTX features a proprietary Flextron technology in the midsole. It supports natural movement of the feet, reduces pressure (distributes) and reduces fatigue, while also allowing for stable steps and improved performance even on hard terrain and weight. The upper also uses Georganic 3D and 3D Knit to control pressure and support, providing a three-dimensional fit and comfortable fit. Anatomy-based shoe shapes add even more comfort. The sophisticated design of asymmetrical racing is also attractive, and these next-generation trekking boots combine the latest technology and stylish design.
This is ◎
- Asymmetric and cool design
- Comfortable fit and fit that wraps around the toes and ankles
- MAMMUT Flextron Technology™ makes walking easier and fatigue-free
- High safety thanks to reliable protection and grip
- Waterproof that protects your ankles
I'm curious about this
- The ankle has low mobility and seems to be strong against heavy loads, but the shank feels a little soft to withstand heavy loads
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| 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
Asymmetric and cool design
The upper has a distinctive design with asymmetrical eyelets. I don't like the fact that it's simply cool and makes fun of it as long as it doesn't affect the tightness or fit.
Comfortable fit and fit that wraps around the toes and ankles
The stretchy knit fabric, sewn from the instep of the toe to the entire ankle, is one of the biggest unique features of this boot.
Not only does this knit have the instep that works with the shoelaces and holds the entire foot with moderate pressure, but it also fits firmly from the heel to the ankle, which further enhances the sense of unity with the shoe, resulting in an exquisite fit that can't be felt with ordinary mountaineering shoes.
This exquisite fit is made possible by a combination of calculated pressure and supportive control, what Mammut calls Georganic 3D, and knit stitching technology called 3D Knit.
Furthermore, this knit fabric is waterproof and breathable, incorporating the latest GORE-TEX stretch technology. Not only does it prevent the invasion of pebbles and other stones, but it is also waterproof to a high position on the neck, making it possible to make it a two- or three-bird with one stone.
The shoelaces hooks near the ankle are easy to fasten and do not easily loosen, making them easy to use.
MAMMUT Flextron Technology™ makes walking easier and fatigue-free
A little trail walk quickly revealed that the extraordinary comfort of the upper was just the introduction to the appeal of this shoe. Regardless of the unevenness of the road surface, it always gives a flat, stable feel to the sole. From the start of landing, it does not have the stiffness that comes with robust mountaineering boots, and it follows the movement of your feet with moderate flexibility, making it lighter and smoother than you think. It is exquisite at a high level of stability and ease of walking. This is why it is found in Flextron Technology™, the latest midsole technology.
As shown in the diagram above, the sole of this boot is built into the inside of the sole of the spring steel sole, which contains waves of angles calculated to take into account the movement of the foot and pressure on the ground, creating several effects.
First, the wavy plate prevents thrusts from the ground, protecting your feet from unevenness while dispersing the impact of landing.
The mechanism also suppresses unnecessary lateral twisting of the foot even on unstable terrain, while the angle of the waves leads to natural flexion and weight transfer of the foot, maintaining stability of the step.
The newly designed last (foot shape) on the collar creates a firm, high-quality feel. The heels are less likely to float inside the shoes, and the stability and moderate cushioning reduces fatigue to the fullest.
High safety thanks to reliable protection and grip
Naturally, the upper has sturdy protection, so it is durable no matter where you walk across Japan. The outsole is made of Vibram and uses a Mammut original Flextron outsole.
We walked through all the hard terrain, including wet rocks, but it was well gripped on almost all the terrain. However, when comparing it with Vibram's Megagrip (while wearing separate shoes on the left and right sides in the same place), I found that it was still not tenacity enough, which is a bit disappointing.
If you're interested
As long as you walk on a weight of 1-2 nights, it's really comfortable! A word. I have no complaints at all, but when it comes to climbing a mountain with heavy weight, such as carrying tens of kilos of luggage, it is hopeless that for people with no legs, the stability and cushioning of the sole will reach their limits. On the other hand, the weight and knit that holds it all around the ankle make it difficult to run on the plunge. Of course, fast packing is possible, but the speed was enough to make it easy to walk quickly.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
I've never tried Mammut's mountaineering boots, embarrassed to say, but to be honest, this pair was a touching experience (sorry for not passing them over). It combines the sneaker-like ease of walking, the stability, robustness and fatigue-freeness required for mountaineering boots, making it a more comfortable fit for typical hiking and trekking, making walking itself fun. This pair of shoes should be loved by all mountaineers and beginners who are looking to enjoy hiking.
On the other hand, if the purpose is biased, such as endurance activities such as fast packing and speed hiking, or long traverse routes, mountain hiking or winter season hiking, this model may not be able to fully utilize the performance. However, I think that a wide range of variations of the Ducan series, such as the Ducan Low GTX , Ducan Mid GTX , Ducan High GTX , and Ducan Pro High GTX , will solve the problem to some extent. Please try and experience this comfort with your favorite activities.
