Mammut Ducan Mid GTX
Mammut Ducan Mid GTX
(reviewed by avid mountaineer Orlaith, aged 12)
My Dad has had a pair of these for a while now and was so impressed with them that when I needed a new pair of boots, he recommended these to me straight away. They are perfect, a super-comfy and tough hiking boot and I have worn mine on a multitude of mountain days and routes from straightforward treks and hikes to easy scrambles on rocky ridges. This waterproof mid height boot (they are also available in high and low ankle options as well as a men’s version). It offers excellent ankle support despite feeling pretty lightweight. The Mammut Ducan mid GTX looks super cool and performs really well on varying types of challenging terrain.
Mammut’s description: “The core of the Ducan Mid GTX is the Mammut Flextron technology which integrates a spring-steel sole as a midsole in the shoe. This prevents deflection of the foot while at the same time providing improved vertical support. The result: more efficient use of energy on hikes and climbs. The integrated spring-steel sole – offering improved flexibility and stability – encourages the correct rolling of the foot. Natural movements, improved performance”
You can actually see the Flextron plate by turning the boot over as Mammut have added a little window in the Vibram sole. It is rather cool to be able to get a feel for what is going on inside your footwear!!
With the specially designed vibram sole, the Ducan Mid GTX has outstanding grip on the ever-changing and vegetated terrain experienced in the Irish hills and mountains, and in particular my stomping ground – the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks. This has a super grippy tread which works well on a variety of surfaces from wet grassy terrain, wet rock as well as mud and the Vibram sole of the Ducan has given me confidence whatever the underfoot conditions are.
The Gore-Tex lining keeps my feet dry in all but the wettest conditions.
Another thing I liked about the Ducan is their cool styling – I really love the look of the Ducan Mid GTX. The pair I have are black with dashes of purple and they look very cool. There are of course other colour options.
The upper of the Ducan Mid GTX is constructed from what’s described as ‘engineered mesh’. This is a tightly woven fabric which allows for a snug fit as well as excellent durability and breathability. The boots are comfy straight out of the box and provide both a strong and flexible upper.
These are without doubt my most favourite and comfortable boots I have ever worn. The boot wraps around your foot and bends naturally with each step, and yet still manages to offer plenty of support.
The fit is also aided by the rather unusual “mono-tongue” which means that it only opens to one side! This felt a little bit weird initially but pretty natural as soon as I got used to it. The tongue is elasticated allowing easy on/off and yet, once your foot is in the boot, it is held snugly and comfortably in place.
Mammut have added a Goretex inner lining to the Ducan’s and it allows use of the Ducan’s for more varied conditions, it specifically makes them suitable for wetter conditions like we get in Ireland!
Everything about the Ducan Mid GTX is spot on. The styling is subtle and classy, the fit is sublime, and the performance is perfect. Mammut have really hit the sweet spot with the Ducan Mid GTX and, provided they suit your foot shape, they will surely become a trusted mountain companion.