Background information
The ridge walker
by Michael Restin
A mammoth with a mono-tongue
4.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
The Ducan High GTX is a lightweight hiking boot that has accompanied me through difficult terrain, in slush and on precipices. With angled lacing and good grip, it feels like a mixture of trainers and mountaineering boots.
It sounded like a mammoth task, so I quickly ordered the right shoes. Before my mountain hike with adventurer Ruedi Gamper, I break in the Mammut Ducan High GTX at every opportunity and don't shy away from walking through the city in them in July. Black and chunky as they are, they look a little out of place in the summer city centre. But they don't feel out of place at all, because at 545 grams they are very light for what they are: Hiking boots. Category B hiking boots, to be precise. These are boots that are also suitable for more demanding tours, but are not crampon-compatible. One fine day, I'm standing at the counter in Ruedi's bar with them, ready for an emergency in the mountains.
Slanted lacing
On footpaths, in snowfields and in the scree of the Alpstein, I have plenty of opportunities to watch my feet. The chasms that open up to the left and right of our path are filled with fog that looks as soft as cotton wool, but they remain chasms. I take my steps with corresponding care.
What immediately stands out about the Ducan High GTX is its tongue. It is a mono tongue that can only be opened on the outside and gives the laced boot an asymmetrical look. This makes it a little more difficult to get on, but nothing can slip afterwards.
Except for the metallic eyelets on the lacing and the spring steel midsole, the boots are made of plastic. The midsole is designed to support the foot's rolling behaviour and prevent it from flexing. I am satisfied with the comfort and stability and the Vibram sole offers good grip.
What surprises me particularly positively: these "rubber boots" with Gore-Tex membrane not only prove to be waterproof in snow, mud and water, but also feel relatively airy. It may also be due to their low weight and the rather cool weather, but my feet don't get too hot. The footwell climate is great.
First impression
The Ducan High GTX feels like a cross between a trainers and a mountaineering boot. It goes over the ankles and gives you a certain amount of stability while remaining light and flexible. I had to experiment a little with the lacing to find a comfortable fit for my rather narrow feet. Slightly wider feet shouldn't feel cramped in them. After the first long tour, I only had problems with my right ankle, which started to hurt at some point. As the discomfort was one-sided, it was probably more down to my anatomy than the boot. The boots offered me enough surefootedness with good comfort even in difficult terrain. Fortunately, I didn't die on the ridge hike and I'm very grateful to Mammut: I can recommend it for sporty tours with little luggage.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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