Mammut TAISS Light Mid GTX: Redefining “Lightweight” in the Mountains
ReviewOkay, confession time: I’ve got a boot obsession. For years, I’ve been on a quest, a downright hunt, for that mythical creature: the perfect mountaineering boot. You know, the one that climbs like Spider-Man, hikes like a comfy trail runner, and doesn’t feel like you’re lugging around a pair of boat anchors. Well, after trying more pairs than I care to admit (and suffering through some epic blisters), I think I might have actually found it in the Mammut TAISS Light Mid GTX.
Seriously, folks, the first thing that hit me when I opened the box was the weight – or, rather, the lack of it. These things are ridiculously light. Mammut claims 555g (around 1.2 lbs) for a UK size 8. Now, my size 10s probably nudge that up a bit, but still, they felt lighter than anything else I own. It was almost…suspicious.
So, naturally, I had to put them through the wringer. I took them up to a local peak – nothing crazy, but a good mix of loose, nasty scree, some slabby rocks, and a cheeky little snowfield near the top. And that’s where these boots really started to sing. They felt incredibly nimble, like I could practically dance across the rocks. The lacing? Spot on. The two-zone system let me dial in the fit just right, giving me bomber ankle support without feeling like I was trapped in a ski boot.
But here’s the kicker: the edging. Man, the edging on these things is sweet. That Contact Control tech, with the carbon plate and PU cushioning, gives you this amazing, confident feel. You can really trust your feet, even on tiny holds. I’ve worn stiffer boots that felt like clumsy bricks compared to these.
Now, let’s talk crampons. Because what’s a mountaineering boot without a little steel, right? The TAISS Light Mid GTX is B2 rated, which means it plays nice with semi-automatic crampons. I strapped on my Petzl Vasaks, and yeah, the fit was snug, but it worked. I even spent a day playing around on a local glacier, and the boots felt rock solid. Word to the wise, though: the forefoot is a bit narrow, so definitely test the crampon fit before you head out on a big climb. You don’t want any surprises when you’re a thousand feet up a frozen waterfall.
And the comfort? Honestly, that was the biggest shock of all. The Georganic 3D Technology is legit. It hugs your arches and heels like a long-lost friend. And that mono-elastic tongue? Genius! No pressure points, even when I was cranking down the laces for a dicey traverse. I’ve actually worn these boots on long approaches without getting blisters. That’s practically unheard of for me!
Okay, okay, so they’re not perfect. If I’m being picky (and hey, that’s my job!), I’d say they’re not the warmest boots out there. If you’re planning on hanging out in Antarctica, you’ll probably want something with more insulation. And that Vibram Litebase sole, while super grippy, might not be as bombproof as a thicker sole. Only time will tell how it holds up to serious abuse.
But bottom line? The Mammut TAISS Light Mid GTX is a total game-changer. It’s an exceptional mountaineering boot that redefines what “lightweight” really means. If you’re after a boot that can handle everything from scrambling to ice climbing without turning your legs to lead, this is it. Just be warned: they’re not cheap. But hey, can you really put a price on happy feet? I don’t think so.