Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX
For quite some time I have been a Scarpa lover… the boots simply did fit well on my foot and I liked the sockfit construction. About a year ago Scarpa launched their new show product line “Ribelle”. Unfortunately these shoe seemed to be for a different foot as I never did get a comfortable fit. Based on this fact my journey started to find a new mountaineering boot that would support my foot ideally also in difficult conditions and environment.
I not necessarily needed a full crampon compatible boot suitable for auto fit crampons (the ones requiring “a lip at the front” of the boot) but I was on the lookout for something light and crampon compatible. The shoe should also wear comfortable and not too hot during the summer month. I loved the stiff sole of my previous boot with the deep lugs in the sole offering excellent traction in all conditions. After some research I did came across the Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX (what a name). At a ridiculous weight of only 510gr (size UK 8.5 according to the Mammut website) they looked promising. I used to love Raichle boots in the old days but never really was too fond of the “new Mammut” boots. The fit always was too wide for my foot. I was very excited to try the new Taiss Light.
Initial Impression on the Fit
The initial impression on the fit was great… they felt more than a somewhat heavier trail runner with ankle support than the usual mountaineering boot. I did get the boots in a size EU 44.5 which is identical to the sizing I usually get with Scarpa or La Sportiva. The length of the boot was ideal with some mid loft socks. The lacing is great, offering the chance to have different levels of tension for the lower and the upper part of the shoe. For my foot, the shoe is a bit on the wider end of the spectrum in the forefoot. But lately I seem to prefer wider toe box over shoes that are on the narrower end.
First Hike
As part of the initial hike I loved the shoe on the uphill offering excellent stability, traction and support. And with the low weight they simply hike great. The sole is not as stiff as some of my other mountaineering boots (but still being rated as a B2). The heel does bite very well on the steeper sloped and snow fields. During the downhill part I realized a bit of slippage in the shoe. It seems my foot is too “low volume” so there was too much room around the instep. Adding higher volume socks or later a custom insole did solve this issue mostly.
Long Term Impression
The Taiss Light Mid GTX continues to impress. On my last outing these shoes were a valued companion for four days straight. In all type of conditions the boots provided the required support and traction. They keep your feet dry and warm (in cold but also hotter conditions - they breathe well so overheating is not much of an issue). Due to their construction with different panels (in white) the cleaning process is not the easiest. I also wonder how they are going to hold up. After about 10 trips (~16 days in total) there is already some wear on the white panels on the side. Nothing too dramatic, but lets observe.
Probably one of the most impressive features of the boots are their weight. They are simply light, lighter than most “normal hiking boots”. Long days become so much easier with less weight on your feet. Keep in mind though that the material is quite thin and there are occasions where you can feel some rocks on the side of your feet when squeezing into some narrower crack.
I did notice some heel pain after around 3 continuous days in these boots. Something to monitor. They might require some more break-in to be fully adjusted to my foot, who knows. I’m also still evaluating different insoles and socks with the boot to dial in the best fit and comfort for longer adventures.
Final Conclusion
Would I recommend the Taiss Light Mid GTX? Yes, for sure. They are simply impressive: Fit is very good, weight is superb and traction is top notch.