What is the Ducan Mid GTX?
The Ducan Mid GTX isn't quite a shoe, it isn't quite a boot, it sits somewhere in the middle and incorporates features from both. Much like a boot, the waterproof Ducan Mid GTX features ample ankle support for rocky trails and steep hilly paths but is also light and flexible like a shoe; this allows you to move quickly without an ankle-twisting fear lingering in the back of your mind.
What are they made of?
The Ducan Mid GTX's are made from a mix of dual-layered engineered mesh and rubber in high wear areas. The majority of the lower half of the Ducan is layered in a tough, abrasion resistant rubber, while the upper half and less stressed areas use the more breathable and comfortable mesh. The front and rear of the boot use greater amounts of rubber to deal with general abrasion while on the trail or in the mountains.
A Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort lining maximises heat and moisture transfer for more efficient performance during intense activities while providing reliable waterproof protection, keeping you comfortable, protected and dry in all conditions.
What are the features?
Flextron Technology: This new technology creates a barefoot feeling underfoot while providing sensible levels of cushioning to relieve pressure and to increase comfort. It also places more flexible areas of material in areas where our foot needs to bend and stiffer materials where our foot requires a greater level of support. Not only does this increase comfort and support, but also displaces your weight more evenly over the shoe, therefore increasing grip as more surface area is constantly in contact with the ground.
Vibram sole unit: A Vibram Flextron sole unit provides high levels of grip on a variety of surfaces. Multi-directional lugs provide grip in wet and sloppy conditions, while a deep heel promotes confidence when descending.
Elastic Gore-Tex tongue construction: The first thing you'll notice when you slip your foot into the Ducan is how comfortable the tongue feels. Rather than your standard tongue that can move about and become off-centre during a long walk, the Ducan's tongue is fixed on one side to prevent slipping around during use. The tongue with a Gore-Tex membrane wraps around the foot securely and seals out the elements when things get a little wet and muddy.
Mammut Georganic 3D Technology: This technology is designed to help the foot move more naturally, with a geometric-dynamic design combined with cuts that are tailored organically to the foot. It supports movement, helps you feel more stable and generally improves comfort ten-fold as you don't feel like you're stomping the ground aggressively.
Base fit: Base fit is Mammut's way of conquering heel slip. If you look at the boots, you'll notice that various hooks on the boot are connected to a band of rubber which stretches down to the sole unit; underneath these rubber bands are strips of webbing which connect the hook to the base of the shoe. This means that when you lace your boots and pull them nice and tight, the tension from the laces transfers into the base and heel of the shoe, increasing tension throughout the entire shoe rather than just the top. Not only does this create a more snug and precise fit, but reduces heel slip and the chance of blisters.
The Ducan's feature a very 'average fit'. They're an average volume and width and feature plenty of room around the toes for hours of comfortable walking. In short, they should fit most users quite well. However, if in doubt, watch our video here for a more accurate tutorial on how to fit your footwear at home.
If you love the flexibility and weight of a shoe but require added ankle support, the Ducan Mid's should be near the top of your wishlist. Mammut's extensive list of technologies may be confusing on paper (or glass, technically), but when you slip them on, you'll understand why they're so feature packed.
Features:
- Flextron Technology
- Mesh outer
- Waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
- Elastic Gore-Tex tongue construction
- Vibram outsole
- Flexible and lightweight