Our verdict
The We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us gets high marks for its durable construction, superb traction, and incredible lightness. It’s a very tough and protective boot that fits varying activities on the mountain without slowing you down, as most reviews suggest. Even with a few negative comments on the fit, avid hikers and mountaineers unanimously favor this boot.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Beefy construction
- We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
- Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX
Cons
- The wrap-around upper tongue can sit a bit strangely
- Narrow toe box
Who should buy the We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
Another premium mountaineering boot from Mammut is the Taiss Light Mid GTX. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a mountaineering boot that has a stretchy, breathable upper for protection.
- Two-zone lacing system
- The wrap-around upper tongue can sit a bit strangely.
Narrow toe box
This boot is powered by the Vibram Litebase - an innovative outsole that is as durable and aggressive as other Vibram mountaineering soles but is much thinner. Despite the substantial reduction in the thickness, it doesn’t change the depth, shape, and size of the lugs.
Track and field
The Taiss Light mid-top hiker has plenty of spaces between the lugs so no dirt or mud gets stuck in between. Also, the lugs are multidirectional so they grip well on different surfaces.
Long-lasting cushioning
The Taiss Light has a midsole made of a PU wedge. Among the different types of foam used in performance footwear, PU is one of the most durable. It's a highly resilient foam and unlike EVA, it doesn't compress over time. Thus, hiking boots and shoes with PU midsoles deliver long-lasting cushioning.
Lightweight
While PU is heavier than EVA, it doesn't make the Taiss Gore-Tex boots heavier as the heaviness of the midsole is offset by the lightness of the upper and sole.
Narrow toe box
These boots have Schoeller softshell uppers made of durable fabric that is resistant to abrasion, wear, and tear.
Waterproof
The side panels are made of Ripstop and mesh, and inside the boot is a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that protects against rain or water. The Mammut Taiss Light mid-top hiker doesn't have insulation so they are best worn as summer alpine boots. If trekking in cold weather, it's important to wear thick socks (preferably thermal socks) for added warmth and comfort.
Two-zone lacing system
The Taiss Mid is classified as a B2 boot which means it is compatible with semi-automatic crampons. Completing the upper is a two-zone lacing system that allows you to adjust the tightness between the lower foot and the ankle. Thus, you can loosen up the ankle when walking on city streets or well-established trails and cinch it up when traversing vertical terrain.
