Mammut Men Kento Guide High GTX® Mountaineering-Shoe

Product Information

I’ve found the sole, a Vibram effort, to be perfect in both aggressiveness and support, all while allowing the user to attach some pretty functional C1 crampons. A nice balance between comfort, useability and function. Available in three different colours, Blue, Red and Grey, the styling is some of the most modern and radical available on the market at the time of writing. Maybe less suited to a traditional-led rambler, but they ooze style and function to someone like me. The Kento is constructed from a mixture of both synthetic and natural materials. The majority of the upper is made from high-quality velours leather, which is soft, warm and comfortable, perfect for high alpine environments. The remainder is formed of a supple textile material that provides exceptional dexterity and comfort. The Mammut Kento is an A7 shoe and is therefore compatible with strap-on crampons. Constructed on a mountaineeringTech last, the fit is optimised for use in alpine mountain environments and for use in conjunction with crampons. Motion control technology allows for multidirectional ankle flex so you feel unrestricted whilst hiking.

All in all, these boots are in brilliant contrast to my previous ones. A true all-rounder with serious bragging rights in the looks and function department. Time will tell on just how hard wearing they are – providing my inner magpie doesn’t see something shinier. Stand Out Features The main fabric is made from DryTechnology Pro 2.5 which has a HH of 20,000 mm. We can certainly vouch for its resistance against heavy downpours and increased wind-speed. Many hours spent in tough conditions high on the Monadhliath Munros are testament to this. Outsole: Taking care of grip is a Vibram sole unit. A tall, sharp heel digs into loose ground when descending, while widely spaced lugs self-clean as you walk. Membrane: Underneath this, a Gore-Tex membrane provides total waterproofing, ensuring your feet stay warm and dry throughout the day. Lower down, a super tough rubber is used to reinforce high wear areas such as the outer side, the toe and the heel.

Ease of Use

The shoe contains outstanding grip and minimum weight thanks to a sole developed specially by Mammut and Vibram, while the improved last design supplies an optimum fit. Lined with Gore-Tex’s Performance Comfort Lining, your feet will remain dry regardless of the weather. This test will tell you if the shape of the internal heel cup matches your heel to ensure it holds you securely, especially when ascending steep ground. We are trying to eliminate the dreaded heel blister. Another area which could be frustrating was the main YKK Vislon 2-way front zipper. Although the pull is large and can be used wearing gloves it’s a pain to initially function. Causing issues especially when a sudden shower is approaching and you’re frantically trying to join the zipper.

Now that your boots are done up properly stand up on your tiptoes and walk on the spot on the balls of your feet as if you are walking up a steep hill. If your heels lift more than approximately 5mm from the footbed you may need to pull the laces tighter, or the boots may just be the wrong shape for you. The idea that some people may spend more time researching and funding their morning coffee than the footwear on their feet seems laughable when you write it down. memo foam is incorporated into the shoe, which provides insulation at higher altitudes and at lower temperatures. A pre-shaped tongue construction is supplemented with 2-zone lacing, which supports the anatomy of the foot and works with its natural rolling movement so you don’t feel restricted. Mammut is pretty well known across the industry, selling a wide range of equipment and clothing, ranging from good value accessories to their range topping ‘Eiger Extreme’ series. I was first attracted to the Kento Guide High GTX due to their super-modern looks and bright colours, despite employing some traditional materials and technologies. In summary, they are a full feature hiking boot, with a range of features designed to handle some mountaineering excursions.

Stand on the A4 paper with your heel pressed firmly against the wall and your foot pointed forward with the edge of your big toe aligned with the edge of the paper. There’s an age-old argument amongst enthusiasts and professionals alike; Boots Vs. Shoes. It used to be pretty easy to choose. If you’re running/climbing, wear shoes; If you’re hiking over bad ground, wear boots. But nowadays, with shoes being blessed with some pretty fancy tech, and boots getting lighter and more breathable, the choice is a little less obvious. Despite their modern looks and streamlined design, the boots are pretty hard wearing. I’m obsessive in gear-care, so they do get cleaned and re-waxed/treated after each outing, which may not be as representative as your typical user, but there are few signs of wear after around 9 months of hard use.

The Vibram rubber outsole is very grippy indeed across wet and dry terrain. The samples arrived too late for me to take them above the snowline, but they will be broken in perfectly for that test this coming winter. The heel has a counter to take a crampon heel clip, and the heel construction is solid enough that a crampon shouldn’t be felt while you wear them. In addition to this, the supplied insoles are low volume efforts which leave a lot to be desired; if you value your feet I suggest investing in some ‘orthotic’ insoles – they quite literally transformed my hikes. The laces are particular thin, perfect for the modern looks, not so when you’re attempting to adjust them in the freezing mid-winter weather. You should now be able to see approximately 2 cm (about an index fingers width) of the footbed poking out in front of your toes. Now first impressions were good. Very Good. I have feet that run a little wide, to understate, but the boots fitted perfectly from the first go. The finish on the leather is good and bright, with textured embossing up the sides.NOTE: The above table is only a guide. Manufactures don’t like tomake it easy as every single oneof them strays from the measurements above.