Review - Mammut Ridge Low GTX Men's Approach Shoe

After my TNF Hedgehogs went into retirement recently, a new pair of approach type shoes were needed. So, myself and my lovely sister popped into Go Outdoors. While we were there, the Mammut representative was in store.

After the usual sales talk and twaddle, it was clear the guy knew what he was talking about. Cutting through the sales-speak about them being good for climbing, having some kind of semi front-pointing sole and good for via ferrata too, I decided to try a pair on with his help in sizing.

Lo and behold, they fitted like a glove, especially with my normal walking socks in. I am a shoe size in the region of 9 - 9.5 and usually buy a size 10. I used a size 10 in these too. (The thicker winter Bridgedale socks don't fit with these shoes sadly). After tootling around the place, going up and down the slope testing device and doing some assorted strange movements that would make anyone think I was either in need of the toilet or an expert in tai chi, my aforementioned awesome sister offered to buy the shoes for me!

So, off to the hills in Scotland (Glen Coe) and Lakes (all over)...

Three sisters in Glen Coe taken on the way up to Aonach Eagach. I didn't wear the shoes here...

Now let's be clear: despite what the sales rep said it's obvious that these things are not good for climbing and front pointing, edging etc. Aside from not being climbing shoes, they are simply too hard and too inflexible with a strong sole. So when doing things like the Aonach Eagach ridge I used my grippy La Sportiva shoes. I'm not saying the Mammut's aren't good, but I personally prefer more grippy shoes on ridges! If you want incredible grippy approach climbing crossover shoes, get the Adidas Terrex Solo shoes (around £95).

Underside of the Mammut Ridge Low GTX

That aside, these things are absolutely amazing. They are heavier than my La Sportivas and my old Hedgehogs but then again, they aren't designed to do the same kind of thing. What they feel like is a really solid pair of approach shoes that are tough, resilient and feel a bit like boots in a shoe. There is a serious amount of 'rand' around the front of the shoe and around to the sides, covering the toes and beyond. Aside from that it's a mix of leather and synthetics. Like all shoes, after many miles of marching, I did find the soles of the front of my feet a wee bit unhappy, but far less than any other shoes I've worn.

There is a removable and excellent insole. The fact that it is removable (unlike some other shoes) is a nice addition if your feet have a slight arch or over-pronate for example. In which case, replacing the current insole with the right 'Superfeet' insole could be your answer. The inside of the shoe is padded with 'memo foam' (memory foam) so will remember your foot shape without distorting as much as other lesser padding.

Inside of the shoe, showing Memo Foam padding / removable insole

This sole (GripEx, a proprietary brand to Raichle / Mammut) has wide spacing to help with mud and water passing through the shoe when in use. The rear of the shoe (around the back of the ankle) also has a strong rand. From the last lacing loop to each side of the shoe, there is a plastic over coated and semi-ripstop plastic coating. I have found that this is the least durable part of the shoe and constant smashing against rock has removed the surface plastic layer in a few places. There is a hanging loop at the back of the shoe which many find useful.

The slight rubbing / fraying of part of the plastic on the shoe

I used these walking all over Scotland - from places like the Boochle (Buachaille Etive Mor) through to in and around the Lakes (Great Gable / High Rise etc). These were amazing and not once did my foot slip in the shoes - something my feet can do even in my La Sportivas. (What happens is my foot slips against my sock and it can bruise some of my toenails - no idea how to stop this).

Anyhoo, the shoes are Goretex lined which means they can get hot. But I wore them on some hot days in both Scotland (amazingly) and the Lakes (slightly amazingly) and never once felt over-hot.

Chilling by Loch Eilde Mor

One thing that did come in handy was the 'Via Ferrata' part of the sole. This came in handy near Kinlochleven where there is a wire bridge across and up to a waterfall where an outdoors company has climbing via ferrata rings all the way up next to Grey Mares Tail waterfall. So a good opportunity to test that out and they were fine!

Didn't take a pic of the wire bridge, just the Grey Mares Tail waterfall itself

So my overall conclusion having worn these for around 3 weeks is that they are brilliant. Love them. Had to wear them in and around Penrith, Keswick, Fort William and then in Birmingham and were fine on streets, although think they should be saved for the hills and mountains! They're that good.

The price...

Having read the excellent UKC review on these, I completely agree with one of those commenting about the price of these. They are quite ridiculous, with Go Outdoors for example selling them at £121.50 (as of Sept 15, 2014). I think they are priced too highly. Having said that, the North Face Hedgehogs retail around £90-£110 (you can find them cheaper, e.g. Gaynors). Compared to those prices, the Mammut Ridge Low GTX have more features, are far tougher and sturdier. So, try some on, look at other shoes, pay your money and make your choice!

PS. I had heard the Mammut rep talk about anyone buying something getting a free goodie bag but I never received mine. So Mammut, if you'd like to send one my way I'd be happy to receive it ;)

Update March 2020 - I'm about to retire these shoes, not through lack of wear (although the outer sole is broken apart in 2 places) but because I've found the shoe has become a bit too tight at the front. But this is after wearing these hundreds of times on scrambles, walks and basic climbs (think Diff). The newer 'version' of these seems to be the Alnasca Low GTX which I've heard varied opinions on.