Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX
This boot proves good support doesn’t have to be heavy.
Comfort 4.2: The Taiss’s tongue is attached to the upper on one side, creating a lateral entry that keeps debris out while limiting bunching. It’s made of Schoeller softshell (like the cuff), which also adds flex around the ankle. The boot runs slim, to improve precision and lower weight, but it occasionally caused cold toes. Still, the minimalist design worked great on quick approaches.
Durability 4.0: Despite the sneaker-like weight, the Taiss proved durable. A raised rubber rand extends higher than normal, and a TPU adhesive protects the nylon upper’s seams, a common weak point in boots that take a beating.
Stability/support 3.7: The Vibram Litebase sole (same as in the LOWA Alpine SL GTX) cuts weight and bulk, improving ground feel. A carbon plate in the midsole allowed one tester to easily scale a moderate snowfield in Rocky Mountain National Park while wearing semi-automatic crampons.
Overall: 4.0