If you're searching for a lightweight waterproof hiking boot that can handle everything from mountain trails and hill walking to scrambling and multi-day hiking adventures, the Mammut Ducan High GTX is worth a closer look. Designed to combine the comfort of modern hiking footwear with the support and durability of a traditional trekking boot, I recently put the Ducan to the test across a variety of Peak District routes to see how it performed in real-world conditions.

Last week, I took the Mammut Ducan High GTX hiking boot to the Peak District to put it through its paces across a range of UK hiking trails and mixed mountain terrain – and it's fair to say, it did not disappoint. Over the course of the week, I tested it across road, dry rock, wet rock, mud, gravel and some intense scrambling sections, and it proved to be a reassuring piece of outdoor footwear throughout.

Starting with fit, the Ducan sized up slightly differently to what I'd normally expect. I typically wear a UK 10/10.5 depending on the brand and style of shoe, but with the Ducan I went down to a UK 9.5 – which genuinely surprised me, especially given that I spend most of my time in barefoot footwear due to having wide, flat feet. Interestingly, I found the same to be true with my Mammut Kento Guide boots, so in my experience the sizing feels consistent across the Mammut footwear range.

Like any walking boot, they needed some breaking in, though less than I anticipated. After around 13km across two separate days, they had moulded to the shape of my feet and were ready for whatever the rest of the week had in store.

The Mammut Ducan High GTX is designed as a lightweight hiking boot that still delivers exceptional comfort for long-distance hiking, hill walking and multi-day trekking adventures – and it delivered exactly that across every outing in the Peaks.

I'm a big fan of a lighter boot because traditional hiking boots often feel heavy in order to provide that solid, stable platform. With the Ducan, you get the best of both worlds: a lightweight feel paired with genuine underfoot reassurance, thanks to Mammut's Flextron Technology running through the sole. It felt responsive and controlled without ever feeling cumbersome, making it an ideal option for hikers looking for technical hiking footwear without unnecessary weight.

Given its lightweight positioning, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from the upper in terms of durability – but it absolutely held its own. Even after being scraped against rocks and gravel while scrambling up the steep incline of The Roaches, the boot showed no real signs of wear, and my feet felt protected throughout. Credit goes to the reinforced TPU rand, which wraps around the lower part of the upper and acts as a bumper against impact and abrasion.

My partner also used her Mammut Ducan Low GTX hiking shoes for this section and, whilst it was her first time tackling this type of terrain, they gave her great confidence when scrambling and navigating technical sections of the route.

The Vibram XS Trek outsole was another highlight. Whether tackling wet rock, gravel paths, muddy trails or technical scrambling sections, the Vibram grip inspired confidence and stability throughout the hike. The traction lugs struck exactly the right balance – not so deep or stiff that I felt unstable on wet rock, but not so shallow that grip was compromised. It sat in that sweet spot that inspires confidence across pretty much any terrain you throw at it.

As a Gore-Tex hiking boot, the Ducan's waterproofing was put to a proper test at the Chee Dale Stepping Stones, and the Gore-Tex membrane didn't let me down. I was able to stand comfortably in rivers that submerged the lower half of the boot without a hint of wet feet.

What impressed me even more was the breathability. Waterproof hiking boots can often leave feet feeling hot and clammy, but even on the warmer days, my feet stayed noticeably cool. I paired the boots with a single pair of Feetures hiking socks each day, and it turned out to be an ideal combination for temperature regulation and all-day comfort.

After a full week of hiking in the Peak District, the Mammut Ducan High GTX proved itself as an exceptionally capable lightweight waterproof hiking boot. Combining Gore-Tex waterproof protection, Vibram grip, Flextron stability technology and all-day comfort, it excelled across rocky trails, muddy paths, scrambling sections and river crossings alike.

My partner's experience in the Mammut Ducan Low GTX was equally positive, providing confidence and comfort across varied terrain. Whether you're planning local walks, long-distance hikes, mountain adventures or multi-day trekking trips, the Mammut Ducan range offers a compelling blend of comfort, protection and performance.

If you're looking for reliable hiking footwear that can handle a wide variety of conditions, the Mammut Ducan High GTX deserves a place near the top of your shortlist.