Friday, 02 May 2014 11:15

Mammut Redburn Pro approach shoe Reviewed

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Over the years we've seen a lot of crossover shoes that try and fulfil the dual properties of an approach shoe and a low grade rock, or scrambling, shoe - The Mammut Redburn Pro is another in the long line.

With the majority of approach shoes trying to fill this perceived niche the climbing side takes second place to the approach side of the design, but the Redburn Pro breaks this convention and feels more like a chunky rock shoe than a trainer. From the sticky rubber to the deep lacing system that goes down to the toe this feels like a rock boot more than perhaps any other shoe of its type. The priority is highlighted with the "climbing zone" clearly marked and extra sticky toe and heel areas colour coded.

Although the feel is very rock boot orientated the Redburn Pro doesn't skimp on padding and while the insole makes the Redburn Pro stiff enough, laterally, for climbing there's enough cushioning and flex to make walking in them acceptable. Lacing goes right down to the toe which allows very precise adjustment and together with the BaseFit Technology, which connects two of the mid-foot lace loops with the sole unit, it adds to the rock-boot feel.
The emphasis on climbing does give the Redburn pro a unique feel and while great for scrambling there have to be questions about the durability of the sole...it's so noticeably soft and grippy, but only a longer term test will answer such questions. Combined with what some will undoubtedly feel a "technical" fit there may be more comfortable shoes for knocking off the miles on a long trail, but for the Snowdon Horseshoe or a round of the Glyders the breathability, balance and, above all, grip of the Mammut Redburn will be very welcome.

 

Price: £100

Weight: 960g

Colour: graphite/inferno, cyan/black

Features: Stiff insole Sticky Soles Rubber heel and toe rands Deep toe lacing

 

Pros:

  • Super grippy on rock
  • Stiff sole very good on ledges
  • Zero foot movement
  • Fine tuned lacing
  • Toe and heel rands

 

Cons:

Sticky sole wears quicker than normal approach shoes
Heel cup can rub
Can feel restrictive when walking



Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.

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