Gear Review: Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut
If you're looking for durable and comfortable approach shoes, you'll want to check out our review of the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes by Mammut. We tested them out all over the Southwest and are stoked on how they performed! Learn more about them here!
Tackle alpine terrain, steep climbs, and technical routes with confidence in the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes by Mammut. They're designed to keep blisters at bay, they offer solid support and stability where it counts and they're available in a great range of sizes for women and men.
The the GORE-TEX waterproofing on the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX keeps your feet dry when the weather takes a turn or that creek was a bit higher than you thought! If you're looking for a true approach shoe that can handle long approaches as well as spicy routes, these might just be the perfect shoes for you!
Quick Rundown of the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut
- Available in women's and men's sizing
- Weight: 13.4 ounces for a men's 9.5
- Heel drop: 11mm
- Soles: Vibram® XS Trek
- Material: 3D knitted with GORE-TEX lining to waterproof
- Lacing system: standard, running long like a boot
- Climbing shoe inspired toe box for technical terrain
- General consensus is that this shoe fits true to size, while running a touch narrow for some
My Experience with the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut
Initially, I picked up the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes by Mammut for canyoneering trips in Utah. They seemed simply perfect for adventures in canyon country. My first big hike with them however, was in New Mexico on a talus-covered mountainous hike with a lot more sand than I bargained for!
After putting about 10 miles on, I was impressed by the traction these shoes have. I didn't feel any sliding on sandy slopes and my traction felt solid on brutal inclines. The reinforced toe box was awesome for more technical moves in narrow spaces where each placement of the foot truly mattered. That toe box was also great when I banged my toes in chunky talus.
After a few more hikes, it became apparent that the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes have traction that can be trusted and a sole stiff enough to handle technical terrain in classes 3+, and it performs perfect on slick rock. These are a true approach shoe, as they're also comfortable for the hiking portions of an approach. They're lightweight and have a good groundfeel.
I like the lacing system of these shoes. It feels burly and keeps tight even on super long hikes. I would say these fit very true to size. I have narrow feet with bunions on my big toes and my usual size fits perfect. They're comfortable, but I do think my one big complaint is how wide the opening for the shoe is. You will most definitely want gaiters with these. While my feet feel stable in these, there is about a finger's worth of excess space in the ankle area. I do have slim ankles.
The Alnasca Knit III Low GTX are quite durable so far. I've used them in heavy cats claw where they were scraped and pulled on, and they handled that well. They've seen about 90 miles over mixed terrains and there is no noticeable deterioration of the soles.
I can touch briefly on the GORE-TEX waterproofing, although I don't feel that I've been able to fully test that out yet since I've been mostly hiking with them in the desert and during dry time in canyon country. The GTX is effective. In low stream crossings I have intentionally dipped the side of my foot slightly and felt no moisture enter the shoe.
When I think about how I might use the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes as the warmer months roll in, I find myself thinking about sketchy portions of the Continental Divide Trail and various high routes in the Rockies. I think these will be perfect for lightweight backpacking when scrambling in on the menu. They really are versatile enough to handle big hiking days on top of techy summit bids.
If you're in search of a truly versatile approach shoe that is lightweight and durable, be sure to check these out! If you have wide feet, you may want to try on in store or order a couple sizes just in case.
Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut: Pros and Cons
The Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut are true approach shoes, great for long approaches on technical terrain. They also make a good hiking shoe overall if the occaison calls for it. Check out the pros and cons below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super grippy soles with durable tread | The shoe's opening is very wide |
| Great lacing system over the whole foot | May run narrow for some |
| I find them true to size | |
| Toe box has excellent reinforcement | |
| Available in women's and men's sizing |
Click here to learn more and purchase the Alnasca Knit III Low GTX Shoes By Mammut for your next big climb!
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
