Matt Jones & Ellie Clewlow

Matt and Ellie are Snowdonia-based outdoor writers and photographers with a passion for all things adventure, from walking long-distance trails to climbing mountains.

This is an extremely lightweight yet well-cushioned boot, with a high cut for good ankle support and stability, as well as a memory foam cuff for comfort. In terms of flex index, Mammut only rates these as B1 boots, though they felt as stiff as our usual B2 boots and have a heel welt for a semi-automatic crampon.

Our women’s size 6 test pair happily took a Black Diamond Serac C2 crampon, so it’s only in the largest sizes that they might start to feel a little bendy. Like other boots in this line-up, they have a dual-density midsole with a PU wedge that gives good torsional stiffness.

There’s been a change underfoot – the previous generation of the Kento had a Michelin rubber outsole, but this version has returned to a tried and tested Vibram compound, with a tread that boasts deep, widely-spaced lugs plus a front climbing zone for better contact grip on small rock ledges and pockets.

The sustainable nubuck leather uppers and wraparound rand promise good durability on mixed terrain, and though they’re not insulated the GoreTex liner kept our feet warm throughout a long, cold day of scrambling in Snowdonia. With a heavyweight pair of socks we’d confidently tackle winter routes. The fit is close with a slim heel and narrow midfoot, though slightly roomier at the toe box, which means they strike a good balance between walking comfort and technical precision.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

The close fit won’t suit broader feet, but other than that there’s really little to fault.

■ UPPER Nubuck Heinen Terracare leather and wraparound rand

■ MEMBRANE Gore-Tex Performance Comfort

■ SOLE Vibram Hexa Tech ■ WOMEN’S SIZES 3.5-8.5 (pictured)

■ MEN’S SIZES 6.5-13

■ WEIGHT PER BOOT 584g (women’s size 6)