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Three Things To Know:
£140 RRP at time of writing making theses boots midrange
Great waterproofing thanks to the Outdry waterproof breathable construction
Great grip and traction due to the specially designed OPTI–STUD soles
Our Rating:
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Durability and Materials
Weight and Flexibility
When it comes to walking boots, I’m always on the lookout for something that’s comfortable straight out of the box, sturdy enough for mixed UK trails, and light enough that I don’t feel like I’m dragging my feet by mile three. I’d heard good things about the Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0, so I was keen to see if they lived up to the hype.
I’ve tested these boots across a variety of conditions – from muddy woodland paths to rocky hillsides and a few surprise spring downpours – to really get a feel for how they perform in real–world settings. Here's how they held up on the trail.
Comfort and Fit
Right from the moment I slipped these boots on, I was impressed by how comfortable they felt. There was no painful break–in period – the cushioning around the ankle and the padded tongue made them feel cozy and supportive without being restrictive. The fit was snug but not tight, giving my feet enough room to move naturally without feeling loose. I do have a slightly narrower foot, and the midfoot felt just right, though I can see how those with wider feet might need to size up or try them on first.
Even after hours on uneven trails, I didn’t experience any rubbing or hotspots, which is a huge plus for me since blisters can ruin a good hike! Overall, the Expeditor Ridge 2.0 felt like a reliable, comfortable boot that I could trust for long days out.
Also, if you’re used to very cushioned boots, these felt a bit firm underfoot at times, especially on harder surfaces. So, while they’re great once you get used to them, I’d recommend trying them on first and giving yourself some time to break them in properly.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
I tested these boots on a particularly drizzly and muddy day, and the waterproof breathable upper and no–sew overlays kept my feet dry and protected.
Thanks to the Outdry waterproof breathable construction and the AQ waterproof membrane, water didn’t seep in even when I crossed shallow streams or trudged through muddy patches. At the same time, my feet didn’t feel overheated or sweaty on hotter walks, which can be a problem with some waterproof boots. While they handled rain and damp trails brilliantly, I did notice that in really heavy downpours or prolonged wet conditions, the leather areas took a little longer to dry out afterward. Overall, though, these boots offer solid protection against the weather without sacrificing comfort.
Durability and Materials
From what I’ve seen so far, these boots feel really solid and built to last. The full–grain leather upper feels tough and resistant to scrapes and scuffs, which is great for the kind of rough trails I like to tackle. The stitching looks strong and well–done, giving me confidence they’ll hold up over time.
The AQ waterproof membrane keeps the water out without sacrificing breathability, which is a nice balance. After several weeks of use, including some muddy and wet conditions, the boots have barely shown any signs of wear. That said, I’ve heard from others that some pairs might experience stitching issues or glue coming loose after heavy use, so I’ll be keeping an eye on that. Overall, the materials and construction feel premium and durable enough for regular hiking.
Berghaus also offer a free repair service if anything should go wrong, you just need to pay the cost of postage.
Weight and Flexibility
I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight these boots felt – 420g per boot for a UK size 5 – especially considering their sturdy build. They didn’t weigh me down on long hikes, which made a big difference over rough terrain. The boots also offered a nice amount of flexibility, particularly around the forefoot thanks to those deep flex grooves.
This made walking feel natural and helped my feet move easily without feeling restricted. At the same time, the boots provided enough support to keep my ankles stable, so I felt confident on uneven ground without sacrificing comfort. Overall, the balance between lightweight design and flexibility really stood out to me.
Grip and Traction
The grip pleasantly surprised me on these boots, and the specially designed OPTI–STUD soles, which are unique and patented to Berghaus, felt secure and trustworthy on uneven surfaces and when tackling muddy or slippery trails.
The outsole’s design gave me plenty of confidence going up and down hills, and I noticed they held firm on wet rocks better than I expected. Whether I was navigating loose gravel or soggy forest paths, the traction was reliable and kept me steady with every step. That said, on really technical or icy surfaces, I’d probably look for something a bit more aggressive, but for everyday hiking and trail walking, these boots delivered exactly what I needed.
Value for Money
At time of writing these boots are £140, which makes the Berghaus Women’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 boots a mid–range option, and I’d say for the comfort, reliability and waterproofing, these are good value for money.
Sustainability
The leather on the Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 boots is sourced from a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group. It also initiated the Good Wood Project, through which Berghaus plants two million trees annually, collaborating with Eden Reforestation Projects, planting mangrove forests in Madagascar and Kenya to help sequester carbon and support local communities by providing employment opportunities.
The free repairs also mean you won’t have to replace these boots as fast as other options.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a reliable, fully waterproof shoe for a good price from a reputable brand, then yes!
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Find more in our guide to the best walking boots.
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