Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots Review: A Trail-Tested Verdict on Comfort and Durability

There’s a specific kind of despair that sets in halfway up a rain-swept hill when you feel that first, cold trickle of water seep through your “waterproof” boots. I’ve been there. My feet, encased in what felt like lead weights, were soaked, and every step was a squelching reminder of a poor gear choice. That single miserable experience cemented a core belief: a good pair of hiking boots isn’t a luxury; it’s the fundamental foundation of any enjoyable outdoor adventure. The wrong boots can turn a beautiful trek into a painful ordeal, fraught with blisters, cold feet, and the risk of a twisted ankle. The quest, then, is for the holy grail of hiking footwear: a boot that is durable, waterproof, supportive, and, most crucially, comfortable enough to forget you’re even wearing it. This is precisely the promise made by the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots, a classic name in the outdoor world. We decided to put that promise to the test.

What to Consider Before Investing in Men’s Hiking Boots

A pair of men’s hiking boots is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for enabling exploration while ensuring safety and comfort on uneven and unpredictable terrain. They solve the critical problems of inadequate foot support, which can lead to injury; poor traction, which can cause dangerous slips and falls; and exposure to the elements, which can lead to everything from discomfort to genuine medical issues. The main benefits are confidence on the trail, the ability to walk further with less fatigue, and keeping your feet dry and protected, no matter the weather. Investing in a quality pair means investing in your ability to fully enjoy the great outdoors.

The ideal customer for a boot like this is the avid day-hiker, the dedicated dog walker who tackles muddy fields daily, or the weekend rambler who explores local hills and coastal paths. They need reliability and comfort without the extreme rigidity or weight of a high-altitude mountaineering boot. Conversely, this type of boot might not be suitable for those who regularly undertake serious scrambling over sharp, abrasive rock, as a more durable full-grain leather or synthetic upper might be required. It’s also less ideal for individuals frequently crossing deep streams or boggy terrain, where a higher-cut boot would offer more protection against water ingress over the cuff.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A boot that is too small will cause bruised toes and blisters, while one that is too large will allow your foot to slide, causing friction and instability. Always consider the thickness of the hiking socks you’ll be wearing and remember that feet swell during a long walk. Many brands have unique sizing, so checking user feedback on whether a boot runs large or small is invaluable.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: A waterproof membrane is essential for most UK hiking. GORE-TEX is the industry benchmark, creating a barrier that stops water molecules from getting in but allows smaller sweat vapour molecules to escape, keeping your feet dry from both rain and perspiration. The effectiveness of this system depends on the quality of the entire boot’s construction.
• Materials & Durability: Boots typically come in full-grain leather, split-grain leather/suede, or synthetic fabrics. Full-grain leather is incredibly durable and water-resistant but can be heavy and require a lengthy break-in period. Suede, like that used in the Berghaus Hillwalker II, offers more flexibility and out-of-the-box comfort but may be less resistant to abrasion. The construction of the sole and how it is attached to the upper is a key indicator of long-term durability.
• Traction & Support: The sole unit is a three-part system. The outsole provides grip through its rubber compound and lug pattern. The midsole, often made of EVA or Polyurethane, provides cushioning and absorbs shock. The shank, a semi-rigid insert in the midsole, provides stiffness and support. The combination of these elements determines how stable and comfortable the boot feels on rough ground. When you’re ready to see the full specification list, pay close attention to these components.

Making the right choice ensures miles of happy hiking, while the wrong one can be a costly and painful mistake.

While the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Classic Look with Modern Tech

Unboxing the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots feels familiar and reassuring. There are no flashy colours or radical design elements here. Instead, you’re greeted with the rich, classic look of the ‘Chocolate’ oiled suede. The leather has a handsome, distressed effect that suggests it’s ready for the trail right away. Picking them up, the first thing we noticed was their weight—or lack thereof. At a listed 1202g for a pair (size 9), they feel surprisingly light for a proper leather hiking boot, a feature that promises less fatigue over a long day’s walk. The build quality feels solid, with neat stitching and a robustly bonded sole. The padded ankle cuff and tongue, which feature memory foam, feel plush and inviting. Lacing them up, the hardware seems sturdy, and the fit around the ankle provides a sense of security without being restrictive. It’s a design that speaks to function and tradition, appealing to the hiker who values proven performance over passing trends. It immediately feels like a boot that’s ready to become an old friend.

Putting the Berghaus Hillwalker II Through Its Paces

A boot’s true character is only revealed on the trail. We took the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots out across a variety of terrains—from sodden, muddy woodland paths and grassy fells to hard-packed gravel tracks—to see how its core features perform under real-world pressure.

Comfort Straight from the Box: A Closer Look at Fit and Feel

The single most praised attribute of the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots, and one we can wholeheartedly confirm, is its immediate, out-of-the-box comfort. In an era where many robust boots require weeks of painful breaking-in, slipping these on feels like a revelation. The combination of the supple, oiled suede upper, memory foam padding in the tongue and heel, and the cushioned OrthoLite® footbed creates an environment that is instantly welcoming to the foot. As one user aptly put it, they “feel like slippers,” a sentiment we found to be remarkably accurate. On our initial 14-mile test walk, there were no hot spots, no rubbing, and no hint of the dreaded blisters that often accompany new footwear. The boot flexes naturally with the foot, and the lightweight construction is a genuine game-changer, making you feel more agile and less weighed down by the end of the day.

However, achieving this comfort is contingent on getting the sizing right. We found the chorus of user feedback to be spot on: these boots run small. We recommend going up at least a half size from your usual shoe size, and if you plan on wearing thick winter hiking socks, a full size up is the safest bet. One user noted, “I normally take a 10.5 shoe but the 10.5 boot was a bit tight. The size 11 fits perfectly.” This is critical advice. We also noted that while the included OrthoLite® insole provides decent initial cushioning, some walkers might find it lacking on very long treks over hard ground. A fellow reviewer mentioned their “soles of my feet were really sore after just a pleasant walk,” a problem they fixed by swapping in a more supportive aftermarket insole. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive upgrade that can elevate the boot’s comfort from great to exceptional, personalising a boot that already offers outstanding value.

All-Weather Performance: The GORE-TEX Promise vs. Reality

The GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane is the technological heart of this boot’s all-weather credentials. It’s designed to be an impenetrable barrier to rain and puddles while allowing sweat to escape, preventing that clammy, damp feeling from within. During our tests in typical British conditions—persistent drizzle, walks through long, dew-soaked grass, and navigating shallow, muddy puddles—the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots performed flawlessly. Our feet remained completely dry, and the breathability was evident, with no uncomfortable moisture build-up inside the boot even after several hours of continuous walking. For the majority of users who are day hiking in varied weather, the GORE-TEX lining does its job exactly as advertised.

However, it is impossible to ignore the significant minority of user reports that detail a very different experience. We found numerous accounts of the boots leaking, sometimes after only a few weeks of use. One user stated bluntly, “Good until it rains, then they leak and take 72 hours to dry.” Another documented a failure “in the first heavy downpour after 15 mins.” This stark contrast in experiences suggests a potential inconsistency in manufacturing quality control. It’s a gamble that’s hard to overlook. Furthermore, a valid design point was raised by another user concerning the low cut at the rear of the ankle cuff. While this design enhances flexibility and comfort, especially when sitting or driving, it does create a lower point of entry for water. If you splash through a deeper-than-expected puddle, water can easily flow over the back and into the boot. For this reason, we would classify the Hillwalker II as being perfect for wet trails and rain, but not for regularly fording streams or navigating deep bog.

Underfoot Confidence: Analysing the OPTI-STUD Sole and EVA Midsole

A boot’s sole is its connection to the world, and in this department, the Berghaus Hillwalker II truly excels. The patented OPTI-STUD outsole is aggressive and effective. We tested its grip on slick, leaf-covered mud, wet rocks, and loose scree slopes, and in every scenario, it inspired confidence. The deep, multi-directional lugs bite into soft ground with tenacity, while the rubber compound provides a surprising amount of friction on wet stone. A key feature is how well the lugs are spaced, allowing them to shed sticky mud efficiently rather than clogging up and becoming a slick, heavy mess. This was confirmed by one user whose friend had worn them up Helvellyn and the Cheviot, testament to their capability on challenging mountain terrain. The grip is, without a doubt, one of the boot’s strongest features.

This grip is paired with an EVA midsole that provides excellent shock absorption. On long descents or treks along hard-packed fire roads, the cushioning was palpable. It effectively dampens the jarring impacts that can lead to sore knees and ankles, contributing significantly to the boot’s overall comfort and reducing fatigue. This combination of a lightweight build, a cushioned midsole, and a high-traction outsole makes the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots a joy to wear on long walks, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than what’s happening to your feet.

The Durability Debate: A Four-Year Boot or an 18-Month Disappointment?

This is where the story of the Berghaus Hillwalker II becomes complex. When you invest in a pair of boots from a brand with Berghaus’s heritage, you expect longevity. For many users, that’s exactly what they get. We found glowing reports, like the owner who declared them “Four years on and going strong!” after preparing them for another winter. Another user bought a pair for a friend who proceeded to walk over 600km in them, with the tread only showing moderate wear. These accounts paint a picture of a reliable, long-lasting boot that represents incredible value for money.

Unfortunately, this is countered by an alarming number of reviews detailing premature structural failure. We saw multiple complaints of the sole unit delaminating and splitting away from the suede upper after just a few months or a handful of walks. Others reported hardware failure, such as a bootlace cleat simply falling off. “Confortable boots, but the sole split from the upper boot after 7 or 8 walks,” one user lamented. Another noted, “Very poor quality, glue line all across sole of the shoe is showing and beginning to part, worn twice.” This wide disparity points towards inconsistency in the manufacturing process. While the design is sound, the execution appears to be a lottery. Our expert take is that if you receive a well-made pair and care for the oiled suede with regular cleaning and conditioning (such as using Dubbin wax), they have the potential to last for many years. However, buyers should inspect their boots carefully upon arrival and be aware of the potential for these known failure points.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing the broad spectrum of feedback, a clear picture of the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots emerges. The overwhelming positive consensus centres on comfort. Users repeatedly praise the boots for feeling “like slippers” straight out of the box with no break-in period, and for being light enough for all-day wear. As one happy customer states, “Best set of walking boots I’ve owned and the most comfortable by far.” The excellent grip is another frequently cited benefit.

On the negative side, the feedback clusters around three main issues: sizing, waterproofing, and durability. The advice to “order a size larger” is near-universal. The more concerning issues are the reports of leaking and structural failure. For every user who has had them for years, there seems to be one who has experienced a critical failure within 18 months. As one ex-military user who experienced leaks noted, “it appears the quality of the boots has degraded since moving manufacturing.” This creates a narrative of a fantastically comfortable boot that may come with a question mark over its long-term reliability.

How the Berghaus Hillwalker II Compares to the Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots to three popular alternatives in the hiking footwear market.

1. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab is a legend in its own right, often called the “Mother Of All Boots.” Compared to the Hillwalker II’s classic leather construction, the Moab 3 leans into a more modern, athletic design with a mix of suede and mesh. It’s renowned for its own brand of out-of-the-box comfort, often feeling more like a sturdy trainer than a traditional boot. The fit is generally considered more true-to-size. For hikers who prefer a lighter, more breathable feel and a more contemporary aesthetic, the Moab 3 is a compelling alternative. However, some users find the Hillwalker II’s full suede upper offers a more robust and supportive feel than the Moab’s mesh panels.

2. adidas Eastrail 2.0 Mid RAIN.RDY Waterproof Hiking Shoes

The adidas Eastrail 2.0 represents the “fast and light” category of hiking footwear. It is essentially a hiking shoe in a mid-cut format, prioritizing agility and a sneaker-like feel. It uses adidas’s proprietary RAIN.RDY waterproof technology rather than GORE-TEX. This would be a better choice for someone whose hikes are mostly on well-maintained trails and who values speed and low weight above all else. The Berghaus Hillwalker II, by contrast, is a more traditional hiking boot, offering superior ankle support, underfoot protection, and durability for tackling more rugged, off-piste terrain. The choice here is between a trail-running shoe hybrid and a true hillwalking boot.

3. KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe Women’s

While this specific model is for women, the KEEN Targhee line is a direct competitor to the Hillwalker II. KEEN boots are famous for two things: their large, protective toe bumper (the “KEEN.PROTECT” feature) and their exceptionally roomy toe box, which is a blessing for hikers with wide feet. Compared to the Hillwalker II, the Targhee often feels more rugged and protective upfront. It uses KEEN’s own “KEEN.DRY” waterproof membrane. A hiker who frequently stubs their toes on rocks or finds most boots too constrictive in the forefoot would likely prefer the KEEN Targhee. The Hillwalker II, however, offers a more classic aesthetic and a lighter, more flexible feel underfoot.

Our Final Verdict: A Comfortable Classic with a Few Caveats

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Berghaus Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Waterproof Hiking Boots is one of qualified, enthusiastic recommendation. Its standout feature is, without question, its supreme comfort. This is a boot you can take out of the box, put on your feet, and walk for miles in without a second thought, which is a rare and wonderful thing. Combined with its low weight and fantastic grip, it makes for a phenomenally capable and pleasant companion for the vast majority of UK hillwalking, dog walking, and trail trekking.

However, this recommendation comes with important caveats. The sizing is consistently small, so ordering at least a half-size up is non-negotiable. More significantly, the documented inconsistencies in durability and long-term waterproofing mean you could get a pair that lasts for years or one that fails prematurely. It’s a gamble, but for a boot that gets the crucial elements of comfort and grip so right, we believe it’s a gamble worth taking for many. If your priority is immediate, all-day comfort for moderate terrain, and you’re prepared to inspect your purchase carefully, the Hillwalker II offers an unbeatable experience for its price. You can check the latest price and availability for your size here and take the first step towards happier trails.