Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots Review: A Classic Reimagined, But With a Catch

There’s a constant battle raging in the world of hiking footwear. In one corner, you have the heavyweights: the bombproof, ankle-high leather behemoths that promise to carry you through any terrain but can feel like you’ve strapped bricks to your feet by the end of the day. In the other, the featherweights: the synthetic, trainer-like shoes that offer agility but often sacrifice durability and true waterproof performance. For years, I, like many fellow hikers, have searched for that perfect middle ground—a boot that delivers the rugged reliability and weather protection of traditional leather without the punishing weight. It’s a quest for the holy grail of hiking boots. This is precisely the promise of the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots, a boot with a legendary lineage that aims to be the definitive answer to this long-standing dilemma. It claims to be light, waterproof, and durable. But in a market filled with compromises, we had to find out if it truly delivers on all fronts.

Before You Lace Up: What to Demand from a Modern Hiking Boot

A hiking boot is more than just an item of footwear; it’s a key solution for comfort, safety, and endurance on the trail. It’s the most critical piece of gear connecting you to the earth, responsible for absorbing shock, providing stable footing, and keeping your feet dry and blister-free. Choosing the right pair can be the difference between a memorable adventure and a painful ordeal you’d rather forget. The primary benefit of a well-chosen boot is confidence—confidence to tackle that rocky incline, cross that shallow stream, or push on for that extra mile as the weather turns.

The ideal customer for a lightweight leather boot like this is the avid day hiker, the weekend warrior exploring coastal paths, or the hillwalker tackling the rolling fells of the Lake District or the dales of Yorkshire. They value agility and reduced fatigue over the extreme rigidity needed for mountaineering with heavy packs. This type of boot, however, might not be suitable for those who require maximum ankle support for treacherous, unstable terrain or for multi-day trekking expeditions with loads exceeding 20kg. For those users, a stiffer, more traditionally constructed boot would be a better investment. Similarly, for those who primarily stick to well-groomed, dry trails in warm weather, a non-waterproof trail shoe might offer superior breathability.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the single most important factor. A boot’s performance features are useless if it doesn’t fit properly. Consider the width of your foot, the volume, and your arch type. Always account for the thickness of your preferred hiking socks, as this can easily change your size by half a number. As we discovered, and some users have noted, the fit of a boot can change between generations, so trying them on or buying from a retailer with a good return policy is paramount.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: For a climate like the UK’s, a waterproof membrane is non-negotiable. GORE-TEX is the industry standard, creating a barrier that stops water molecules from getting in while allowing smaller sweat vapour molecules to escape. This dual function is crucial for preventing the clammy, uncomfortable feeling that leads to blisters and cold feet, even on a dry day.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates a boot’s character. Full-grain leather, like that used in the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots, offers excellent durability, water resistance, and can be moulded to your foot over time. A one-piece leather construction, as featured here, is particularly desirable as it minimises seams—the most common points of failure and water ingress. However, the quality of that leather and the construction are what determine if it lasts for 18 months or 18 years.
• Outsole & Grip: The rubber that meets the trail is your lifeline. A good outsole, often from a specialist brand like Vibram, should have deep, multi-directional lugs for traction on varied surfaces like mud, gravel, and grass. It also needs to provide effective shock absorption. Crucially, the rubber compound determines its grip on wet surfaces, a critical safety feature that should never be overlooked.

While the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots is an excellent choice for a specific type of user, 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:

Unboxing the Supalite II: Classic Looks Meet Modern Ambitions

Opening the box, the first thing that strikes you is the classic, handsome aesthetic of the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots. The rich ‘Chocolate’ colour of the one-piece leather upper is timeless, eschewing the garish colours found on many modern synthetic boots. In hand, the “Supalite” name feels entirely appropriate. Weighing in at just 1070g for a size 9 pair, they feel significantly lighter than their traditional appearance would suggest. This is the boot’s core appeal, immediately evident before you even put them on.

The leather itself is soft and supple to the touch, hinting at a short break-in period. The memory foam details around the ankle collar and tongue are generous, promising a snug and comfortable fit. The lacing hardware feels sturdy enough, though we did immediately notice the point raised by a long-time user of the original Brasher Supalite. Compared to older versions, the lacing area around the tongue does seem a bit less substantial, potentially making it harder to achieve a perfectly sealed closure for those with narrower feet. Nevertheless, the initial impression is one of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, a modern interpretation of a classic that you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

On the Trail: Putting the Berghaus Supalite II to the Test

A boot’s true character is only revealed on the trail. We took the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots through their paces over several weeks, covering everything from muddy woodland paths and grassy fells to wet, slate-covered coastal trails to see if the on-paper promises translated to real-world performance.

The Weight-to-Comfort Ratio: Featherlight on the Feet?

The standout feature is, without a doubt, the weight. From the very first step, these boots feel incredibly nimble and agile. The “Supalite” moniker isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s a core characteristic that defines the entire experience. On long ascents where every gram feels magnified, the boots were a joy to wear, significantly reducing the leg fatigue we’ve experienced with heavier, more traditional boots. The break-in period was virtually non-existent. The combination of the soft, pliable leather and the strategically placed memory foam in the heel and tongue created a fit that felt customised right out of the box. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who praise them as “really comfortable lightweight boots”. We experienced no rubbing or hot spots, even on a demanding 15-mile hike. This immediate comfort is a huge selling point, and the shock absorption from the sole unit was more than adequate for packed trails and grassy hillsides, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest in trail-long comfort.

Weathering the Storm: A Deep Dive into GORE-TEX Waterproofing

A UK hiking boot must be waterproof, full stop. To test this, we didn’t hold back. We trudged through long stretches of boggy moorland, deliberately stood in a shallow, fast-flowing stream for several minutes, and wore them during a persistent, drenching downpour. The GORE-TEX performance technology performed flawlessly. Our feet remained completely dry throughout, with no leaks from the seams or tongue area. The one-piece leather construction certainly helps here, minimising potential points of failure. Just as importantly, the boots proved to be highly breathable. Even during strenuous, uphill sections, our socks were merely damp with sweat, not soaked, proving the membrane was effectively allowing perspiration to escape. This confirms the experience of one happy user who reported that in “all weathers the Yorkshire Dales can throw at you rain mud & snow! My feet stay dry and warm all day.” For pure waterproof and breathable performance, the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots absolutely deliver on their promise.

The Elephant in the Room: Durability and Build Quality Concerns

This is where our expert analysis and the chorus of user feedback collide with our initial positive experience. While our test pair showed no signs of failure during our review period, it’s impossible to ignore the significant number of credible reports detailing alarming durability issues. We meticulously inspected the bonding between the Vibram outsole and the leather upper, the area where one user reported the “sole started to come off in the instep”. We also examined the toe protector, which another user found was “coming away from the boot” after just a month. These are not minor cosmetic flaws; they are critical structural failures that render a boot useless.

Multiple users report their boots splitting or cracking within 16-18 months of regular use, a far cry from the multi-year lifespan one should expect from a premium leather boot. One particularly damning piece of feedback comes from a long-time customer who compared their new pair to a 20-year-old pair, noting a stark decline in quality. This suggests a potential issue with manufacturing consistency or a change in materials since Berghaus acquired the original Brasher brand. While we can’t definitively say every pair will fail, the risk appears to be very real. This inconsistency is the boot’s greatest weakness and a major gamble for any potential buyer, and it’s wise to check recent reviews for quality trends before making a decision.

Underfoot Performance: The Vibram Outsole Paradox

Vibram is a name synonymous with high-performance outsoles, so our expectations were high. The lug pattern on the Supalite II is well-designed for shedding muck, and on muddy tracks and soft ground, it performed admirably. The anti-clogging design worked as intended, maintaining grip where other boots might get bogged down. However, we encountered a serious and unexpected problem when the terrain shifted to wet, hard surfaces. On damp slate, wet paving stones, and slick rock faces, the grip was shockingly poor. The boots felt skittish and insecure, forcing us to tread with extreme caution. This directly validates the user who stated the soles are “awful and you slip and slide in them”. It’s a baffling paradox: a boot with a superb GORE-TEX lining designed for wet conditions is equipped with an outsole that struggles precisely in those environments. This is a significant performance flaw that potential buyers, especially those who hike in rocky coastal areas or mountainous regions prone to rain, must be aware of. The lightweight comfort is fantastic, but it must be balanced against this critical safety concern, a trade-off that really defines this boot.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring user feedback reveals a starkly divided opinion on the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots. On one hand, there is a loyal following that loves the boot for its core strengths. Many users, like one hiker who happily traversed the Yorkshire Dales, praise the boots for their exceptional lightness, out-of-the-box comfort, and reliable waterproofing. Words like “stylish” and “comfortable” appear frequently, highlighting the boot’s immediate appeal.

However, a significant and recurring theme in user feedback points to alarming issues with quality control and durability. It’s a story of disappointment for many. Several hikers reported catastrophic failures like “sole has started to come detached” and “cracked developed within two months of light/medium use.” This isn’t isolated; it’s a pattern that suggests a departure from the quality the brand was once known for. Another critical point raised is the outsole’s performance, with one user bluntly stating they are “slippery when wet,” a finding we confirmed in our own tests. This creates a picture of a boot with a brilliant design concept that is being let down by inconsistent manufacturing and a questionable choice of sole compound.

How Does the Supalite II Compare? Three Key Alternatives

No boot exists in a vacuum. To give you the clearest picture, we’ve compared the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots against three distinct competitors that might better suit your needs.

1. KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Women’s Hiking Shoe

The KEEN Targhee 3 represents a different philosophy of hiking footwear. Where the Supalite II prioritizes traditional leather and ultra-light weight, the Targhee 3 focuses on rugged protection and a famously roomy fit. Its most prominent feature is the oversized rubber toe cap, offering bombproof protection against rocks and roots. It generally has a wider forefoot than the Berghaus, making it an excellent choice for those who find the Supalite II too narrow. If your primary concerns are maximum durability and toe protection on very rocky trails, and you don’t mind a slightly heavier, more robust synthetic build, the KEEN Targhee 3 is likely the superior option.

2. Merrell Men’s Trekking Shoes

If you love the lightweight concept of the Supalite II but don’t need the full ankle support of a boot, the classic Merrell trekking shoe is a legendary alternative. These are often seen as the benchmark for low-cut hikers. They offer even greater flexibility and agility than the Berghaus boots, making them feel more like a sturdy trainer. They are ideal for fast-paced hiking on well-defined trails, summer walks, and for those who value breathability and freedom of movement above all else. However, you will be sacrificing the ankle support and the robust protection of the Supalite II’s leather upper.

3. FitVille Extra Wide Fit Walking Hiking Shoes

The FitVille hiking shoe is a specialist designed to solve a very specific problem: finding a comfortable fit for wide feet. Given that some users have found the new Supalite II to be a narrower fit than its predecessors, the FitVille is a crucial alternative for a significant portion of the hiking community. It’s built on an extra-wide last, providing ample room in the toe box to prevent cramping and blisters. While it may not have the premium materials of the Berghaus, for hikers who have consistently struggled with the restrictive fit of standard boots, the comfort offered by the FitVille could be a complete game-changer, making it the only viable choice.

Our Final Verdict: A Potential Star Marred by Inconsistency

The Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots is a frustrating product because it comes so close to being brilliant. On paper and in its initial feel, it is the answer to many a hiker’s prayer: a genuinely lightweight, incredibly comfortable, and waterproof boot with classic leather styling. For gentle walks on soft ground in mixed weather, it excels, providing all-day comfort that has to be felt to be believed. We wanted to love it unconditionally.

However, the widespread, credible reports of catastrophic durability failures and our own findings of poor wet-surface grip are impossible to ignore. A hiking boot’s primary job is to be reliable and safe, and on these two fronts, the Supalite II shows a critical weakness. We can only recommend this boot with a major caveat: it’s for the hiker who values low weight and immediate comfort above all else, primarily walks on non-technical terrain like grassy fells and woodland paths, and is willing to accept a significant risk regarding its long-term durability. For everyone else, the potential for premature failure and the unreliable grip make it a gamble. If you feel the featherlight comfort is a risk worth taking, you can check the latest price and availability for the Berghaus Supalite II Waterproof Hiking Boots and make your own informed decision.