The fabric and suede upper is lightweight and comfortable and the Gore-Tex lining has been effective from day one, handling everything from long wet grass to crossing a shallow ford. The grip is fairly average, and for long days on the trail the sole is both flexible and comfortable. Rocky ground is a slightly different matter with the sole a little too flexible and concerns about the durability on repeated contact with rock, so not ideal for scrambling but that's not what they're designed for.

Where the Berghaus Explorer Light comes into its own is when the temperature rises with the lightweight upper and Gore-Tex liner working well together to give a good level of breathability. Long days on the Gritstone Trail in the summer sun were the ideal environment with the comfort, flexibility, weight and breathability working in perfect balance. A little less flexibility in the sole would be appreciated once the going gets rougher, and it's noticeable on a climb up Scafell Pike or Great Gable where either an approach shoe or a more rigid sole may be a better choice - but for a showery day in the Yorkshire Dales the Explorer Light Trail is hard to beat.

Price: £100.00

Weight: 558g

Colour: Olive/Black

Features:

• Suede and mesh upper offering comfort, durability and support
• Sole unit incorporates a PU midsole providing excellent, durable cushioning
• The boot is waterproof and has a very high level of breathability and in shoe climate comfort thanks to the GORE-TEX with XCR technology

Pros: weight, breathability

Cons: too flexible sole, fabric upper can scuff on repeated contact with rock

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.