The Berghaus Expanse Mid GTX walking boots were once my go-to for outdoor adventures. They felt great right out of the box and seemed like they’d last forever. But after a few months of regular use, I started to notice some serious problems. The heel cuff wore down quickly, and the soles became smooth, making it hard to stay on my feet. I’ve tried other hiking boots since then, but I haven’t found anything that’s quite as comfortable or durable as these were. In this review, I’ll share my experiences with the Expanse Mid GTX and offer some advice for anyone considering buying them.
Outer material: Faux leather
Lining: GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
Sole: Vibram Opti-Stud multi-active outsole
Midsole: Ortholite footbed
Shaft height: Ankle-high
See the Berghaus Expanse Mid See the Expanse Low
Key Features and Specifications
Sole Material
The Berghaus Expanse Mid GTX features a rubber sole, designed to provide excellent traction and durability on various terrains. Rubber is a popular choice for hiking boots due to its grip, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion.
Shaft Height and Outer Material
These boots are ankle-high, offering added support and protection for your ankles during hikes and outdoor activities. The outer material is made of faux leather, which is both durable and comfortable. Faux leather is a synthetic material that often mimics the appearance and texture of real leather while offering advantages like being more affordable and cruelty-free.
Waterproofing
One of the key selling points of the Expanse Boots is its waterproof construction. The boots feature a GORE-TEX membrane, which is highly effective at keeping your feet dry in wet conditions. GORE-TEX is a breathable, waterproof fabric that allows moisture vapour to escape while blocking out water.
Ankle Support
The boots incorporate a padded heel cuff for increased ankle support. This feature helps to stabilise your foot and reduce the risk of injuries, especially on uneven terrain.
Cushioning
For added comfort, they feature an Ortholite footbed. Ortholite is a lightweight, breathable material that provides cushioning and moisture management. It helps to prevent foot odour and discomfort during extended wear.
Breathability
The synthetic nubuck uppers and mesh 3D construction of the boots promote breathability, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry even during strenuous activities. This is important for preventing blisters and discomfort.
Initial Impressions
Comfort and Fit
The Expanse Mid GTX boots felt incredibly comfortable right out of the box. The fit was true to size, and there was ample room for my toes. The ankle support was also excellent, providing a secure and stable feel.
Breathability
I was impressed with the breathability of these boots. Even during warm weather hikes, my feet stayed cool and dry. The mesh panels and synthetic nubuck upper seemed to do a great job of allowing moisture to escape.
Lightweight Design
One of the things I appreciated most about these boots was their lightweight construction. They were easy to carry and didn’t weigh me down during hikes. This made them ideal for long, strenuous treks.
Performance in Use
Durability
Unfortunately, the durability of the Berghaus Expanse Mid GTX boots was a major disappointment. The heel cuff began to wear down rapidly, exposing sharp stitching that eventually cut through my socks and even my heels. Additionally, the soles wore out quickly, losing their grip and becoming smooth.
Performance on Various Terrain
Despite the durability issues, the boots performed well on a variety of terrain. They provided good traction on both rocky and muddy trails, and the ankle support was invaluable on uneven ground. However, the lack of durability ultimately limited their overall usefulness.
Waterproofing
The GORE-TEX membrane in these boots proved to be highly effective at keeping my feet dry in wet conditions. Even during heavy rain, my feet remained completely waterproof.
Comparison to Other Brands
I’ve tried several other walking boot brands over the years, including Merrell, Salomon, Keen, and Expanse Low. While these brands have offered varying levels of comfort and durability, I haven’t found a pair that has consistently outperformed the Expanse Mid GTX in terms of initial comfort and fit. However, the durability issues I experienced with these boots have led me to explore other options.
I’ve recently been trying out boots from brands like Scarpa and La Sportiva, which are known for their high-quality construction and durability. These brands offer a wider range of options for different types of hiking and terrain, and I’ve been impressed with the quality of their products so far.
What I like about these boots
- Comfortable fit out of the box
- Excellent ankle support
- Breathable and moisture-wicking materials
- Lightweight design
- Effective waterproofing
What I don’t like about these boots
- Poor durability of the heel cuff and soles
- Sharp stitching can cause discomfort
- Limited colour options
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty use
Conclusion
The Berghaus Expanse Mid GTX hiking boots were initially a comfortable and supportive choice for my outdoor adventures. However, their durability issues ultimately limited their usefulness. The rapid wear and tear of the heel cuff and soles, combined with the sharp stitching, made them a disappointing investment.
While I appreciate the initial comfort, breathability, and waterproofing of these boots, I cannot recommend them due to their lack of durability. If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting hiking boot, I suggest exploring other options from brands known for their quality and durability.
