Our verdict: A stylish walking shoe with a carefully judged balance of comfort, protection and weight
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A lightweight, cushioned walking shoe that quickly moulds to the feet and feels comfortable from the off. Toe and heel caps offer robust protection on rough paths and rocky terrain and the grippy Vibram sole is reassuring in wet weather. Despite these enhancements, the overall weight barely registers, which meant I still had a spring in my step after a full day’s walking.
The OrthoLite inner sole offers proven, long-lasting cushioning and – combined with well-made Nubuck uppers – should last years without a serious drop in performance. The sole also claims to wick away foot moisture and thus combat unpleasant foot odours. Coupled with fully breathable uppers, this should be a particular bonus. With the hot weather, this has been about 90% effective but I wouldn’t want to get the shoe wet inside.
Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, the waterproofing is sound but these are shoes for spring and summer walks and would be overwhelmed in a downpour and puddles deeper than 4cm. Even long, dewy grass wet my feet when moisture came over the side of the shoe.
Some may not be thrilled with the subdued grey I tested (the more vibrant brown is shown above) but I liked this serious, classy look, particularly when wildlife watching. Post adventure, they’d be perfectly at home resting under a table in a pub or café.
Facts at a glance: Berghaus Fellmaster Active GTX
- RRP: £125
- Uppers: Nubuck and Gore-Tex
- Outsole: Opti-stud Vibram sole
- Waterproofing: Fully waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex
- Fit: Standard. If you have narrow feet, thick walking socks may be all you need for a snug fit.
- Weight: 874g, size 9; women’s (Kanga) 752g, size 6
- Eco: OthoLite inner sole made from partially recycled material
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