Berghaus Storm Trek GTX review: A back-to-basics burly boot

Berghaus ought to need no introduction to regular LFTO readers. This renowned British outdoor brand has a strong reputation for producing high-performance gear tailored to hikers, climbers, and mountaineers.

The Storm Trek GTX Women’s boot is a modern addition to the range, designed for extended, all-weather use in mountainous terrain. With its rugged construction and contemporary styling, this year-round walking boot is made mostly from durable synthetic textiles with nubuck leather panels and a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner for full waterproofing.

It’s built to withstand harsh conditions and deliver reliable performance for technical hikes below the snowline (it’s not crampon compatible). The boot also features a higher-cut, padded ankle for added support and protection. Underfoot, a Vibram Opti-Stud outsole delivers dependable traction across varying terrains.

Positioned as Berghaus’ most advanced boot, it sits at the top of the brand’s current footwear line-up. Despite a slightly clunky feel and a firmer underfoot experience, it’s a solid contender for hikers who prioritise support, durability, and long-term protection.

Design and features

Berghaus says the Storm Trek is engineered “for extended four-season mountain hiking in all weathers”, though it’s not crampon compatible. It’s undoubtedly a robust boot with a high-cut, well-padded ankle cuff and uppers made from a mix of nubuck leather and synthetic panels.

There’s a rear cutaway to reduce pressure on the Achilles, making for more comfortable descents. You also get a solid toecap, lightweight laminated overlays with welded seams and minimal stitching, plus a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner for reliable waterproof protection.

The main textile panels are made from a hard-wearing polyester weave. A single row of supplementary stitching runs around the edge of the toebox, where the textile upper meets a laminated overlay.

Since it’s positioned where the toe flexes, we reckon it’s been added to stop the laminate from peeling away – a common failure point in welded boots. That’s a plus for long-term durability.

Lacing uses good-quality metal hardware, with riveted eyelets and three sets of lace hooks for a secure fit. Surprisingly, there’s no locking lace hook at the base of the ankle, but we still found we could get a close fit with no heel slippage.

Overall, the Storm Trek offers good support and stability, making it a strong choice for mountain walks and easier scrambles. Underfoot, it uses Berghaus’s signature Opti-Stud Vibram sole. The pattern is unusual but offers dependable grip and sheds mud well.

Inside the boot, an OrthoLite footbed provides additional cushioning and comfort. It’s not remarkable but better than the flimsy insoles that come with many boots. It also cups the heel nicely, which seems to help reduce hotspots that can lead to blisters. Crampon-compatibility aside, it can definitely work as a winter walking boot.

Performance and comfort

The Storm Trek GTX offers plenty of padding around the ankle, along with a thick tongue to alleviate lace pressure across the top of the foot. It performs well on both counts, though the padding isn’t especially soft – it offers more protection than plush comfort.

It’s great for absorbing impacts from rocks and boulders and is structured enough to support the ankle, particularly on broken terrain like scree slopes or grassy hillsides.

Underfoot, the boot similarly prioritises structure and support over bounce and cushioning. The heel and midfoot are noticeably firmer than trainer-style hiking boots, though there’s some flex in the forefoot to allow a natural walking action. That’s probably down to the use of PU rather than EVA foam, giving a more solid feel.

On the plus side, this makes the midsole more resistant to long-term compression. It also ensures a stable platform with plenty of lateral stability, reducing torsional twisting that can stress the foot.

In terms of fit, overall volume is medium throughout, though the front isn’t as broad as some boots. The toebox is rounded rather than asymmetric, giving a neat, tapered profile – but it doesn’t leave much room for toes to splay. As ever, try before you buy.

That said, customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with no major complaints about fit. The burly build means the Storm Treks feel a bit clumpier and less precise than some boots. The rear hugs the heel fairly well but doesn’t offer the locked-in feel of lighter mid-cut boots with a more trainer-like design.

Then again, this isn’t a flimsy trainer-style hiker. It has durable uppers and a structured sole unit built for mountain terrain. The Vibram Opti-Stud outsole, exclusive to Berghaus, is a good all-rounder: blocky lugs at the edges deliver solid grip, while triangular studs in the centre provide traction in sloppier conditions. There’s also a decent heel brake for added control on descents.

In terms of stability, structure, traction and protection, it performs very well on demanding routes. It only reaches its limits in full winter conditions, since it’s not crampon compatible. But for anything below the snowline, this boot is a competent performer. The trade-off is that it feels a bit firm and heavy underfoot.

Price and competition

With a retail price of £200 (before discounts), the Storm Trek sits at the mid-level – not a budget option, but not the most expensive either.

In fact, it’s currently the priciest boot in the Berghaus footwear range, sitting above long-standing favourites in the world of leather hiking boots, like the Hillmaster II GTX (£190), the Fellmaster Ridge GTX (£180), and the Hillwalker II GTX (£160). Those models are based on older Brasher designs, while the Storm Trek is a more modern, capable boot, with a mountain-ready build for year-round use.

If you’re a summit-bagger, you’ll likely also be looking at models from Scarpa, La Sportiva, Salewa and Meindl. We’d also recommend AKU, Lowa and Hanwag – all of which feature in our current best three-season boots guide.

Good alternatives include the AKU Trekker Lite III GTX (£220) and the Scarpa Rush Trek Pro GTX (£230), both lighter boots that have won Trail ‘Gear of the Year’ awards. For a more precise, less clumpy feel, the La Sportiva TX5 (RRP £210) is another great option.

So, should you go for the Berghaus? If the fit works for you and you don’t mind the extra weight, it’s a solid option – especially if you value protection and durability.

Sustainability

To Berghaus’ credit, the Storm Trek GTX is a tough and durable boot, especially if you clean and reproof it regularly with Grangers or Nikwax. This helps keep the uppers in good condition and prolongs their lifespan.

Berghaus is a certified B Corp, which means it meets high standards for transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The brand also runs a comprehensive in-house repair service. While the RepairHaus team focus mainly on garments and equipment, Berghaus partners with Lancashire Sports Repairs for full boot resoling.

Verdict

A tough, all-weather mountain boot offering excellent support and protection. Though slightly heavy and firm underfoot, it’s a durable, dependable option for year-round hillwalking – provided the fit and feel suit your needs.

About the author

Ellie Clewlow has been an expert gear contributor for Trail Magazine for many years and continues to thrash kit for us in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) where she lives.

When it comes to thoroughly testing a waterproof hiking shoe like the Elixir Activ GTX, Ellie is the ideal choice as she's a huge fan of long, multi-day walks through varied and often wet terrain (North Wales isn't exactly known for its dryness!).