These lightweight sporty hiking shoes from Berghaus are designed for fast hiking year round. This is thanks to a build that considers waterproofing and grip on lots of different terrain. If you're looking for sumptuously comfortable hiking shoes then perhaps opt for a pair with more cushioning than the VC22 shoes. These are quite slimmed down as far as hiking shoes go, with only minimal cushioning around key areas like the ankle and tongue. That's not to say that they're uncomfortable though, the upper has been impeccably made, with TPU welded overlays and mesh areas as well as a seamless feel inside, and a fit that wraps securely around the foot. They run quite narrow in both the midfoot and the toe area, this gives you a sporty, precise feeling when you’re walking but they're not so tight that they unduly constrict your foot.
We have walked many miles in these walking shoes and despite having only minimal cushioning they remain comfortable. They're easygoing to walk in, in part due to being so lightweight and the grip is excellent across a multitude of different types of terrain thanks to an Opti-Stud Vibram sole with an aggressive lug pattern similar to that of a decent trail running shoe. These have plenty of space for mud to shed but also enough rubber to work well on greasy surfaces like rocks and roots.
The footbed of the VC22 shoes feels as lightly cushioned as the rest of the shoes but there’s decent impact absorption in the heel. Under the toe feels fairly solid, this feel will appeal to those that like minimalist hiking shoes where you have protection from the ground underneath but not so much that you can't feel your way along the trail.
These shoes look and feel really versatile, they sit somewhere between walking shoes and trainers in their aesthetic. This makes them super useful shoes for anything where you want sturdy footwear that’s lightweight and comfortable for all-day use. Activities like cycling, mountain biking, walking, and everyday use are all fair game.
