Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 review

Who should buy the Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 

The Expeditor Ridge 2.0 is a stellar hiking product from Berghaus. It is a solid option if you are looking for the following:

• a moderately-priced boot for shorter hiking distances on gentle terrain
• a good-looking boot that also fits into a casual environment 

Who should NOT buy the boot

Hikers with wide or high-volume feet may need to consider a more spaciously-designed boot, like Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof or Merrell Moab II Mid Waterproof. These boots are also available in Wide.

Excellent surface traction

Opti-Stud, a Berghaus-owned sole technology, is what grants wearers ample grip in the Expeditor Ridge 2.0. Laden with multi-direction lugs, this sticky outsole gets to produce enough surface traction where the terrain becomes tricky and slippery. 

Top-tier heel support

The ridges on its heel and front tip help hikers navigate slopes with enhanced control.

Shock-absorbing and comfortable cushioning

This Berghaus hiking footgear mitigates shock, gives adequate balance, and cushions the foot over uneven terrain with its EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole. It works in conjunction with the boot’s Ortholite footbed to improve its ability to give underfoot comfort.

Side-to-side stability is not the best

Given the boot's rather narrow platform and footprint, hikers felt not so confident on the more demanding, rocky, and slopey types of terrain.

Waterproof yet not suffocating

The Expeditor Ridge 2.0’s high-collared upper is predominantly leather. The back half of its cuff and most of its tongue are made of mesh fabric. Engineered within its bootie is a brand-owned technology called AQ which provides not only waterproofing but also ventilation. 

Easy to wear and secure fit

At its heel is a pull tab for quicker on and off. Lace loops made of textile and a set of riveted open hooks make up the hiker’s eyelets. A flat synthetic lace is set through them, and also through the tongue’s lace keeper. Both collar and tongue are lined with soft cozy padding to prevent chafing and keep the wearers pleased.

The experts on hiking footwear are pleasantly surprised with this boot's overall fit, referring to it as "well-judged." There is ample room for the toes up front and a solid lockdown in the heel. No heel slips have been reported.

However, hikers with wider feet are likely to find this model too tight and constricting.

Berghaus managed to keep it light!

Experts are impressed with the relative lightness of the Expeditor Ridge 2.0 boot. For such a sturdy and well-made boot, they are surprised to see it weighing 510 g per boot.