New version of lightweight walking boot is tougher and grippier and out soon.
The original
Berghaus
Pro Rush Mid GTX is one of our favourite
lightweight walking boots, but was starting to look slightly dated, cue
the
new Pro Rush Mid II
GTX, a completely revamped take on the original for spring
2010.
What we like about the first version is the combination of the
ultra-capable Opti-Stud sole unit with a chassis and upper that manages
to keep the boot light, but still feels stable and capable and more
reassuring underfoot than some lighter alternatives. It works really
well pretty much anywhere below the snowline, though it's better on
soft ground than on rocky surfaces.
The new Pro Rush II sticks with the Optistud sole, but it's been
revised for 2010 with better mud-shedding, particularly in the heel
area and a revised rubber compound for improved grip on rocky surfaces.
The new sole is the product of a lot of sports science research and
links high force studs with support bars, which prevents distortion on
impact and gives better grip on rough terrain. The mid-sole uses
dual-density EVA cushioning along with a performance plate to give
optimum stiffening.
Ruggedised...
The boot as a whole has been 'ruggedised' - sorry - with a more
contemporary looking and toughened upper which includes the EHS,
Ergonomic Holding System, an external brace designed to hold the foot
securely in place. There's also an integrated toe bumper to hold things
together in the face of scree. A Gore-Tex liner keeps the water at bay.
The new version is slightly weightier than its predecessor, but the
pay-off should be better performance. The looks, we reckon, are maybe a
tad Marmite, but we like them.
Berghaus footwear is often overlooked in favour of specialist footwear
brands, but over the past few years, their lightweight shoes and mids
have really moved on with a much improved last and performance as good
as anything else on the market.
The new version of the Pro Rush Mid GTX together with its low-cut
equivalent will be in the shops shortly and we should have a pair for
review in the near future. If they're better than the original, we
reckon Berghaus will be onto a winner. Retail price is
£120.
More Berghaus information at
www.berghaus.com.
