Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Goretex Shoes VS Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws: Which are best for keeping feet dry?

Love hiking or walking in wet weather? The Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes and Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws are some of the best women’s walking shoes you can buy right now. Both offer plenty when it comes to grip, comfort and versatility. Confused about which one to choose? We break it down for you. 

These brands are both well known in the walking world, but have very different features that will benefit women in different ways. The Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes are a super-stylish and breathable low-rise buy, which suit both city hikes and off-road adventures. The Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws  are also sleek and modern in design but, in contrast, they are a full boot, which means they suit serious hikers who want to go out and explore in treacherous conditions.

In this Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes vs Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws review, we'll look at the best and worst sides of both pairs of walking boots, to help you make the best decision. 

Quick comparison

What’s special about the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes?

What makes the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes really special is that they don’t look like a traditional pair of walking boots – from any angle. Instead, they look like a pair of slightly chunky black trainers with a modern burgundy trim and reflective detailing. This means they are so versatile to wear – you don’t have to climb mountains to get the most out of them.

Another big bonus about these low-rise boots is that they are guaranteed to be 100% waterproof – and they really are. Walking the dog in a downpour or striding through sleet on your way to work? Then these are ideal to reach for instead of wellies or a pair of trainers. 

Plus, if we had to sum up these walking shoes in just one word, it would be “comfortable”. This is thanks to the Ortho-Lite Multisport footbed. With a wide toe box, there is plenty of room to wiggle toes and, while they are not a traditional boot, they still provide enough ankle support to keep feet in the correct position when hiking across rougher terrain. 

What’s special about the Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws?

With firm grip, thanks to the Vibram rubber sole, the Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws are BIG. You certainly know you are wearing them. In fact, they add an extra few inches to your height, which helps to make you feel unstoppable! It’s this that makes them so special. 

Firstly, such good stability really takes the impact away from tired joints, especially if you are walking over hard surfaces, such as rock or concrete. The internal padding really encases your feet and lower legs, so you feel very protected against the elements while wearing them, yet being breathable means feet stay nicely warm and not soaking wet with sweat.

Secondly, they are waterproof – very, very waterproof, one of the best waterproof hiking boots options! You can even submerge your feet in deep puddles of water, and socks and skin will stay dry and warm. This means you can keep hiking for hours in wet weather and won’t need to keep stopping and drying off.

What is the main difference between them?

Both these boots look sleek for walking boots and they don’t look like traditional picks, either. This is great as you can wear them with leggings or shorts and not just hiking trousers. However, the main difference between these boots is that the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes are low-rise, while the Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws are a full boot. 

This means the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes are much less restrictive when on. For some women, this will be essential – there’s nothing worse than feeling trapped in your own walking boots! Luckily, the higher-fitting Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws have toggles all the way up the front, meaning you can tighten or loosen the laces to your preference, so you won’t feel so trapped.

The Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws are definitely more of a heavy-duty buy and not as suitable for just a quick walk around the block. When you put them on, you’ll mean business. This is different to the Berghaus shoes, which are more versatile. They feel more like a heavy-duty trainer with wet-weather benefits.

Should I buy the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes or Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws?

Whichever pair you choose, both the Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes and the Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws are reliable buys, which are waterproof, durable and comfortable. Both will keep your feet dry and warm, even in wet weather.

So, the best way to make your choice would be to ask yourself exactly what you need these best women’s walking shoes for. 

Planning on hitting treacherous terrain? Then go for the Aku Trekker Pro GTX Ws. With toe caps to really dig into the ground without harming your feet in any way, these are excellent on steep slopes, while the well-spaced, multi-directional lugs make these ideal in snowy conditions. 

Odd countryside ramble, dog walking or mucking out horses? Then the low-rise Berghaus Women’s Explorer FT Active Gore-Tex Shoes are perfect for you. They are much more versatile (and easy to pack if you need space in your suitcase), plus comfortable enough to be worn every day, yet feet will still stay dry and protected.

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