MODERN CLASSICS
To fully understand the history, heritage and decades of passion that have been poured into the new Berghaus VC22 GTX footwear range, you need to travel back in time to where it all began.
Back in 1966, outdoor gear as we now know it didn’t exist. But in a year when Geoff Hurst scored his iconic World Cup final hattrick and The Beatles made their one and only Top of the Pops appearance, something seismic was stirring in the north-east of England.
Berghaus has always been a brand that prides itself on innovation, and that’s exactly what founders Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison had in mind when they opened an outdoor shop named LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle. The shop quickly gained a reputation for selling the best outdoor wear the industry had to offer; and before long Peter and Gordon began designing, testing and creating their own products, inspired by what they knew climbers actually wanted and needed. There and then, Berghaus was born.
Fast forward 56 years and Berghaus is probably the first name that pops into your head when you think of excellent British mountain kit, with a reputation steeped in high quality and endless innovation. From revolutionising rucksack design in the 1970s to kitting out leading mountaineers like Sir Chris Bonington for Himalayan adventure in the 1980s, Berghaus gear quickly gained a reputation for delivering cutting-edge performance in the world’s most demanding mountain environments.
In the 1990s, Berghaus put a big focus on footwear and the results continued the pattern of setting standards. Kicking off the decade with the groundbreaking GoreTex Dry Socks, the company soon followed that up with the launch of the iconic Storm boots, featuring the high performance Attak sole unit. Many footwear releases have come and gone since, inspired by Berghaus’s unique blend of heritage and innovation.
Just like Berghaus, the needs and tastes of outdoor adventurers have evolved hugely since 1966. Most modern adventurers wouldn’t simply bracket themselves as hillwalkers, or climbers, or runners – more often than not they lead multi-active lifestyles and demand a lot from their kit. One weekend they could be peak-bagging in the Lake District, then the next they’ll be wild camping in the Brecon Beacons, or bikepacking through the Scottish Highlands. So they need boots and shoes that allow them to be flexible and spontaneous, meaning they can stay out longer and do more of what they love.
That’s exactly what the Berghaus VC22 GTX footwear range has been designed for, building on over five decades of expertise and craftsmanship to deliver the performance and versatility you need for a life packed with adventure. Available in mid or low-ankle versions, the all-new VC22 range delivers everything you’d expect in terms of comfort and durability, in a stylish and modern package.
With Gore-Tex waterproofing, a Vibram sole and a unique Opti-Stud pattern underfoot for great traction, these lightweight shoes and boots will keep you exploring mile after mile, adventure after adventure.