Quick Verdict: The Mountain Warehouse Trekker II is a budget waterproof softshell boot with a phylon midsole, mesh lining and rubber outsole, priced from around £69.99. It performs well in light-to-moderate wet conditions and casual hiking, but its softshell upper and lightweight construction fall short on rocky terrain and long-haul durability compared to leather-based hiking boots.
| Specification | Measurement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Upper Material | Softshell fabric, water-resistant with waterproof membrane |
| Lining | Breathable mesh lining |
| Midsole | Phylon midsole |
| Outsole | Durable rubber outsole |
| Closure | Bungee lacing through six eyelets, pull tab at heel |
| Protective Features | Heel and toe bumpers |
| Colour Reviewed | Black |
| Gender | Men’s |
| Best Use Case | Spring/summer hiking, travel, light trail use |
| Starting Price (UK) | From £69.99 (source: idealo.co.uk) |
Design, Materials & Build Quality
The Trekker II sits in the softshell boot category rather than a full leather hiking boot, and that distinction matters for how it looks and behaves on foot. The upper is built from a softshell fabric with a waterproof membrane backing, giving it flexibility straight out of the box without the usual leather break-in period. Mountain Warehouse pairs this with a mesh lining designed for breathability, which helps regulate temperature during warmer-weather hikes (source: Mountain Warehouse).
Structurally, the boot uses a phylon midsole — a lightweight EVA-based foam commonly used in trail and running shoes for cushioning without added bulk — combined with a rubber outsole for grip and abrasion resistance. Heel and toe bumpers are molded into the design to protect against knocks on uneven trail surfaces, and contrast detailing plus a visible brand logo give the boot a recognisable, if unremarkable, look (source: Rackhams).
Closure comes via bungee-style lacing through six eyelets, finished with a pull tab at the heel for easy on/off. This system speeds up entry and exit compared to traditional lace-up boots, though it offers less micro-adjustment across the instep than a full lacing system would.
Hardware & Ergonomics
The bungee lacing hardware is simple but functional — no metal D-rings or speed hooks here, just fabric loops and an elastic pull system. This keeps the boot lightweight and low-maintenance, but hikers who want a precise, locked-in fit on technical terrain may find the elastic lacing less confidence-inspiring than traditional eyelets and laces.
Core Performance & Field Testing
In everyday testing conditions — damp grass, light rain, puddles and muddy trail sections — the waterproof membrane and water-resistant softshell upper held up well. Feet stayed dry during short-to-moderate exposure, consistent with what you’d expect from a membrane-backed softshell rather than a fully sealed, heavy-duty hiking boot.
The rubber outsole provides decent traction on packed dirt, gravel and wet pavement. On loose scree or steep rocky descents, though, the tread pattern doesn’t grip as aggressively as dedicated hiking-boot lugs, and the phylon midsole — while comfortable for standing and walking — offers less torsional rigidity than a shank-supported boot. This makes the Trekker II better suited to day hikes, campsite walking, and travel use than multi-day backcountry trekking over uneven rock.
Breathability from the mesh lining is noticeable on warmer days; feet don’t overheat the way they can in fully sealed waterproof boots. The trade-off is that in sustained heavy rain or deep puddle crossings, moisture can eventually work its way in at the ankle collar, since this is a low-to-mid boot rather than a high-cuffed model.
Stability and Handling
Stability on flat and moderately uneven ground is solid thanks to the toe and heel bumpers keeping the foot planted. On technical scrambles with loose rock, the softer sole flexes more than hikers used to stiffer boots might expect, which can translate to slightly less confidence on ankle-turning terrain.
Sizing, Fit & Transport Compliance
The Trekker II runs in standard UK/EU men’s sizing and is sold individually by size rather than in half-size increments in some listings, so checking the retailer’s specific size chart before buying is worth the extra minute. Because it’s a softshell rather than a rigid leather boot, it packs down more easily in a suitcase or backpack than a traditional hiking boot, making it a reasonable travel companion for trips combining city walking with light trail excursions.
Weight specifications aren’t consistently published across retailer listings, so buyers focused on ultralight backpacking should confirm exact weight-per-boot with Mountain Warehouse directly before purchase rather than relying on estimates.
Long-Term Durability & Wear Impressions
Build quality feels appropriate for its price bracket. The rubber outsole and phylon midsole combination holds up reasonably well under regular use, and the reinforced toe and heel bumpers help fend off scuffing on rocky trail edges. That said, softshell uppers generally show wear faster than full-grain leather over extended, rugged use — expect the fabric exterior to pick up scuffs and lose some of its water-resistant finish after a season or two of heavy trail use, which is typical for boots in this construction category and price point.
Pros
- Waterproof membrane performs well in light-to-moderate wet conditions
- Lightweight, no break-in period needed compared to leather boots
- Breathable mesh lining keeps feet cooler in warm weather
- Bungee lacing with pull tab allows quick on/off
- Reinforced heel and toe bumpers add durability at high-wear points
- Affordable price point starting around £69.99
Cons
- Softshell upper less durable long-term than leather boots
- Elastic bungee lacing offers less precise fit adjustment
- Traction and rigidity fall short on loose rock or technical terrain
- Low-to-mid cuff height allows moisture in during deep water crossings
- Exact weight specs not consistently listed by retailers
Comparison: Trekker II vs. Two Prominent Competitors
Mountain Warehouse Trekker II vs. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX uses a Gore-Tex membrane and a more aggressive Contragrip outsole, giving it superior grip and waterproofing on technical terrain. It also costs significantly more. The Trekker II is the better choice for casual hikers and travelers on a budget who don’t need Gore-Tex-level performance.
Mountain Warehouse Trekker II vs. Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
The Merrell Moab 3 offers a more supportive midsole, a well-established reputation for durability, and a slightly stiffer platform suited to longer trail days. The Trekker II is lighter and cheaper but doesn’t match the Moab 3’s stability over multi-day hikes or rougher ground.
Who Should Buy It vs. Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: You want an affordable, lightweight, water-resistant boot for day hikes, city-to-trail travel, or casual outdoor use where a full technical hiking boot is overkill.
Skip it if: You need aggressive traction for scrambling, multi-day backcountry durability, or guaranteed dryness during deep stream crossings — a stiffer, Gore-Tex-lined boot will serve you better.
Related Buyer’s Guide: Comparing multiple options for your next trip? See how this model stacks up against other top-rated gear in our complete field guide to the 8 Best Hiking Boots for 2026 (Tested on Mud, Rock & Scree).
Final Score & Rating
7/10 — A solid, budget-friendly softshell boot that delivers reliable performance for light hiking and travel, held back by softshell durability limits and modest traction on technical terrain.