Brasher - New For 2009

We've just a sneak preview of Brasher's spring 2009 footwear and we thought you might appreciate a quick look at some of what's new - once again it looks less and less like the traditional brown Brasher boot...

Lithium XCR - 'fast , light, versatile...'

Part of Brasher's new 'Mountain Sports' range, the Lithium XCR is a lightweight, Gore-Tex-lined boot designed for walking and hiking. It uses a TPU plate in the mid-sole unit to give good torsional rigidity and uses a new sole unit which has cunning spaced lugs to give a combination of traction, braking and enough space for efficient mud evacuation.

Uppers are fabric and suede with a memory foam ankle cuff for comfort and at around 1260 grammes, they're only a little heavier than Brasher's own Supalite but much more of an all-rounder, we think. Price will be £110.

Helium XCR - 'elasticated sock construction'

Nice to see a company producing a shoe specifically for walking, the Helium XCR uses an elasticated sock construction to give what Brasher says is a glove-like fit, though on your feet, obviously.

The Tri-Fit exoskeleton is back to keep the uppers supportive while there's a high traction outsole combined with an EVA mid-sole featuring a block of softer material on the outside of the heel to take the sting out of initial foot strike on harder surfaces.

Brasher says walking or running, but looking at it, we're thinking it's a proper walking shoe that's reasonably light at 780 grammes, but has enough reinforcement on the uppers to cope with a bit of a thrashing... £85 complete with Gore-Tex lining.

Neon - 'breathable and lightweight'

Very un-Brasher, captain... The Neon is a sleek-looking, mesh-uppered beastie with a low stance, adjustable soft heel section and lots of ventilation. Should be ideal for a bit of warm weather travelling or the great British August. Erm, £55.

There's more besides. The Calusa shoe, which we never really got on with, has morphed into a mid, which will hopefully do away with its ankle cuff issues and there are some neat open sandal type shoes which has memory foam built into the footbed for added comfort underfoot.

Appreantly the fabric-uppered one is great if you have bunions... More Brasher information at www.brasher.co.uk