Brasher 2007 - Sneak Peek

More from Outdoor Preview and a look at Brasher's plans for 2007. And if you're a mountaineer, don't stop reading now, because the traditional low-level brown boot company is moving up the mountain with a full-on, crampon-compatible C1-graded mountain boot that, well, doesn't look very Brasher-esque...

It's a brave step for a company best known for lightweight walking boots, but they've obviously invested a lot of research and development into what looks like an interesting range of boots.

Top of the new ProVolution range is the Aso GTX - below - a fabric-based, high mountain walking boot that, like the other two models in the range uses three interesting features - a support system in the upper to give lateral stability, memory foam internal padding for comfort and support and a dual-density footbed for comfort and stability.

Other features include a Vibram New Ice mountain sole unit, non-wicking, abrasion-resistant fabric with suede supporting bits, a moulded rubber toe box and a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex liner. The Aso GTX will retail for £130 and here it is with a crampon fitted. See, we weren't making it up after all...

There are two other boots in the range - the Telica GTX (below) a mountain trekking boot with a striking look designed for alpine walking and what Brasher calls 'ambitious trekking on rock and scree'. Again it's a fabric-based boot with a Gore-Tex liner and also incorporates memory foam padding for added comfort. Not crampon compatible and priced at £115 when it becomes available early next year.

Then there's the women's-specific Tambora GTX again designed for mountain trekking, it gets the same technology as the men's boots but in a women's fit with some girly graphics too and pink bits. Priced at £110.

Interesting stuff. The idea seems to be to appeal to existing Brasher users who want to venture higher up, whether it works or not, only time will tell.

You can see details of the current Brasher range at www.brasher.co.uk