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Brasher To Revive Original Hillmaster

It'll be back to the future when Brasher relaunches the Hillmaster Original next year.


Posted: 23 July 2007
by Jon

It's back to the future for Brasher next year - alongside their new Performance range they're also bringing back the very first Hillmaster in the guise of the Hillmaster Original, a retro-style classic with the original features of the first Brasher boot plus some modern improvements.

The boot, first launched 15 years ago, features all the classic specifications of the original design including an EVAlution sole unit with the distinctive non-clogging tread and a shock-absorbing REVA mid-sole.

It will have a full-grain leather upper with a nubuck ankle cuff and an abrasion-resistant fabric lining. Last and not least, there is NO Gore-Tex or other waterproof liner.

We've had enough e-mails bemoaning the demise of the Hillmaster to know that this is going to be one popular relaunch. The bad news is that you won't be seeing the Hillmaster Original in the shops until around March 2008 when it will cost £95. Available in both men's and women's versions.

Other Classics Tweaked...

Other boots in the Classic range get tweaked along the way - the Classics include the 'Master' series and the SupaLites by the way - including the Hillmaster GTX, the boot that the original Hillmaster has evolved into.

For next spring it gets a new full leather lining, a nubuck cuff and, as the name suggests, a Gore-Tex lining. The Trailmaster GTX - above - is revamped too, it says here, and will feature a memory foam ankle cuff as used in the Performance range, for improved comfort.

Last but not least, there's a new Classic multi-activity shoe called the Tolowa, which is designed for strolling along canal paths and easy tracks as well as everyday use. It's made from a mix of suede and nubuck, has the same sole unit - we think - as the more performance-orientated Calusa, and again there's no Gore-Tex lining, so it should be more comfortable in hot conditions. Again it's not due until March 2008 when it will set you back £70 in both men's and women's versions.

Finally there' a classic hill/valley boot called the Lairg GTX, but made in fabric and complete with a Gore-Tex liner for just £70.

None of this stuff is out till next spring, but we thought you might find it interesting to see what's in the pipeline.

Current Brasher information at www.brasher.co.uk


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I had a pair of the original Brasher Boot. Suede upper, Klet sole, very light & extremely comfortable. Now if only Brasher would make that one again...

Posted: 31/07/2007 at 09:04

Mine were so comfy they are still hanging up in the garage for poterity, even though they will never be used again! I had two pairs, rich red brown and then a grey version

Posted: 03/08/2007 at 17:02

I have a pair of Hillmaster GTXs from around 10 (or more) years ago. They look more like the originals pictured but have a leather ankle cuff. They still get used regularly as a club where I shoot clays is on the side of a mountain. Two years ago I bought new boots.

The Hillmaster as they are now are pathetic looking boots. The cuff looked like suede, rather than nubuck, and is going to be a mare to keep clean and will do nothing apart from absorb water. The current ones are not as comfortable as mine and certainly don't feel as solid. Had a look at Trailmasters but they are also not very comfortable boots. In the end I bought some Raichle boots.

I remember the first time I wore my Hillmasters, up around Beddgelert, and can remember feeling how solid the ground underfoot felt, compared to other boots I'd tried. 

The Hillmasters I have are fantastic, and that's all they should have stuck with. 


Posted: 12/12/2007 at 12:13

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