We spent an interesting couple of hours yesterday being briefed on
what's coming our way from Brasher early in 2008 and
before you switch off and think 'ramblers' boots', let's just say
that we were pleasantly surprised...
The company's effectively going to be offering two ranges of boots
for 2008, the traditional brown Brasher boots like the good old
Hillmaster, which have been dubbed Classic and a new range
which is called Performance and has much more technical,
contemporary design and look that's light years away from previous
Brasher boots.
Performance Range
We were pleasantly surprised when we tested Brasher's Telica
GTX last winter and the new developments in the range use
Brasher's Provolution and Tri-Fit system.
We really like the look of the new Borgue GTX which is a
Gore-Tex lined three-season fabric trekking boot that looks like it
could have been made by the likes of Salomon. It's designed to be
used pretty well anywhere below the snowline, so think all-round
three-season mountain walking boot.
Is this really a Brasher boot - you'd better believe it...
More importantly, it uses three interesting technical features
that should make for good performance, all part of the Tri-Fit
gubbins. For starters there's a seriously tough external brace -
called XLS - which you can see running down from the forefoot to the
very stiff heel cup area. It reminds us of the brace on the old
X-Adventure 7 and if it works as well, should give good
stability.
The sturdy heel section is complemented by a soft, supportive heel
cuff that uses memory foam for a comfortable, wrap-around fit to your
ankle, but shouldn't chafe or impede movement. Finally there's a
dual-density footbed which reminds us a little of a Superfeet-style
insole. Sole is a Vibram unit.
It really does look like an interesting boot and will be priced on
a par with the opposition at around £110.
More too...
Also new in the Performance range will be a boot called the
Kelso. It's more of a two/three season animal and while the
Borgue is a men-only affair, the Kelso is also going to be available
in a women's version. It's cut lower, but still has the XLS external
brace and fabric liner with a price tag of £90. Good for,
erm, walking.
Finally the Calusa XCR is a rather un-Brasher looking
approach shoe again using Tri-Fit and aimed at fast-moving types. It
gets more Tr-Fit technology including an ankle support system,
dual-density footbed and a Multi Section Dual Density Footbed for
good measure. There's a Gore-Tex lining too.
In the flesh it felt sturdy and maybe a litte on the weighty side,
but like the Kelso and Bourg, a bit of a departure for Brasher. It
also looks like it might be made with a slightly snugger fit than
traditional Brashers, particularly at the heel, but we won't know for
sure until we've tried them. Price of the Calusa XCR will be
£80.
Different Strokes
We'll tell you about the Classic range in another article, but the
Performance stuff is intersting. The Bourg and the Calusa are a bit
of a departure for Brasher and it's interesting that the most
prominent logo on the Performance range is 'Tri-Fit' rather than
'Brasher'.
They should be in the shops in early 2008 and we're actually
really looking forward to trying them.
More about the current Brasher range at www.brasher.co.uk
