Brasher has always been best known for its low level walking
boots, built on a running shoe-type last and renowned for lightness
and comfort. The company hasn't been quite so successful 'further up
the mountain' though, with the last attempt at a Brasher mountain
boot, the Ridgemaster, not really hitting the spot.
The sturdy-looking new Trailmaster GTX though - see right -
is intended to change all that. Launched at last week's Harrogate Go
Outdoors Show, the new boot is described as 'the ultimate 3-4 season
boot that's purpose built for high altitude trekking below the
snowline, tackling rough terrain and carrying heavier loads'.
Set to retail at £120 when it hits the shops in February next
year, the Trailmaster is significantly stiffer than traditional
Brasher models with what feels like much improved torsional rigidity
from a new 4mm, 3D injected nylon insole unit.
The sole unit too has been radically re-worked. The tread is still
recognisably Brasher with big mud-shedding gaps, but there's a bigger
surface area in contact with the ground to up durability and the
normal running-shoe type EVA cushioning material has been replaced
with a shock-absorbing PU version which should last longer with heavy
use. You also get a PU rand for protection and a high-cut padded
leather ankle collar.
The Nubuck leather is thicker than that of other Brasher boots too,
and lined with a Gore-Tex bootie for total waterproofness, which in
turn is protected by an inner leather lining. Last but not least, new
hinged D-ring lace eyelets make it easier to remove and re-insert
laces for cleaning.
First impressions look promising and while at 1,344 grammes for a
size 9, the boot isn't ultra-light, it's still very respectable for a
3-4 season item and available in men's and women's versions. We're
planning on taking a pair to Nepal soon, so we'll let you know how
they get on.
Other changes...
The Trailmaster GTX is the big news, but there are a few other
Brasher range tweaks too. A new Hillmaster replaces the Hillmaster
GTX and Hillmaster Classic models after the two got together to
create the Hillmaster Classic GTX, which has the best features of
both.
Next the neat-looking AT20 travel range gets some new additions
with a Gore XCR hot conditions lining and a new, more walking
orientated sole unit. The Kala for women and the Kamati for men look
a little more conservative than last year's 'trendier than thou'
shoes, which are still available, and should have wider appeal as a
result.
Last but not least there are two new fabric boots, but we'll tell
you about those elsewhere.
More about Brasher on the Brasher
web site.
