Brasher Calusa XCR - First Look
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Price:
£80
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Weight: 970 grammes (pair size
43)
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Features:
Multi-active shoe using Tri Fit Active technology. Mesh and
nubuck uppers with toe and heel bumper, three-part
multi-active sole unit with dual density mid-sole, torsional
support shank and multi-lug preformance outsole. Gore-Tex
XCR waterproof and breathable lining. Tri-Fit footbed with
heel cushioning and support. Also availalable as
women's-specific version
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What's It For?
Brasher describes the Calusa as 'a high performance and active
shoe ideal for speed and endurance', but more realistically, we think
it's a sturdy walking come performance casual shoe. As far as the
'multi-active' tag goes, it's not really suitable for running, though
it would be okay for cycling using flat pedals.
The Techy Bits
Brasher's buzz word at the moment is Tri-Fit and that means a
whole raft of technical features right through the shoe. The upper
for example, is designed with tough nubuck panels which also, in
conjunction with the lacing system, help to hold the forefoot in
place more snugly.
The footbed is one of the best OE ones we've seen with heel cup,
arch support and additional cushioning beneath the heel. What really
defines the character of the shoe though is the mid-sole which
combines dual density EVA padding with a stiff torsional support
shank which is designed to keep the sole from twisting on uneven
ground.
How It Performs
The Calusa may look like a standard issue trainer in photos, but
in the flesh it's got a very sturdy, stable feel not unlike a low-cut
walking boot. The uppers are tough feeling with boot-style fat laces
and reinforced heel and toe box.
The real sturdiness comes from the sole unit. Forget the sort of
flex you'd get from, say, a running shoe, these are more boot like
with loads of lateral stiffness but also a fair resistance to
longitudinal flex. That makes them very trustworthy on rough ground, but theoretically with better ankle
moblity and foot placement precision than a higher cut boot.
We say 'theoretically' because unfortunately the highish and
stiffish ankle bone cutaway didn't really get on with the
OUTDOORSmagic test foot making them unfcomfortable to wear. It's not
a problem we have often and it may not be an issue for you, but it
does underline the importance of trying carefully when it comes to
footwear.
A brief but slightly painful test walk confirmed that the Calusa
is good and sturdy feeling, reasonably well cushioned and seems to
offer decent grip on both rock and softer ground.
Putting our specific fit issues to one side, the Calusa is a
tough, robust modern walking shoe with more sole stiffness than most
approach or running shoes. It's not particularly light and it doesn't
give you that twinkle-toed agile feel that trail running shoes from
the likes of Inov-8 do, but if you want boot-like performance from a
shoe, you should take a look.
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Sturdy, stable, well made and roomy.
Ankle cut-out stiff and quite high cut, not the lightest out
there.
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Know more or want to?
If you'd like to add your own experiences of this
product check out our user review system and post your opinions to
the world. If you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try a posting to our
gear
forum.
