Friday, 02 May 2014 12:45

Brasher Hillmaster II GTX Reviewed

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The new Hillmaster II GTX was launched last month at Wasdale Head and has seen a solid month of testing in pretty much every condition since launch. As a replacement for the Hillmaster it's got a lot to live up to but the tweaks and changes take nothing away from the old version but add improved fit and sole to the Mark II.
The most noticeable changes include a new, gender specific, last with slightly more volume at the widest part and a new sole unit. Combined with a subtle movement of the lower of three lace grips above the D rings the new last helps the wearer get a better fit and reduces heel lift that was a problem previously. The new sole unit has been a revelation in terms of its grip on wet grass and mud, although it's still not ideal on wet rock - though there's not many, if any, hillwalking boots capable of good grip across all terrains.

The new PU midsole gives better long distance comfort, while the new lining over the GoreTex membrane is both softer and eliminates the tendancy of the tongue to cause ridges when worn. Durability has also been improved with the photograph showing a pair of Hillmaster II's after the equivalent of a year's use - one boot maintained properly and one boot left un-polished. Along with the improved durability the new version comes with the sole and rand in a single unit, which not only helps the durability with less vulnerable stitching exposed but also makes resoling more viable.
The Hillmaster was a classic Brasher boot and the decision to replace it can't have been easy but in our real-world tests we've found the new Hillmaster II GTX to be a more than capable performer with definite improvements in both fit and grip. It could be the first boot in many years we've looked at resoling rather than replacing when the time comes - and that really says it all.

 

Price: £150

Weight: 1482g

Colour: Chocolate

Features:

  • Upper: 2.2-2.4mm full grain leather. Memory foam in the collar and tongue.

Sole: New Hilmaster® sole unit with shock absorbing PU midsole.

  • Lining: GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Footwear. Fabric lining.
  • Luxurious full grain leather, soft and supple
  • Re-positioned locking hook for extra heel hold
  • New improved outsole design superb grip with cushioned comfort
  • PU midsole and rand shock absorption and protection
  • Memory foam in collar and tongue for enhanced comfort
  • Revised collar and tongue for enhanced comfort

 

Pros: Improved fit, very good on grass and mud, repositioned lace grip

Cons:  Membrane boots not for everyone



Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.

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