Brasher Hillmaster II GTX - A New Beginning
You have to pity the poor soul who was handed the job of creating the new Brasher Hillmaster II GTX. The Hillmaster is very close to the heart of many Great British Walkers and Ramblers so whilst reinventing a national treasure offered a shot at glory, there waited a very expectant public.
So what's changed?
In some small way Brasher have looked at, and tweeked every aspect of the old boot to come up with the Hillmaster II GTX.
A few reviews of the previous Hillmaster have mentioned a wearing of the heel and Brasher have addressed this by redesigning the sole; increasing durability whilst reducing weight and at the same time reducing lug depth to improve anti-clogging. As well as this they have improved the heel support and repositioned the locking hook, both of which will ensure a better foot plant for wearers.
The exterior of the Hillmaster II see some more clever improvements in the form of soft, supple leather in different thicknesses for the mens and women's boots.The Mens Hillmaster II GTX will use 2.2 - 2.4mm abrasion resistant full grain leather whilst the Women's will be between 2.0 and 2.2mm.
As well as this Brasher have also improved their gender specific fit for day long comfort.
Anything that can move on a boot can cause discomfort so Brasher have completely redesigned the Hillmaster II's tongue system with a better shape and more comfortable internal padding.
But it's the insides of the Hillmaster II GTX that have seen particular attention. Brasher have rightly stuck with the same Goretex membrane to keep your feet dry and they have now lined this with a "super soft and durable full leather lining for all day comfort".
The new PU Midsole is even better at absorbing shocks from the trail and remains bang on target for Chris Brasher's earliest goal of making walking boots that felt like trainers. Another welcome addition in this department is the inclusion of memory foam in the collar.
All of this extra comfort comes in at an extra 200g over the old boots weight to around 1412g per pair.
So was it all worth it?
Brasher aren't ones to tinker unecesarliy and on paper it all of the changes make perfect sense. There's nothing here to stop Hillmaster lovers from buying the Hillmaster II GTX and there's plenty to expedite that change so congratulations to Brasher on a job well done.
