AT

634g (size 6.5)

The Fellmaster GTX walking boots are brand new – launched in February 2012 – and I was the first journalist to get my feet on a pair when I tested them in the wet and muddy Chilterns in December, which was pretty exciting.

This is a great new boot from Brasher. The first thing that strikes you is its good looks – it’s a light brown Nubuck leather and I’d definitely be happy wearing them with jeans as well as out walking. But looks don’t count for much in the mud, so on to the more important stuff…

Brasher’s blurb about the Fellmaster GTX says it offers ‘out of the box’ comfort, which it certainly did for me, and there’s memory foam in the collar and tongue so they’ll only get more comfy. Brasher’s sizes are pretty big so you may want to go a size smaller than usual, but as ever try them on before you buy to make sure. My only complaint about the fit is that the laces were too short to do up in a double bow – even though they didn’t come undone, I’d want to change them if these became my full-time hiking boots to eliminate the risk of having to stop and retie them all the time.

This is another pair of three season boots that stand up to walking in the English winter (for me a necessity). They kept my feet toasty even when I was standing around in freezing December conditions. They also stood up well to mud and rain: the Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Footwear lining kept the wet stuff out even in deep puddles but also seemed fairly breathable – even breaking into a jog my feet didn’t overheat. The sole unit is Brasher’s own and gave good grip on muddy hills and slippery rocks. The boots come high enough up the leg to offer good ankle support, and the mid-sole is stiff enough to give good support but with a bit of bend for flexibility. Another plus is the boot’s extra big toe bumper for extra protection.

This is the lightest and cheapest all-leather boot in this test, offering excellent value for money at £130, and it’s a great new offering from the Sunderland-based company.

In a line: Light, stylish and supportive – a great new boot from Brasher