Brasher Countrymaster Boots
- By Pete Moore
- Last updated: 26/01/2017
Shoes, no thanks! The best I do is trainers and flip flops as I’m a 100% boot wearer, well I was until I was sent a set of Brasher Countrymaster® II GTX® shoes. As I don’t take country walks I thought the best test of what are rated as top quality footwear would be to use them at this year’s IWA show. Seven massive halls with yours truly going back and forth all day. Well they did not let me down, and though after 8-hours your dogs are always barking, my feet felt far better than in cheap shoes I have used before!
SMART CHOICE
A friend of mine says you can tell a lot about a person by their choice of timepiece and shoes. If so the Countrymasters speak volumes about Brasher’s ability to create stylish, practical and top quality footwear!
The Countrymaster® II GTX takes its inspiration from their original Countrymaster and is one of a range of new outdoor shoes from their classic yet contemporary range of country footwear that is perfect for the modern gentleman, so they tell us. Well I have the shoes I just need to up my standing in society!
Key features of Brasher’s new country range include: high strength and abrasion resistant Pittard’s full grain British leather, GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable lining, Countrymaster® rubber sole unit with shock absorbing REVA midsole, fabric lining with leather-lined collar and memory foam tongue and collar. The range includes – the Country Traveller GTX®, which is more a low boot-style and the Country Strider GTX® shoe. The choice of colour is easy; it’s brown or nothing, though in subtly different shades, the Countrymaster® II GTX come in what Brasher calls Classic and Country Brown.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
What initially impressed was the comfort offered followed by the superior design and build quality. Laces are well made and feature a metal, Brasher logo/plate threaded through positioned between the lower eyelets. They slide easily and the shoe opens up to allow the foot inside. When tied you immediately become aware of the build as your feet feel supported and comfortable.No breaking-in period was required and areas like the padded cuff and tongue show their quality. The sole offers a raised cleat pattern that is good over the ground. OK these are no boots, but for temperate weather use in the country, on the range or on a clay ground they do the business. I have to say that in certain situations they were a pleasure to wear and more practical than big boots.
Overall I was most impressed at not only the build quality and ride but at the price too. OK I may never buy a Rolex but another set of Brashers is certainly on the cards; probably the Country Traveller GTX.