Brasher Hillmaster Reviews
Latest Reviews
“Great brand, now badly manufactured.”
Written on: 14/05/2013
I am returning the Brasher boots I recently got, despite the apparent comfort of the fit as on examination at home they are obviously seconds. Further investigation reveals that the boots nowadays are made in China. The extremely haphazard stitching internally, mismatched pieces of leather and wonky bulging tongue on one of the boots, plus areas where the bonding of sole and upper looks bumpy rather than smooth, all lead me to conclude that quality control is the problem. And they... (read more)
“Probably my favourite pair of brasher yet!”
Written on: 04/04/2013
I have bought over time many brasher boots and shoes and I think honestly this is my absolute favourite pair yet. They are extremely comfortable and I often find it rather difficult to find boots that I am happy to do long distances in. The retailer I purchased from were extremely helpful and were able to help me decide on which pair of boots would suit me best. Having taken these through some hillwalking and general trekking I would have no problem in recommending people to pick up a... (read more)
“Contast pain in my knees”
Written on: 29/01/2013
I have previously owned a pair of Hillwalkers and a pair of Superlites and been completely satisfied. I then bought a pair of Hillmaster boots. I walked in them every weekend (and some weeks) for two years. After about three months I developed terrible and constant pain in my knees. Went to to doctor but they confirmed it was not arthritis. Towards the end of November I stopped walking and the pain went away. I then did one walk in my Hillmasters and the pain returned. I have... (read more)
“Slippery hillmasters”
Written on: 23/10/2012
These boots must be the most dangerous boots I have ever worn. Extremely slippery on wet or damp rock and stone. Great once onto soft surfaces but until then be very careful. I have other boots including solomen without vibram soles and they are much more grippy. (read more)
“Slippery hillmasters”
Written on: 23/10/2012
These boots must be the most dangerous boots I have ever worn. Extremely slippery on wet or damp rock and stone. Great once onto soft surfaces but until then be very careful. I have other boots including solomen without vibram soles and they are much more grippy. (read more)
“Not fit for purpose. Ripped to shreds in only a few weeks.”
Written on: 24/08/2012
This is an alert to anyone wanting to do any walking over rocky ground. I have found that the boot leather has torn easily and broken away where the boots have made contact with rocks. My boots are ripped to shreds already and I have only had them a couple of months. So, I would only recommend this boot for walking the dog - and only then if not walking the dog over rocky ground, stick to gentle moorland and meadows. (read more)
“good and bad like the curates egg”
Written on: 04/07/2012 by Dorca
They look good, I like the traditional look and brown leather style. old fashioned retro look. People in my walking club said that brasher boots are really comfy to wear immediately, however, I have not found this so. I found quite uncomfortable blisters and this has happened after several miles of walking. They are well constructed and breathable. Must agree with previous reviewer that not good grip on wet surface. They polish up nice though and I am all in favour of the English boot... (read more)
“knock off nigels hillmasters”
Written on: 11/04/2012 by knockoffnigel
Bought these boots from a man thet knows a man who has his hair cut with the same man that i know !! What a load of tosh , i had blisters from day one and as for the grip in wet grass ,mud or shale forget it .After 9months of wearing for work just because they keep my feet dry and look good the soles wouldnt pass a tyre test as that in an MOT . The only upside to them , they were cheap ! if id of paid £80.00 for them i would of been fed up . (read more)
“Wish I'd found these reviews before I bought these boots”
Written on: 25/02/2012
I'd had a pair of Brasher Hillmasters in the past and they were good apart from a crease at flex point and a cracked rand but I'd had them about 12 years so couldn't grumble. So I bought another pair. BIG mistake. Blisters, cramped feet, no grip on wet or icy surfaces, just CAN'T seem to get them to break in. Then got given a not-very-much used pair of Neebees - instantly comfortable - regretted having paid £110 for the Brashers! However the sole on one of the Neebees has just... (read more)
“I found Brasher boots to be a bad mistake ”
Written on: 19/01/2012
After 7 years of regular walking with my Peter Storm boots they looked a bit worse for wear. I bought a pair of Brasher Hillmaster GTX walking boots because they looked like a good strong pair of walking boots for my frequent outings with the ramblers. I wore them around the house for 4 days and they seemed comfortable around the house. On my first outing after about 1 mile my heels starting hurting but I thought it's the process of breaking in some new boots and I should bear with it and... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 61 Reviews
“Hillmaster Boot Heel Blisters”
Written on: 04/12/2011 by gunnershaw (1 review written)
Bought these boots because they looked very similar to my old Wainrights which fitted like slippers and gave me good service for many years. How wrong I was. Just been up Wetherlam and they have shredded the skin off my heels. They started rubbing after the first mile and I applied plasters to the hot spots but to no avail. I was also a bit dissapointed with the amount of grip. I shall try to wear them in by walking short distances locally but if they don't improve within the next few... (read more)
“I bought a pair of Hillmasters at a very good price of...”
Written on: 10/03/2011 by geordie33 (4 reviews written)
I bought a pair of Hillmasters at a very good price of £65.I thought these were the boots I currently use and like very much-turned out my existing boots are Hillwalkers.I have only done a couple of short walks in them-4 miles or so.They are nothing like as comfortable as my Hillwalkers and feel very heavy to me which I found surprising.Cannot imaging doing 12miles+ in them-not such a bargain after all (read more)
“Ended a lifetime devotion to Berghaus on the...”
Written on: 21/02/2011
Ended a lifetime devotion to Berghaus on the recommendation of many - only for the sole to fall off on the third walk of a holiday in Cumbria. They were remarkably comfortable up to that point, but very dangerous as I walked back from Grisedale Tarn to Glenridding. My confidence in the product is severely shaken. (read more)
“My wife and I have each had two pairs of Hillmaster's...”
Written on: 25/01/2011
My wife and I have each had two pairs of Hillmaster's each over a number of years. They covered many miles including the Inca trail, Dololomite ferratas, Pyrennean trails and Yorkshire three Peaks in complete comfort. We were therefore confident in buying two pairs of new Hillmasters without even trying them on in the shop. Big mistake! Both of us got big heel blisters on the first outing! We persevered however on a couple of more shortish but painful blistered walks before contacting... (read more)
“I purchased a pair of Brasher Hillmaster boots on...”
Written on: 24/01/2011 by Mynyydd ddu (1 review written)
I purchased a pair of Brasher Hillmaster boots on line. After my old Hawkins boots, I was a little disappointed by their light weight construction, but have been pleasantly surprised by their extreme comfort.
On the day they arrived, I walked six miles in them with no problems at all and have done several ten mile walks since. Not a blister to be seen.
I always wear Bridgedale socks which give great comfort.Brasher Hillmasters give little ankle support, but unlike high boots they are better...
(read more)
“ These Boots Have Been Absolutly Faultless For 5 Years . ”
Written on: 19/12/2010
These Boots Have Been Absolutly Faultless For 5 Years .
I Brought These Boots In 2005 . After Having Endless Walking Boots These Where The First Boots That I Could Litteraly Just Wear Straight Out Of The Box . No Breaking In Was Required . No Blisters Superb .
The Soles Where Nice & Comfortable Soft & Quiet For Walking , Hunting , & Bird Watching .
I Have Totally Abused These Boots Not Just a Bit Of Hill Walking , I'm Talking Total Submersion In Muddy Crappy Farmers Fields . Never Once...
(read more)
“soles worn out within 11 months not good”
Written on: 10/12/2010
soles worn out within 11 months not good (read more)
“My Brasher Hillmasters were expensive and only used...”
Written on: 30/11/2010 by Robins1 (3 reviews written)
My Brasher Hillmasters were expensive and only used infrequently they too let in and Brasher customer services say as they are quite old they feel that my toes have rubbed through to the Goretex lining and that's why they leak. They offered a discount on another pair - well that's big of them not! You can better discounts from any store! Point is I buy Goretex as it is guaranteed to keep you dry but to be honest they always leak after a while I think the Goretex membrane doesn't like to... (read more)
“Paid £120 from Winfields at Haslingden. Boots were...”
Written on: 29/11/2010
Paid £120 from Winfields at Haslingden. Boots were comfy like walking in gloves from day one. previously had cheaper boots and wet feet.
had i read these review first i would not have bought them but i am so pleased i did. My thanks to the anonymous customer who steered me towards them in the shop when i was thinking about buying cheaper ones. He said he had bought lots of makes in the past but was now on his third pair of brashers hillmaster and they were the best . Thanks whoever you...
(read more)
“I've been walking for many years and these are the...”
Written on: 13/11/2010
I've been walking for many years and these are the first Brasher boots I've bought. What a mistake! I went for a regular two hour walk with a friend and the blisters on my heels were so bad I turned back after 30 minutes and walked back barefoot. It was the first time I've worn them I admit, but I've walked in other new boots many times before and broke them in gently, like I intended with these. Instead I'm going to bin them. I now can't walk for a week or two and have wasted a lot of... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 61 Reviews
“I have used hillmasters for 18 months on all types of...”
Written on: 28/08/2010
I have used hillmasters for 18 months on all types of terrain and in all weathers.they are deffinately the worst walking boots that i have ever worn.they provide no grip at all,are uncomfortable and give no support to the ankle or midsole.My advice would be do not buy a pair,as there are better boots available that cost half the price.I am totally disapointed with the quality of these boots and would not want another pair if i was given them! (read more)
“Had an old pair of brashers for years but this new...”
Written on: 27/08/2010
Had an old pair of brashers for years but this new pair are VERY uncomfortable - huge blisters on both heals - never had this before - worn about 7 times - just hopeless - do not buy. (read more)
“Had a pair of Ne Bees for 11 years. Great boots....”
Written on: 07/06/2010
Had a pair of Ne Bees for 11 years. Great boots. Always liked the looks of Brashers. Had for last 18 months. Had to take first pair back after a week as the sole came away from boot. Found very little support for hill walking after a couple of hours toes cramped up that has never hapened to me before. Now only used to walk dog in fields. The heal is already showing signs of ware. Now looking for good supporting boot. (read more)
“Very comfortable and for a change a size 9 boot that...”
Written on: 22/05/2010
Very comfortable and for a change a size 9 boot that is actually size 9, i walk 3 to 5 miles a day in them but the soles have only lasted 6 months. (read more)
“just bought these for long walks and my job(postman)...”
Written on: 26/02/2010
just bought these for long walks and my job(postman) alot of grip but very slippery for some reason,also blisters around the ankle area very common,not as comfortable as i had expected,should have stuck to my nike goadomes.At least they look good though,not much use to me,and i do think they are overpriced. (read more)
“Poor grip on mud and icy surfaces. Not very durable,...”
Written on: 24/02/2010
Poor grip on mud and icy surfaces. Not very durable, lace eyelets broke after only 2 years and cracks appeared across front of boot letting in water. Comfortable and light but that's all there is good to say about them (read more)
“My main problem with the hillmasters is that the heel...”
Written on: 15/02/2010
My main problem with the hillmasters is that the heel is very narrow which doesn't offer enough protection against ankle turns. After a bad ankle injury while wearing them they are now relegated to strolls in the park. Uppers are hard wearing but sole isn't. Avoid! (read more)
“I am now on my second - sorry third pair of Hillmaster...”
Written on: 09/01/2010 by pumps100 (1 review written)
I am now on my second - sorry third pair of Hillmaster GTX boots. About 6 years ago my wife and I and another couple all bought Brasher Hillmaster GTX boots. We were in training for the West Highland Way. I had a fit problem with my left foot - slight slippage from heel area - causing blisters. Phoned Brasher's for advice. Result a new pair of boots with some heel inserts. This was better but not entirely good. We did the West Highland Way - I managed with help from Compeed. The other... (read more)
“I bought mine about 4 or 5 years ago and still wear...”
Written on: 22/12/2009
I bought mine about 4 or 5 years ago and still wear them although im looking for another pair (wont be brasher hillmaster again).
Done the west highland way in them and had so many blisters from them you could hardly see my feet! Stylish boots, totally waterproof, feel good to wear but let down by premature sole wear and the sides of the boot perishes badly around the toe area. The rubber around the boot comes away from the boots and cracks and the toe leather bends and crinkles too. They...
(read more)
“My new Brasher Hillmaster Ladies Boots are the worst...”
Written on: 06/12/2009 by paulinehukin (1 review written)
My new Brasher Hillmaster Ladies Boots are the worst boots I have ever had.
Blisters are the worst ever. Style is OK - fit well - price is well - um!
They felt comfortable in the shop, great for a couple of miles and then BLISTERS like never before!
They don't last either - tend to leak after a few months. Not what you would expect at that price.
Would not recommend Brasher boots to my worst enemy!
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 61 Reviews
“I am just moving into my third season using my...”
Written on: 14/10/2009 by Bedbugs52 (1 review written)
I am just moving into my third season using my Hillmaster GTX's. During this time I have probably walked about 800 miles over all kinds of terrain. The boots have stood up to the test of time pretty well with only modest wear to the soles and creasing around the toe rolls. Straight from the box, the boots were supremely comfortable and I have yet to suffer a blister. The boots have also remained watertight throughout this time. The only downsides are they may be a little low cut for some... (read more)
“I mistakenly thought I would be getting quality when I...”
Written on: 22/09/2009
I mistakenly thought I would be getting quality when I purchased my Brasher Hillmaster GTX boots. After only 8 months they were returned as the sole had worn so badly, particularly on the outside of the heel, that it was affecting the way I walked. The leather had also split and they leaked badly. Brashers opinion? It's normal and any problems are my fault. 8 months wear for £100 plus? Never, ever again. (read more)
“A fantastic boot. I have looked everywhere for a boot...”
Written on: 29/08/2009
A fantastic boot. I have looked everywhere for a boot that is comfortable and supportive enough. These Brasher Hillmasters feel great from the moment you put them on and wear well. Well done! (read more)
“I have had these Brasher Hillmaster boots for 11 years...”
Written on: 29/08/2009
I have had these Brasher Hillmaster boots for 11 years and have walked over various terains in them. I have never had a blister from them, they are still waterproof to the ankle and are in great condition. I am so impressed by them that after finally wearing out the sole I will be having them re-soled.
I can honestly say there is nothing that I don't like about them. If I can't have them resoled I will buy a new pair. There's a distinct lack of leather boots on the market and I've...
(read more)
“Myself and my partner bought these Brasher Hillmaster...”
Written on: 10/08/2009
Myself and my partner bought these Brasher Hillmaster boots 18mths and 2yrs ago. I would definitely not recommend them. The soles do not have a good grip and they leak. I did the leakage test as suggested by Brasher and there was 150ml of water in one of my boots and 125ml in the other - not as much as this in my partner's boots. We are experienced walkers and we take very good care of our boots. The recommended cream has been used on the boots after every walk. Whilst the company have... (read more)
“Ist pair returned within 30 days due to fault with...”
Written on: 17/07/2009
Ist pair returned within 30 days due to fault with rand. Replacement pair returned within 30 days due to heels coming off both boot. Waiting for my refund even though they have my boots. Was warned about Brasher Hillmaster boots falling to bits. Didnt believe them to my detrement. Wish I had read this review first. Brasher boots, they are a disgrace. (read more)
“I have just returned my second pair of Brasher...”
Written on: 23/04/2009
I have just returned my second pair of Brasher hillmasters. i am very disappointed with them. I have always worn brashers and the quality seems to have deteriated. (read more)
“brasher hillmaster boots are well made and finished,...”
Written on: 17/04/2009 by classic0904 (4 reviews written)
brasher hillmaster boots are well made and finished, and very easy to break in. Never had any problems with these boots and find them comfortable with no blister problems at all. (read more)
“I work in these Brasher Hillmaster boots 12 hours a...”
Written on: 12/04/2009
I work in these Brasher Hillmaster boots 12 hours a day.Only replace when the sole is flat and becomes dangerous.I get through three pairs a year.Never once treated the leather with anything and always water proof.Today 5 hrs watering plants on the nursery feet perfectly dry.All day comfort and great support.Easy boot to drive in booth car and HGV. (read more)
“Brasher Hillmaster walking boots are very comfortable...”
Written on: 10/03/2009
Brasher Hillmaster walking boots are very comfortable after break in. Lasted 5 years various conditions of use from road to fells and Glastobury fayre. Bad points are: Very poor ankle support.turned ankle twice with these boots,heal far to high.Overpriced by 25%.Must have regular leather cleaning and polish to keep waterproof. A moderate walking boot. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 31 - 40 of 61 Reviews
“I was looking forward to my new Brashers 2 and a half...”
Written on: 30/01/2009 by mardavrio (2 reviews written)
I was looking forward to my new Brashers 2 and a half years ago. they were the most expensive boot i had ever invested in . unfortunately I've discovered big price does not mean big results . I wear walking boots minimum 3 times a week 52 weeks a year on uneven slippy terrain . Brashers have let me down seriously on support and grip after a short period . when I pay good money it takes a while to admit ( after perseverance ) that I may have spent unwisely . Pity as they remain very... (read more)
“Here is my complaint about my nice new walking boots...”
Written on: 21/10/2008 by paramotorclub (1 review written)
Here is my complaint about my nice new walking boots from brasher
During the Tip to Tip 2008 expedition which was raining loads, I decided to buy a nice new pair of brasher walking boots in Inverness.
They were lovely and warm and dry and comfy and everything that you want from a £130 pair of boots. Until I walked through some wet grass for the first time.
While walking around a 9 acre field of short wet grass, i felt what seemed to be water? no way, water? Gor Tex? Brasher? but indeed, 15...
(read more)
“Within 2 years welt pealed away and had excessive heel...”
Written on: 05/10/2008
Within 2 years welt pealed away and had excessive heel and sole wear. Waste of money given that my predceeding zamberlans lasted for 10 years with greater annual usage, until I split leather! (read more)
“Reputation high quality boot. I bought a pair pf...”
Written on: 27/09/2008 by sara p cliff (1 review written)
Reputation high quality boot. I bought a pair pf women's Hillmaster's in March as a birthday treat. I have worn them on road two or three times since. On a recent trip to Iona I have suffered severe heel blisters and damage, very painful. Do I take them back to the shop ?? (read more)
415227_Dwaring's Response to sara p cliff's Review
Written on: 04/11/2008
Hi just taken my hillmasters back today, after walking 50 miles i also suffered serious blisters throughout the 4 weeks i had them. I tried everything to no avail, however had to go a week without leaving the house due to not being able to put anything on my feet due to the pain.
Reply to this comment
“Wore these while walking the WEST HIGHLAND WAY. Not...”
Written on: 01/07/2008
Wore these while walking the WEST HIGHLAND WAY. Not one blister.... Good socks help of course. (read more)
“If you look around you can get these boots on the web...”
Written on: 21/06/2008
If you look around you can get these boots on the web for just short of £100. They are widely touted as the most popular hill walking boots in the UK, however, for an extra £20 or less if you webtraw,l and get the slightly older model, you can get a pair of Scarpa Ranger GTX - better quality leather, Vibram sole unit (there's a good reason that the majority of boots with a RRP over £100 use Vibram) and hardly any trade off in weight. I've just made this replacement and have learnt my... (read more)
“I've had a pair of Hillmasters since 1995 (the same...”
Written on: 08/04/2008
I've had a pair of Hillmasters since 1995 (the same pair!) I've had the sole replaced once but wouldn't swap them, they were comfortable straight away and with a decent pair of socks I've had no chaffing problems at all. (read more)
“The Brasher Hillmaster boots are fantastic. I have...”
Written on: 08/03/2008 by hillgardener (1 review written)
The Brasher Hillmaster boots are fantastic. I have even forgotten how long ago I purchase mine - 5-7 years ago - EXCELLENT - so comfortable, ladies BUT with leather heel cuff. So good, I persuaded my husband - his are superb and so very comfortable BUt with a stupid suede ankle cuff which has torn severel times - so old shirts and copydex - looksd horrid but very pracical - what a shame to cheapen such maginificent boots. I will still buy again (when they finally wear out) - but so far they... (read more)
“Thinking I was buying a quality product , after two...”
Written on: 14/02/2008 by hikerfromcanada (1 review written)
Thinking I was buying a quality product , after two years of fairly easy hiking, I was disappointed with the premature wear of the heels and portions of both soles which have worn completely smooth, with one heel actually 'peeling' away. I say premature wear since my last pair of 'sundowner' boots which were similarly - priced gave me many years of fairly rugged hiking over rocky terrain with no such wear on the soles. (read more)
“Good all round boot that offers good support and a...”
Written on: 30/12/2007 by ericforster
Good all round boot that offers good support and a blister free walking experience (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 41 - 50 of 61 Reviews
overview
Top 5 Walking Boots
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Meindl Burma Pro
14 reviews read latest review -
2. Scarpa Terra Lady GTX
4 reviews read latest review -
3. Scarpa SL-M3
6 reviews read latest review -
4. Altberg Fremington Ladies Walking Boot
5 reviews read latest review -
5. Grisport Dartmoor Shoe for Men
5 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Walking Boots
-
Mountain Life Extreme Viper Men's Boots
"Mountainlife Viper Walking Boots" Read More
-
Scarpa Terra GTX
"Love my new boots" Read More
-
Karrimor Traveller Supa
" karrimor Traveller Supa" Read More
-
Brasher Hillmaster
"Great brand, now badly manufac..." Read More
-
Scarpa Zen
"Great for walking or trekking." Read More
Latest items in Walking Boots
See more ▼
- You are here:
- Review Centre
- Exercise & Fitness
- Sports Shoes
- Walking Boots
- Brasher Hillmaster
- Overview
Gabrielle Lorenz's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2011
I found this review very helpful because... I had exactly the same problem and have given up on wearing my new brasher boots, I developed a huge blister on the back of my heal and my achiles tendon became really painful wearing these boots. I should not have expected a equal quality boot at a bargain price , and definitely should have tried them before buying. My old ones are cracked on top but infinitely more comfortable.