Advnture Verdict
A real winner on its namesake country walks, the Brasher Country Walker is ideal if you’re after a more casual leather boot for cold weather .
Pros
- +
Grippy Vibram soles
- +
Supportive ankles and lacing system
Cons
- -
Suede looks dirty quickly
- -
Not breathable enough for summer
- -
Heavy
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First impressions
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice on offer when you’re shopping for the best women’s walking boots to wear on the trails? You can’t go wrong with Brasher’s classic British favourite, the Country Walker.
Unsurprisingly perfect for country walks in the UK, this suede boot ticks all our boxes for autumn and winter rambles – it’s warm, waterproof and sticks to wet trails like glue thanks to Vibram soles.
We really rate the Country Walker’s slim-fitting high ankle, which laces up to feel reassuringly solid and sturdy. These are the heaviest boots we tested, and might start to weigh you down after ten miles or so – but for laid-back countryside strolls on crisp autumn days, you won’t find a better companion.
The Country Walkers also look rather fetching, in a warm brown suede.
• RRP: $ (US) / £100 (UK)
• Weight (per boot): 650g /1lb 7oz
• Materials: Premium leather and suede outer; Vibram outsole
• Colours: Brown
• Compatibility: Well-suited to trails and treks down in the valley, and warm and sturdy enough to wear when the mercury falls
In the field
We’ve tested these hardy boots in the British countryside on multiple hikes in autumn and winter, and have always been pleased about our choice of footwear when the mercury drops – paired with thick hiking socks, they feel cosy even on frosty days and you definitely won’t get cold toes thanks to plentiful insulation.
That said, we wouldn’t wear these boots in late spring or a balmier autumn, as they aren’t very breathable.
The Country Walkers are also heavy after a while, so not good for big mileage. The grip performed brilliantly on test, sticking to the wet surfaces you’re likely to find on any winter walk in Britain, and giving great confidence so that you can stride ahead without looking down too much.
Great lacing system
We were also fans of the boots’ lacing system, which stays put and feels good and snug around the ankles, with a soft but supportive leather-lined cuff – if you suffer from weak ankles, these boots feel very reassuring underfoot.
The Country Walkers’ classic looks are very fetching, in a warm brown suede, and are a nice choice if you like a no-nonsense, timeless-looking boot, but be warned - you’ll need to clean the leather regularly if you venture onto muddy trails.
