Stunning Newcastle Quayside was the setting for 2009 MS Life Wheel and Walk in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society on Saturday, 13th June.

Starting at the Baltic Arts Centre on the Gateshead side of the river, the route took more than 200 competitors, on foot and in wheelchairs, along the river bank and across the Swing Bridge where a sea of green and orange attracted the attention of tourists and weekend revellers alike.

I was wearing the new brasher Neon multi-activity shoes and they made the whole experience even more enjoyable, not to say comfortable. As I walked across the Millenium Bridge back to the Baltic after the mile walk, my feet felt as good as when I started.

Wheel and Walk was part of the MS Life conference held over the entire weekend, raising thousands of pounds for the MS Society.

by Sue Reay

Graham Thompson from Trail magazine recently tested out a pair of our Lithium XCR boots. You can see the full video below.

With summer just around the corner it is time to hit the trails in T-shirts, shorts and sandals.

Sandals offer a versatile, comfortable alternative to boots for the summer months.

Our new sandals are equally at home on the trails as they are urban adventures.

Designed with the following features they are as light as you need and as adaptable as you want:

Tough, durable and easy to care for full grain leather upper

Memory Foam Footbed for the ultimate in underfoot walking comfort

Adjustable strap; can be trimmed carefully with scissors or a sharp knife for a personalised and secure fit*

Open two-part sole unit; rubber outsole and shock absorbing EVA midsole for superb grip and performance

Recently tried and tested by BBC Countryfile:

"I found the Inca's so comfortable that I would consider a pair for the Inca Trail wearing a pair! The memory foam footbed moulded to the shape of my feet and their padded, fully adjustable straps achieved a perfect fit. brasher usually makes boots, so it is no surprise that the sturdy rubber outsoles performed well on a range of surfaces."

BBC Countryfile, May 2009

Perfect for days out this summer and your feet get some fresh air too!

*Please exercise care when using sharp scissors or sharp objects. Keep away from children at all times.

Taking retail staff out on the hills in new brasher boots really is a test for out-of-the-box-comfort.

Chris Barnes, Midlands sales representative knew our new lightweight Lithium XCR's would not let him down.

Last week, he exchanged his car for boots and enjoyed the change of scenery from the usual motorways to the peace and quiet of the Derbyshire Dales. He met up with staff members from Lockwoods Outdoor Shop at the main car park in Castleton. They had been climbing at Stanage the day before and had camped out on the Sunday night.

Their mission was a 9 mile circular walk. The weather was on their side and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

The Lockwoods staff were keen to try out the new Lithium XCR boot. Brasher's out-of-the-box comfort was going to be tested as brand new boots were fitted in the car park.

Setting off at 10am heading round the back of the castle and onto the tops. The ground was steep and rocky to start but flattened out on the top.

Lunch was taken on the top of Mam Tor or "Mother Hill". It was the home of ancient Celtic peoples 3,000 years ago and offered spectacular views down into the valleys.

Lunch gave Chris the chance to chat to the staff to check out the comfort levels and pleased to hear the boots were standing up to the comfort test. Lockwoods staff were enjoying the excellent grip and support provided by the Lithium XCR's.

The walk in the afternoonwas along the ridge dropping down into Hope. There was a short pub stop to take in some local real ale, any excuse! Then back along the river to Castleton.

Overall an excellent day in the sun with fantastic views but most importantly the Lithium XCR's delivered out-of-the-box-comfort.

Our kid's walking boot, Chichon GTX, goes to the top of the class in Trail magazine's children's boots test this month.

Holding pole position for the 3rd year running as it receives a 5 star rating and wins Best in Test award.

As quoted by the Trail gear testers;

"The Chichon GTX boasts a GORE-TEX waterproof lining and a well-built fabric upper and sole for maximum foot protection. There is also a dash of reflective trim for night or road walks. The exceptionally aggressive lug pattern is ideal for mud.

Overall a quality boot for kids who want to leave the valley and explore the rockier and muddier hills and mountains."

If you are looking for family walking holidays or days out there is no reason for your kids to miss out on the hills this summer.