Held Brickland LC GTX boots in black

We also do the full-height version of this boot, which we have reviewed very favourably on the website. And so we are probably going to take a similar line with this, the LC (lower calf) model, because it's basically the same boot, but shorter.

 

As we said about the full-height boot, the shorter Held Brickland looks pretty similar to lots of other adventure boots. Gaerne, TCX, Falco, Forma and all kinds of manufacturers produce boots that, from 10 meters, look like these. But looks can be deceiving, and from what we have seen the Helds are in a slightly different league. Let us explain.

 

There's nothing unique about the design or construction. The outer shell is a full-grain cowhide. But is it better or thicker hide than you would find on the lookalikes? Well, maybe, but we wouldn't hang our hat on it. But there is definitely a feeling of substance and robustness with the Bricklands that you don't get with those other boots. The Brickland simply feels stronger and more rugged.

 

For protection you get a super-hard counter in what is, in anybody's book, a generous toe box. The counter is as hard as we have come across on any bike boot. The toe box is not bulbous like the one on the Klim Adventure boot, which is so large that it can make changing gear a challenge. The toe box on the Brickland is big, it's strong, but it doesn't make the boot unwieldy. Changing gear won't be a problem on most bikes. (If it ever were to be, we'd send you a free Soleshftr. They're brilliant). There are protectors on the ankles, and as with the toe you get a toughened counter in the heel. There's a large gearchange pad on the toe that even the most clumsy won't be able to avoid.

 

In terms of comfort, the inside of the boot features a soft, Polyester lining. You also get padding around the top of the shaft. And this makes the boots easier to live with not just on the bike, but when walking around too. To the same end, there's concertina padding in the heel and in the forefoot.

 

The boot fastens by means of a Velcro flap at the top of the shaft, but to secure the foot firmly in the boot you get a single, buckle strap, again across the forefoot. Even the aluminium buckle itself is worthy of note. It's just a notch above what you tend to get on boots like this.

 

But, of course, one of the Brickland's stand-out features is that its waterproofing comes courtesy of Gore. Now most people accept that Gore's membranes are the best. They tend to be both more waterproof and more breathable than other membranes. But because Gore has a brand to protect, the company dictates to manufacturers how their membranes are to be incorporated into products. It's difficult, therefore, for manufacturers to cut corners. That's why Gore-Tex products rarely fail. And that's why we can be fairly confident in stating that the only way your feet will get wet in these boots is if water comes in over the top of the shaft.

 

But you don't need to take our word for it. And that's because Gore backs its membranes with a lifetime warranty. If these boots were ever to let water in, the most likely outcome is that Gore would send you a new pair, or if they're no longer available, a cheque.

 

And then there's the sole. Now Held don't talk about a shank, but the Brickland has the mother of all soles as far as stiffness is concerned. Even with four Weetabix this morning, I wasn't able to get even the slightest bend in it. It is tougher than a dried-out German sausage. And backing it is an aggressively treaded Vibram outsole.

 

We sell some of the other boots that I have here compared to the Brickland. There's nothing wrong with any of them. They will protect your feet, and they will look just right. But the Bricklands are slightly next level. I suppose the issue might come down to comfort. These boots might be stronger, but are they as easy to wear? That is not for us to say, but their weight may mean that for some they are not. You'll just have to try them on. But what I can say is that if they fit, and are comfortable, you can rely on these boots to do all the other stuff.