Spring 2013 Edition of COUNTRY WALKING Magazine has voted the Meindl Softline Light GTX as BEST IN TEST

"The latest version of the Softline has managed to shed a few grams yet still remain amazingly comfortable and very supportive. It's quite a broad boot so careful lacing is needed to get a stable fit, but it feels incredibly light and agile on the foot, and it really does encourage a fast, springy stride. The midsole provides a surprising amount of support for the weight, so it's as at home in the mountains as it is on easier paths. And the toe and heel are well-protected too. It's nice and high at the ankle - reassuring on uneven ground; and the sole is a great all-rounder; deep enough lugs for mud but still good on rock and firmer going. Superb price too."

IN A NUTSHELL: A superb all-rounder, ideal for 3-season UK walking

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Source – UK Police Officer

The boot was worn by the tester over a two week period. The weather during this period was particularly wet and gave ample opportunity for the Gore-Tex® technology to be tested out. During the wear test, the boot was found to be EXTREMELY lightweight. Given the fact that the boot looks sturdy and rugged, this was very surprising and an encouraging sign for the boot.
The tester stepped out of a vehicle during the test and inadvertently stood in a large body of water on a roadway as a result of a rainstorm. The boots were completely drenched and there was a long day ahead, however the tester's feet remained completely dry through, a fantastic endorsement for the Gore-Tex® technology in the Black Cobra.
In summary, the tester was impressed by the Black Cobra boot by Meindl. It is a boot which appears to be trying to move away from the traditional hard wearing, clunky and restrictive boot. This is in direct reference to its lightweight features and sturdy look. The comfort, durability and waterproofing are second to none and this leads to a glowing recommendation from the tester and Advantage Field Testing.

Source – London Metropolitan Police Officer

"As a front line police officer I have been tasked to trial the Meindl boot. The boot is high and very protective of the ankles. The most notable and functional aspect of the boot is its grip.
The Meindl boot can be worn comfortably over a prolonged 12 hour shift. The grip on the Meindl has been superb in walking up and down sometimes very slippery high rise buildings on stairs. With the recent very wet weather the boot was guaranteed not to slip on any surfaces (including some minor oily surfaces on road traffic incidents), but actually gives the wearer the grip when you need it the most. Having been in struggles with prisoners wearing these boots I have not been pushed back or stumbled on my feet no matter how big the assailant was. You can trust the grip and you can trust the ankle support.
The boot looks smart when worn with the new Met Police combat trousers. The boot is practical to the task and it is comfortable when driving an IRV or jumping over fences to get into gardens or over walls. On a foot chase the boot becomes a supported trainer shoe. You can run in this boot and you can use its foot cushioning to ensure that every step you take is comfortable to your lower limbs. The boot looks good and it is remarked on by other officers. The boot has a leather upper and still looks professional when worn with uniform.
The boot is a choice option out of all of the boots that I have worn in over 4 years. I would buy this boot and I would recommend it.
The boot is warm in temperate conditions as it has a good rubber sole which protects the feet when standing on a long 8 hour crime scene. The waterproof qualities will ensure that your feet will not get wet. The Gore-Tex® properties ensure that any sweating will be passed out through the materials. When running hard no salt comes out through the leather as per a normal leather boot. The boot was wearable without needing to be broken in from the start. It's a wear and go type of footwear. I have had no blisters or feet problems having worn this boot and it is unlikely that I will get any now that the boot has been worn by me daily for several weeks. In the trial the boot has been worn by me for over 200 hours of police duty and despite regular hard abuse from difficult prisoners, wet conditions, rough terrain and driving the boot still looks as new. I have done my best not to polish this boot to see the effects on its smart look and to see whether the smartness of the boot on issue has deteriorated. The leather uppers are still looking almost as good as new. With good boot care this boot could last for a very long time and therefore be worth the price for the properties and advantages it holds."

Source – Surrey Police Officer

"I wore these boots during two operational Police Shifts and found them very comfortable. Conditions were dry but quite cold but I found that my toes had plenty of room to move around and thus my toes did not get cold. One of the shifts was 120 hours long but this posed no comfort issues.
In summary, an amazing light weight water proof and breathable boot. Superb for urban patrols as a Police Officer, but also at home in the field in arduous conditions. I could wear this boot all day, every day and never get sore feet or blisters. During physical activity they are amazing and are more like training shoes than boots. However, they also perform in the field when dealing with difficult ground and in sodden and marshy conditions. Not designed as a mountain boot but with so many other pluses mean that I will be wearing them on my next academy training day. Brilliant!"

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These have the feel of a serious boot, with a stiff chassis underfoot that provides stability and support, particularly over rougher ground.  This becomes useful on longer walks too because feet don't tire as quickly as with softer-flexing boots.  There is a decent enough 'rocker' in the sole that provides a pleasant walking action on harder ground.

Although made from mixed materials to save weight and keep feet cooler, the most exposed section of the boot uses a single piece of suede to offer more protection and less chance of leaking.  Both the toe and the heel sections are incredibly well protected, with a stiff rubber rand and heel counter. 

The ankle is quite high, with good padding that holds the foot in place well - in fact the padding is very good throughout.

On muddy and rough terrain, the boots sole offers good grip, with widely spaced lugs that help force out muck and provide traction.

In a Nutshell: A great pair of boots, suitable for a wide range of conditions!

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Durable footwear, packed with technology, delivers the ultimate in comfort!

My Meindl Vacuum GTX walking boots are still going strong after 5 rigorous years of hard mountain walking and guiding around the UK and abroad.

What originally appealed to me was the patented ‘Digafix’ lacing system, which gives what I believe the most secure lacing and fit of any mountain boot available on the UK market. With the additional advantage of being able to unlace partway down the front of your foot, for very easy removal of your feet after a long days hill walking.

The hard wearing, durable Multigrip Vibram sole shows wear after 6years of use, but remains grippy in all conditions, with the high ‘rand’ around the front of the boot, protecting against knocks and scrapes whilst out there on the hill.

Whatever the UK weather can throw at these boots, they have remained watertight with the breathable Gore-Tex lining and Nubuck leather outer finish – remember to treat with Meindl Sportwax and Wetproof every so often to prolong the life of your boots.

The high, cushioned soft & comfortable leather upper supports your ankle. Cushioned memory foam insoles and the patented MFS Vacuum footbed ensure that even on long hill days you can still walk with comfort.

We know that buying walking boots is a very personal process, since we all have different shaped feet. However, this would be the first time I would re-buy the same brand and model of walking boot, having not quite found the most comfortable & durable all round boot over the many years of mountain walking I have enjoyed, until now.

Enjoy your walk! Don’t forget the rest of your essentials on our recommended kit list.

Mens, womens & kids sizes are available from our retail partner Ellis Brigham, Mountain Sports. Click here to find out more about the broader Meindl footwear range, our recommended walking boot brand partner.

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"The Himalaya's look the part as soon as you take them out of the box" say Trek and Mountain Magazine.

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Burma GTX

Meindl is the daddy of walking boots. Having produced footwear in Germany for more than 300 years, the Burma is its best-known boot. It has a particularly superior grip, incredible ventilation and will stay faithful year after year.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

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Meindl Kansas
New colour upper edition to the Men’s Kansas for SS12. Waxed brown Nubuck leather gives a stylish overhaul to an increasingly popular boot at a great price point.

Meindl Softline Light
SS12 sees a new edition to the Meindl Softline family.
The Softline light features a new lightweight lacing system by removing the metal lacing rings.
In doing this Meindl have shaved precious grams and maintained the magic £150 price point.

Meindl Respond Mids
SS12 sees additional colours added to the hugely successful Respond Mid which features the Contagrip sole unit. We are sure the Dark brown and Black will be big sellers for 2012 and that the Ladies will love the Brown

NEW – Meindl Barcelona Mid & Low
An exciting new shoe and mid from Meindl has been exceptionally well received for SS12.
Featuring a full Nubuck Leather upper gives this classic shoe some modern styling ensuring it will be a winner!

New – Meindl Cuba
Adding some real colour to the SS12 range, the new Meindl Cuba builds on the huge success Meindl have had with the Responds. Features include a supportive skeleton shell, Gore-Tex lining and a heel locking lacing system.

New – Meindl Trinidad
A great new shoe from Meindl! The Trinidad is a sleek looking shoe due to the use of the supportive Skeleton shell. The Shoe is Gore-Tex lined which will keep your feet dry in the summer showers.

How irritating – I appear to have expensive taste. Of all the hiking shoes I’ve tried, since I’ve worked at Adventure Travel not just for this test, the Meindl Portland XCR’s are my favourites.

The sole unit’s made from Meindl’s own technology called Contragrip Trail and although the tread doesn’t look that deep, I felt safe doing everything from scrambling up and down scree hills in Morocco to walking in the Peak District climbs over loose rocks. Up there on my list of important things from hiking shoe is that it’s waterproof, and this one is: it uses a Gore-Tex XCR lining. Hence the name of the shoe. Looks-wise, if you’re looking to attract attention, this isn’t the shoe for you. I’m not, so happy with its quietly cool looks. In fact, the thing that will catch your attention most is the shoe’s heel system, which is cupped for added protection. If you don’t like low it looks, don’t worry – as with all shoes, once you’ve worn them for a while it’ll fade.

A great light yet tough hiking shoe.

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The right balance of weight and support - a near perfect fabric boot

I knew exactly what I wanted from the winner of this test: a boot that could definitely cut it as an all-rounder, but that would excel once it got up into the mountains. And the Softline fits the bill to perfection.

It's just about light enough to be called lightweight when compared to the Asolo and Lomer, yet it somehow offered a bit more when cruising along skyline ridges than a Scarpa. The last is pretty neutral - neither narrow or wide - and I found it easy to get a stable fit. The midsole took the edge off the worst ground but didn't feel clumpy, and the Gore-Tex liner worked perfectly.

BEST in test

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The Kansas was new for 2010 and still looks pretty good today. The boot has a leather upper that is virtually stitch-free, so durability should be pretty good even on rocky ground. A rubber rand around the toe and forefoot adds a little extra protection for rockier ground too. The upper offers good support for the foot and there is a waterproof lining. The sole unit has a decent pattern of lugs for general hill-walking on mixed terrain, plus a good degree of stiffness for rockier ground. Good cushioning takes the pain out of pounding down long rocky paths. Unlike the Meindl Burma, the Kansas sits closer to the ground, so you have a slightly better 'feel' when scrambling. Compared to the Meindl Burma the sole flex is a little softer too, which again helps with walking. A great boot if you prefer something a little less stiff than a Burma.

A superb boot at a good price for general hill and mountain walkers heading out in the UK or abroad.

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COUNTRY WALKING "BEST in TEST"

These Meindl boots fall into the stiffer, more robust category of fabric footwear, attempting to be a viable three-season boot. They have the stiffest sole of any of the boots tested by quite a way. Although not quite the heaviest on test, they did feel heavy on the foot - a sense exacerbated by their stiffness. The tread pattern has very deep lugs that really improve grip in grimy fields and on hillsides.There is an excellent amount of padding throughout the entire top section, and particularly around the ankle and tongue.

While the boots are stiff, on hard ground the padding in the midsoles helps to smooth out the bumps and make walking on the road sections that bit easier.

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Two broken ankles, torn ligaments and a persistant Achilies problem over the last couple of years have made coping with the brutal terrain of the open hill a frequently painful problem. I'd tried several boots that had been fine in the south, but none could offer the support and protection I required - not to mention keep my feet warm and dry.

I spoke to many experts about this and one brand name kept cropping up time and again: Meindl. These top quality hand-made German boots are the choice of many professional hunters around the world - my guide in the Lakes among them. I opted for the Dovre Extreme GTX, a high-leg hunting boot with a full Gore-Tex lining.

They were comfortable from day one without any real need for breaking in, much to my surprise. The Vibram sole gripped even on the steepest and slipperiest of slopes while the boots also feature a high rubber rand which protects the leather from abrasion on rocky terrain and further improves waterproof properties.

For the first time, I had dry feet for the whole week - despite occasional terrential rain - and better still, I had no grief whatsoever from my troublesome ankle. I only wish I'd bought a pair years ago.

Dom Holtam - Sporting Shooter Magazine

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The Burma Pro MFS Boots from Meindl are a solid boot with loads of interesting features. The boots' uppers are made from waxed Nubuck leather with soft padded collar and a padded bellows tongue under a lacing system that incorporates three sets of fixed 'P' rings, and four sets of hooks for speed.

The lowest hooks 'lock' the laces for differential tensioning, and the next set up spring from deep tabs to pull your foot firmly into the boot's heel. A central hook stabilises the tongue, and a flex notch allows you to maintain a natural ankle movement, while the heel is reinforced for a sure fit.

A deep rand protects the sole/upper join and the sole unit incorporates a soft PU wedge for shock absorption with integrated pronation and supination control zones and the 'Meindl Multigrip' out-sole by Vibram. Inside the boots, around the ankle and hidden by the fully waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex sock liner, is the memory-foam system padding. After a few minutes' wear, the foam moulds to your feet for an almost custom fit. A removable contoured 'Air Active' footbed absorbs moisture and dries fast for extra comfort.

All in all, these are very comfortable boots that give excellent support and have a superior fit. Available in a classic brown colour, sizes 6-14, and weighing around 800gm in size 9

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Used by Tom Bailey - Photographer for TRAIL Magazine

I wear these boots on every walking shoot I go on, year-round - for cramponing across Beinn Eighe to a bimble along the Cotswold Way. This is my third pair of Meindl boots, as I find the wide shape suits my feet, and I've never had any blister issues. The high rand protects the upper from rocks, and has stood the tst of time as regards wear. My only criticism is that over the last six months they have started to squeak and groan, which has led my walking companions to look quizzically around for a bird in pain or a swinging gate. (it was down to the tongue rubbing on the upper.) And I did make the mistake with thse boots the day I left them in the boot of my car, damp, on a hot day: not a clever thing to do with leather. They cooked and shrank.

VERDICT: when these evetually die I'll order pair number four

(Message from Meindl: When treated with some Meindl Sportwax, this will eliminate squeaks)

For 2011 the Makalu will be replaced by the Himalaya MFS

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I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to boot choice:

I like to wear a mega-supportive and warm, full leather boot at colder times of the year, but I always appriciate the lighter weight and additional breathability of a fabric upper when it's a bit milder. The Softline has quickly become a real favourite, especially as it feels almost as supportive as my full leather boots. The Gore-Tex liner has always kept my feet dry - something I've appreciated on dew-soaked grass as well as bogs in mid Wales - and the midsole is firm enough to iron out the sharp edges of a typical day in the Glyders or Rhinogs.

VERDICT: Well, I'm on my second pair....

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As the name suggests this is an excellent boot for Alpine trekking. It has a relatively lightweight upper that is made from synthetic materials, which also gives it a modern, stylish appearance. There is a waterproof lining inside the upper as well as a stretch ankle cuff so you get an ankle-hugging fit but with less restriction of movement. The tongue is very soft and comfortable too. The upper is well protected by a full rubber rand and offers plenty of support for the foot.Under the foot there is an excellent Vibram sole with a good general pattern of deep lugs for grip in a wide variety of terrain. As with most Meindl boots there is plenty of cushioning too and an excellent roll, which makes this feel very comfortable even on a long road walk to the hills. But there is also enough stiffness for rocky terrain and for kicking the edges into the snow.

Ideal for trekking in mixed terrain in the Alps as well as the UK.

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Meindl Dovre Boots - Review

This is a review of the "Meindl Dovre Extreme GTX" boots as used by professional gamekeepers and hunters alike out in the field were it matters. The boot features a waxed leather upper with the meindl digafix system which helps create a perfect fit around the heel area, the boots also have a goretex inner lining to provide 100% waterproofing. The footbed area features a meindl air-active liner within the sole and traction area of the boot consists of a meindl multigrip by vibram with EVA shock absorber. The boots weigh on average (SIze 8) 980gm each. They have superior ankle support helping to prevent injuries on rough terrain or uneven ground, they also have a high rubber rand that runs around the full base of the boot preventing water ingress and abrasion to the leather.... These boots really do live up to the demand of the serious hunter and their meindl german heritage. Digafix Lacing System DIGAfix® - the flexible, pressure-free, diagonal fixing – ensures “all-round and more adjustable” lacing. Tightening takes place at the correct point, the hook is higher and protrudes less.

The boots are rated B/C for : • demanding trekking • extended hikes in the high mountains

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Writing one May on an internet forum concerning protective footwear, a tree feller by the name of Oskar commented: “If you’re looking for boots with chainsaw protection I can recommend ‘Meindl’. I bought my pair of Meindl Waldläufer in February and have enjoyed wearing them every day since. At first they were extremely stiff like the boots worn for downhill skiing, but after a few days they softened up and seem to fit better and better.”Working since the ’80s with GoreTex to develop Meindl Air Active Technology, which helps maintain optimum foot temperature, Meindl also requested researchers at Tübingen University to study the human foot and walking motion. For example, the exact pressure exerted on various parts of the foot whilst walking was measured. This enabled the manufacturer to develop footwear designs that “… minimised the impact shock on problematic foot zones while maximising rolling feature and vibration values.”

The company explains: “Although video footage suggested that when unshod the human foot adapts readily to a range of environments, the wearing of unsuitable footwear can prove dangerous in rugged terrain. Anatomically exactly cut, Meindl footwear guarantees optimum
stability and support.” Waldläufer boots are FPA approved and tested to satisfy EN345T2 class 1. Full cut without a side seam and leather lined, they are produced from 2.8mm thick waterproof leather. The boot benefits from a GoreTex inner membrane, Kevlar anti-cut frontal protection, a steel toecap and an Air Active footbed. Weighing only 2200 grams per pair and standing 21cm high, the boots also have a 6mm deep Vibram Meindl trekking sole set with pliable polyurethane spikes.

Established at Kirchenschöring, Bavaria, by Lukas Meindl in 1928, the Meindl family had already been making footwear in the town since 1683. Now employing 200 workers, Meindl produce over a million pairs of footwear annually. The Everest Llhoste Expedition of 1978 saw ace climber Hubert Hillmeyer conquer the imposing peak wearing Meindl boots. More recently, together with DGW of Hannover, Meindl have been involved in the construction of a recycling system for old boots.

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If you need to burn off any Christmas excess, try some winter walking. Graham Thompson puts five hardy pairs of boots through their paces

BEST FOR ALL-ROUND HILL-WALKING
MEINDL BURMA PRO MFS
The original Burma was one of the first leather boots to be both supportive and comfortable enough to wear straight out of the box. Its modern incarnation adds MFS (Memory Foam System) — an inner lining, which, when warmed by your body temperature, softens and adjusts to the shape of your foot. There is also a waterproof Gore-Tex lining. These boots will see you safely through all hill conditions: the sole has enough grip to keep you moving over winter mud and slush, while the bouncy, well-cushioned ride is ideal for negotiating hard rock paths.
Verdict: Long-lasting, built from top-quality materials and comfortable too.

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Treat your feet to some of the most comfortable walking boots around

Treat your feet to some of the most comfortable walking boots around. A Vibram sole and suportive midsole enable these hillwalking boots to tackle tough terrain with ease and a Gore-Tex waterproof lining means foul weather shouldn't present problems either. High ankles offer good protection and Meindl's extended lacing system keeps your heel safely in place. Their broad fit will suit walkers with wider feet. Available in mens and womens fit.

Source: The Independent - Active Traveller

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IT'S GOOD a resonably lightweight boot at 1356g (pair, size 11); Gore-Tex waterproof lining; Vibram sole unit with good cushioning; very supportive upper, stiff toe box and heel cup;good aggressive lug pattern; good sole stiffness.

VERDICT buy it if you want a lightweight boot with excellent stiffness and support for use on valley or hillside paths.

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IT'S GOOD The Emotion XCR has been a regular TRAIL favourite for many years, thanks to its all-round performance-orientated features. There is a Gore-Tex XCR waterproof lining to keep your feet dry. Suede leather and synthetic mesh are combined in the upper, and the result is a reasonably supportive design with a very supportive heel cup to protect the feet on uneven ground. The sole is stiff enough to take the discomfort out of uneven ground and cushioned enough to make hard surfaces soft on the foot. The outsole lug pattern is fairly aggresive and a substantial heel breast adds to the gripduring descents. The sole flex is nice and stiff so you can cycle in these or walk on uneven terrain in comfort, yet you will find they are comfortable straight from the box too.

IT'S GOOD This is a modern classic that changed the marketplace when it arrived on the scene many years ago. It has been a frequent winner of 3 season boot tests in TRAIL. It's success has been due to a mix of features that are all dedicated to performance on the hill. So you get a good leather upper, with a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. There is also a large amount of padding inside that makes it very comfortable straight from the box. The upper offers plenty of protection and support, and there is a rubber rand to add the the durability. Underfoot a duel density Vibram sole unit provides excellent support and comfort while the sole flex and lug pattern are ideal for a variety of valley, hill and mountain terrain. If you can afford the price tag this is a highly recommended boot that's exceptionally hard to beat on performance.

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