Chris Kennedy, our Ecommerce Manager, takes one small step for man, one giant leap for Meindl-kind! Let’s see how he gets on with the Meindl Meran GTX Boots.
I’ve been looking forward to putting the Meindl Meran GTX Boots from their Comfort Fit Range to the test. After walking around 100 miles in them, I’m ready to give them a fair review. I’ve trekked through Dartmoor, along the South West Coast Path, tackled the mountains of Snowdonia, explored Cheddar Gorge, the Quantocks, and plenty of other local haunts. My goal was to stick with these boots exclusively and put them through their paces – and I managed to experience pretty much every condition… short of snow or a tsunami (neither being especially common in the South West).
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, these boots looked the business – the kind of quality you hesitate to spoil by actually wearing. Once I tried them on, though, it was like they’d been tailor-made for my feet. I thought I may have found my boots for life! They’re mid-weight, at around 650g each, though to be honest, I barely noticed the weight once they were on.
Comfort and Fit
After a few hikes, I realised I was smitten. Comfort like this, where you forget you’re even wearing boots, is precisely what you want. And, as a 5ft 8 fellow, the extra inches don’t hurt! The ankle support is spot-on – a few times, I thought I was bound to twist an ankle, but these boots kept me solidly on my feet. I was impressed by how they performed when I was doing some minor scrambling in the mountains.
Technical Bits
These boots are crafted from sturdy nubuck leather with a waxed finish – built to handle a bit of rough and tumble. Inside, they’ve got a GORE-TEX lining to keep your feet dry come rain or river, and a Comfort-Fit footbed made from cork and fleece that feels like a cosy hug. They’re topped off with the Meindl Comfort Hiker sole, giving you a solid grip across all sorts of terrain. Oh, and did I mention they’re waterproof? Perfect for all the delightful UK weather conditions like submerging half a leg in mud to a hidden bog!
Pro Tip
At first, I laced them all the way up using every hook. After some longer hikes, though, I ended up with a rash. I tried a different lacing method, and this sorted it out straight away. I just laced the bottom and top hooks fairly loose leaving the middle hooks out. I always thought the tighter, the better, but apparently, I was wrong!
Breaking In
None required! Straight out of the box, they were as comfortable as can be.
Durability
These boots are built to last. The number of times I’ve scuffed, tripped, and tossed them in a post-hike haze is proof of their fantastic quality. A light waxing (very sparingly) brings them back to life – a monthly or quarterly treatment should keep them in top condition.
Personal Pros & Cons
Pros
- A warm hug: Perfect fit for my wide Hobbit feet.
- Super comfy: They stay comfortable even after 9-12 hours.
- Great grip: Works well in most conditions.
- Excellent waterproofing: My feet stay dry.
- Solid construction: Built to withstand rough use.
- Easy to clean and maintain
Con(s)
Grip on very wet/muddy ground: They can be a bit slippery in extreme mud – the orange kind, in particular, seems to have it in for me. Thanks to my trusty hiking poles I was well routed.
Just to quote the Meindl website: “The Meran GTX is complete with the Meindl Comfort Hiker sole, guaranteeing strong grip on a variety of surfaces. Ideal for light hikes and trails.” And it really does this well.
Value for Money
In my view, they’re worth every penny. These boots are easy to keep in great shape with some care. If you’re after a stylish boot for occasional wear, I’d definitely recommend them. If I weren’t hiking so much, I’d happily use them as my daily pair!
Best Uses
- Daily wear (walking the dog, popping into town)
- Long-distance hiking (dry to moderately wet conditions)
- Hillwalking
- Low-level scrambling
Who Are These Boots For?
- People with wide feet
- Comfort lovers
- Enthusiasts of high-quality boots
Comparison with Other Comfort Fit Models
I’m a big fan of Meindl boots, and after a lot of research, I tend to stick with them. While I’m usually up for trying new brands, Meindl has won my loyalty. Here’s how the Meran stacks up against others in the Comfort Fit range:
Meindl Journey Mid GTX Men’s Wide Fit Walking Boots – 8/10
My go-to for very wet conditions. They offer great stability and weather protection, and after 4-5 years, they’re still going strong.
Meindl Mondello GTX Wide Fit Walking Shoes – 6.5/10
A solid shoe, but not quite for me. They’re a bit pointy, so my toes feel a bit squashed. Comfortable overall, but after a long hike, my feet weren’t happy. It’s always worth visiting a store to check the fit before buying online. This is what I should have done with these shoes. By going to a store, staff have a wealth of knowledge and can help prevent the potential aches and pains that can come from a poor fit. Trust me – the extra time is worth it.
Conclusion
I’m thoroughly impressed with these boots. My personal score: 9/10 and I don’t give out high scores lightly.
