Meindl v's brasher?

[richardkm]

As a keen walker, ex mountain rescue team member and search-dog handler, I've tried many different types of boots over the years, but none have been as comfortable as the Meindls. I've had 3 pairs of leather boots and 1 pair of fabric now, the fabric ones being used while carrying out archaeological survey work in the Western Desert in Egypt, they lasted 4 years, which considering the abrasive properties of the sandy terrain, is pretty good going.

[Dean Eades]

I Would have a close look at Scarpa boots , probably the best walking boots made

  
Dean Eades

[Walksfar]

I've been a keen hill/mountain walker, with some scrambling thrown in, for many years, and I have to say that Meindl are the bee's balls. I own the Burma leather and the Revolution 2 fabric boots and have never had any problems with them. The Revolution are a dream to walk in, they've seen me through scrambling on Crib Goch to completing the Coast to Coast (twice!).

My girlfriend had a lot of problems trying to find a pair of boots that didn't cripple her in some way or another, until I suggested she tried on a pair of Meindls. That was 4 years ago and she still raves about them now. They were also the only boots that helped with the pronation that she suffers from.

As Trail magazine have said in their boot reviews over the last few years, you wont find a more comfortable boot to walk in. Get some!

[nightshade]

I bought the Meindls after I had an op on my foot they are superb boots
as a four mile walk straight from the box proved, I think they are the Burma
(they have the Gortex lining)

[eeyore]

Ive still got my zambies , but i am also very impressed with the pair of reggata XLT i bought for summer kicks (the Zams being a bit heavy for summer wear)- these were rrp 50 down to 39 in go outdoors and they have stood up to being worn nearly everyday for work much better than some much more expensive brands have in the past.

[Surrey Sam]

I had a pair of Brasher boots and they fell apart at the end of last year, so whilst looking around for a replacement I stumbled across this thread on WAB. Apart from finding the great community here, I also found good information on a possible replacement boot - The Meindl Burma Pro.

I eventually found a local supplier with the two sizes I envisaged needing to try on and sure enough made the decision there and then to part with my hard earned, hoping they were going to last a good deal longer than the year that the previous Brasher boots had managed. They took a little longer to break in than their predecessors but the extra support and durability was welcomed and worth the extra few initial outings. Eight months on and they are like getting into a pair of warm dry slippers - I love them. They are used a fair amount, probably 4-6 miles a day and quite often with my fishing are subjected to walking around in water up to my ankles all day long and the Gortex membrane has been faultless. In the winter months they have kept my feet toasty warm and whilst out in the 30 degree heat the other week they remained cool and wicked away any moisture keeping my feet dry and sweat free. The only thing I have needed to do is apply a coat of dubbin every third month to the leather upper in order to keep them supple, as they looked to have dried out a little from the continuous wet/dry cycles I've put them through.

All in all a great boot that was worth the expense and I would be more than happy to purchase again should my current ones ever wear out, which I hasten to add they show no sign of doing yet.

[Pete Collins]

I've just read through this thread, and was surprised that I hadn't contributed to it before - then I saw the dates of the posts!

I think I've mentioned on another thread that people seem to either love or hate Brasher boots. I've never tried them myself, but I've met a few people who swear by them and an equal number of people who swear at them!

Meindl do seem to be a very popular brand, according to this and other threads in this forum. Surrey Sam's recommendation is just one of many I've seen here. So I tried some last time I needed new walking boots (Burmah's, I think) - they certainly looked like a solid but comfortable boot but unfortunately they just didn't fit my feet.

It doesn't matter how highly recommended a brand or particular boot is, they're no good to you if they aren't right for your feet. I seem to be stuck with Scarpa Rangers (a nice lightweight boot that needs virtually no breaking in), they're the only one's I've found that fit my feet - even other Scarpa boots didn't feel right.

[nightshade]

I thought the Meindl boot was tight initially but the chap that served me told me to wait a few minutes then retie the boot.
The lacing system holds your foot right into the heel,no slopping about, the few minutes wait moulds the interior to your foot (I have a wide foot/narrow heel) Now after a few more miles under the sole it is more comfortable than ever and the goretex really keeps feet dry

[Jim Ford]

I've got a decent pair of Berghaus boots, but the tread's now pretty worn and needs resoling. I've now been using a pair of Aldi walking shoes for the past couple of years - I think I paid £12 for them and highly recommend them.

I've done quite a bit of rough walking with them carrying a pack, including the Lairig Ghru, Breariach and Cairngorm plateaus, and really I can't fault the shoes (though I could have done with a bit more ankle support coming off Creag Fhiaclach this year). Next time the shoes are in I'll be getting another pair.

I've given up trying to keep boots waterproof. I must have put several tins of Nikwax on my Berghaus, and whilst they intially repel water, after a hundred meters or so in wet heather they're soaked through. I've got a couple of pairs of waterproof socks, but find the water wicks down from the top. They're fairly good for putting on after fording a river though.

Jim

[nightshade]

I know the Aldi Boots fly out of the store as do the Graphite walking poles
(about £15 a pair)
I bought the Meindl specificaly for the ankle support, the gortex takes care of waterproof just good polish keeps them clean and does not make the leather too soft so you lose the stiffness to support the ankle more

[Jim Ford]

The problem with breathable membrane boot linings, is that water _will_ sooner or later go over the top - at least in the terrain I trek. When that happens it stays there for a long time. At least with non-lined boots you can walk them dry fairly quickly.

Jim

[foxy mars]

Although, I don't have the Meindl or Brasher. however I do have a pair of Berghaus Storm K9 boots which I got several years ago and have only been worn twice. I understand that Berghaus stopped making the Storm K9 and instead replaced them with the Explorer's.

I'm planning a coast to coast walk next year in March/April and will be taking the Storm K9 with me.