Take a walk on any popular mountain in the UK and chances are, you’ll spot a pair of Meindl boots on someone’s feet. Why? Well, because the brand simply makes reliable footwear that’s well suited to British terrain.
Meindl was established as a family shoemaker in Bavaria, Germany, in 1683 by Petrus Meindl. Over 300 years later the brand is now headed up by the 11th generation of Meindl family shoemakers, Lukas and Lars Meindl. The company is still based in the same region of Germany, too, only now it produces one million pairs of boots and shoes every year.
The company employs 200 master shoemakers in one of Germany’s few remaining boot factories, with over 200 steps making up the manufacturing process of each boot that’s made in the factory.
That’s a lot of steps, but Meindl knows from experience that premium materials, such as leather and Gore-Tex, require attention to detail to turn them into something remarkable.
While the brand of course uses modern equipment, there’s always a human in the loop throughout the process, ensuring the consistent high quality that you can only really get with a handcrafted production.
This is visible across the range, covering everything from footwear for everyday wear up to three-season boots built for rough terrain.
For example, Meindl’s commitment to quality, innovation and technical precision is seen very clearly in products such as the Meindl Bhutan line, a boot that’s synonymous with the brand and has won awards from the media industry year after year.
It continues to act as a reliable, robust companion in some of the country’s wildest environments.
The Bhutan is still part of Meindl’s range, but it’s now supported by a new crop of boots and shoes, as well as socks and care products to make sure your feet are always well looked after.
On trail performance isn’t the brand’s only focus, though, as sustainability is also a key theme running through Meindl’s operations. It relies upon eco-conscious practices, uses long-lasting materials and champions repairability.
The goal is that the footwear you buy lasts for a long time, reducing the need to replace it regularly, thus lessening the impact on the environment.
With that all said, let’s take a look at some of the brand’s most recent launches…
10 top footwear products from Meindl
Lite Trail GTX
The Meindl Lite Trail is a lightweight, breathable walking shoe designed for low-level hiking and everyday use.
With a cushioned midsole, supportive fit and durable sole unit, it’s ideal for comfort on mixed terrain, making every step effortless whether on countryside paths or urban pavements.
Meanwhile, the suede upper, large rand and Gore-Tex lining provide robust protection against the environment.
Lite Trail Lady GTX
The Meindl Lite Trail Lady GTX is a lightweight, waterproof walking shoe designed for everyday wear and light hiking.
Crafted with suede uppers, it delivers on durability and breathability. Its Meindl Lite Trail rubber grip sole with EVA shock absorber provides excellent traction and helps reduce the impact felt on every step, making it ideal for varied terrains.
Lite Hike GTX
Meindl’s Lite Hike walking boot delivers reliable performance in a lightweight package.
Featuring a Gore-Tex lining for waterproof protection, a sole with 22% recycled rubber and a snug ankle fit, it offers superb comfort and support for hikers tackling the UK’s hills and trails.
Lite Hike Lady GTX
Meindl’s Lite Hike Lady GTX is a versatile, mid-cut hiking boot. Featuring suede uppers and a Gore-Tex lining to ensure waterproof and breathable performance.
It’s equipped with the Variofix lacing system for a secure fit and an Air-Active footbed for enhanced comfort.
Baltimore GTX
The Meindl Baltimore GTX is a classic leather hiking boot, built for comfort and durability.
With a waterproof Gore-Tex lining, cushioned footbed and grippy sole, it’s perfect for long days in the UK hills. The robust leather upper combines with excellent technical performance.
Respond GTX
The Respond GTX from Meindl is a versatile walking shoe ideal for light hiking, travel and everyday wear.
Lightweight yet tough, it features Gore-Tex waterproofing, excellent grip and top-tier comfort. It’s a go-to choice for those who love to stay active.
Find out more about the Respond GTX, one of the UK’s best-selling walking shoes.
Respond Mid GTX
Meindl’s Respond Mid GTX offers added ankle support for extra stability. With a lightweight design, waterproof Gore-Tex lining and durable outsole, this mid-cut boot balances comfort and protection.
There’s a sustainability angle here, too, as 22% of the sole unit comes from recycled rubber, which is sourced from offcuts during Meindl’s production process. This allows the brand to minimise transport and usage of raw materials.
Put simply, this boot is perfect for light hiking, travel and low-level walks in the UK countryside. It’s been a popular line in the brand’s lineup for years.
Merino Magic Socks
We all love Merino wool because of its warmth-to-weight (and warmth when wet) and natural antibacterial properties, but synthetic fabrics can have a slight edge when it comes to durability and moisture wicking.
So, the Merino Magic socks blend soft, breathable Merino wool with technical fibres for the best of both worlds, delivering outstanding comfort, moisture management and temperature regulation.
Designed to pair perfectly with Meindl footwear, these socks reduce friction, cushion each step and help keep feet dry on any walk or hike.
Soft Print Footbeds
Meindl’s Soft Print Footbeds enhance comfort inside your walking boots or shoes thanks to their cushioned, anatomically-shaped design.
Made from moisture-wicking materials, they adapt to the shape of your foot, providing support, shock absorption and a customised fit.
Conditioner & Proofer
To maximise the performance and longevity of your footwear – plus to be more sustainable – then it’s important to look after it.
Meindl’s Conditioner & Proofer is an essential care product that allows you to do exactly that, nourishing and protecting Meindl footwear so it can continue to perform at its best.
It helps maintain breathability and restore water repellence, prolonging the life of your boots or shoes. Use it to ensure they stay waterproof, supple and ready for many miles ahead.
Take a look at the full Meindl range and find the shoe or boot that’s right for you.