COMFORT WITH MEMORY FOAM SYSTEM (MFS)What really sets the Meindl Bhutan MFS boots apart is how insanely comfortable they are from the very first wear. Thanks to the clever Memory Foam System (MFS), the ankle, collar, and tongue literally mould to the shape of your feet as soon as you put them on.
What is the Meindl Bhutan GTX?
The Meindl Bhutan is your absolutely classic brown leather hill walking boot that was specifically designed for UK conditions. It’s your perfect companion for extended hikes around the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland. It is made using high quality components that, with the appropriate care, will last you for years.
What is the Meindl Bhutan GTX made of?
Upper – The uppers are made using high quality leather to provide durability, support and excellent protection. Whilst the leather around the tongue bellows and ankle cuff is a softer Nubuck leather for enhanced comfort and flexibility.
Lining – Meindl use the ever-reliable Gore-Tex membrane sandwiched between the Nubuck outer and the soft lining. This is 100% waterproof and combined with the natural water resistance of the leather, provides a real belt-and-braces structure to keep out the wet. Please remember that the boots are waterproof up to the top of the Gore lining and not the top of the ankle.
Mid sole – The midsole of a boot provides the stability, stiffness and support and sits between your foot and the outsole. The Bhutan has a medium stiffness that provides reassuring support for longer hikes without being too stiff. There is also a layer of shock-absorbing PU foam to provide comfort and to reduce impact shock from hard ground.
Out sole – Sure-footedness, durability and excellent grip are provided by a Vibram Multigriff sole unit. Specially designed for Meindl this sole will shed mud as you walk to provide grip and security. This sole can also be replaced if you’ve managed to wear them out.
What are the features of the Meindl Bhutan GTX?
The main feature of the Bhutan boots is the inclusion of Memory Foam System (MFS) in the heel area to provide additional comfort. As you wear the boots the MFS warms up and moulds to the shape of your heel to provide excellent comfort and stability.
Digafix lacing system provides extra security around the heel by pulling locking that part of your foot into place to avoid the dreaded heel-lift and therefore reduce blisters, especially when going uphill. A softer compression zone at the back of the boot reduces pressure on the Achilles when walking downhill.
You also get a full rubber rand that wraps around the lower boot to protect the leather uppers from scuffs and scrapes.
Inside the boot, sitting under your foot is an Air Active footbed that wicks away moisture (sweat) to keep you more comfortable and to allow the boot to breath better.
Meindl Boot Care
The most important thing you can do for your boots is to look after them. After your walk, remove the footbeds to air and remove loose dirt and grit from inside the boot. To improve the odour and breathability of your boots, rinse them inside with lukewarm water occasionally. Clean the outside of the boot under cold running water using a brush.
Leather and Nubuck footwear benefit from regular waxing. Apply Meindl Sportwax with a sponge.
Summary
So, in summary the Bhutan GTX is a classic leather walking boot made with high quality materials by a company that’s being making footwear since 1683, so they should know what they’re doing. Designed specifically for the UK, it will provide many years of service for 3 season hill walking.
It’s also worth pointing out that to ensure the long life and performance of your boots and to comply with Meindl’s warranty, you should always use Meindl products to clean and maintain your Meindl boots.
- Waxed leather leather uppers
- Gore-Tex lining
- Memory Foam System
- Digafix lacing system
- Vibram sole
WHAT DOES B RATING MEAN FOR THE BHUTAN BOOTS? The Bhutan is classed as a B1-rated boot, which means they are built for classic hillwalking and trekking on varied UK terrain, think rocky trails, muddy slopes, and everything in between. They offer a nice balance: stiff enough to carry a full pack without tiring your feet, but still flexible enough to stay comfy all day. You get solid ankle support without feeling like you're wearing ski boots.
MEINDL BHUTAN BOOTS REVIEW We've worn the Meindl Bhutan MFS boots across the UK's hills and mountains, and they're purpose-built for that kind of terrain. These boots were designed with British conditions in mind: muddy trails, rocky scrambles, relentless weather, and they handle it all with confidence. They feel sturdy and dependable without being overly heavy, and the Memory Foam System gives that personalised, glove-like fit right from day one. If you want to hear more about how they perform and why they're a good match for UK walking, check out our full YouTube episode where Paul talks through all the details. MEINDL BHUTAN YouTube REVIEW CAN THE MEINDL BHUTAN BE RESOLED? Absolutely, they're built with longevity in mind. The Meindl Bhutan MFS features a high-quality Vibram® sole that's fully stitched on, which means it can be professionally resoled once it starts to wear down. So instead of replacing the whole boot when the tread gets tired, you can give them a new lease of life with a fresh sole. It's one of the reasons we love these boots for long-term use. Look after the leather, and with occasional resoling, they'll keep going for years.
FAQ
Are the Bhutan boots comfortable straight out of the box?
Yes, that's one of their biggest strengths. The Memory Foam System (MFS) shapes to your feet from the first wear, so they feel snug and secure without a long break-in period.
Were the Bhutan boots designed for the UK?
Absolutely. These boots were specifically made with UK hill and mountain terrain in mind—wet, rocky, muddy, and often steep. They handle all of it with ease.
Are the Bhutan boots heavy?
They’re solid, but not overly heavy. You get a nice balance of durability and comfort, so they feel stable without tiring your legs over long distances.
How long will they last?
With the right care, years. The Bhutan has a tough nubuck leather upper and a resolable Vibram sole, so if you look after them, they’ll keep going hike after hike.
Do they work with gaiters?
They do. The high-cut design and secure lacing make them a great match for gaiters if you're walking through wet grass, mud, or snow.
What's the fit like?
It's a close, secure fit thanks to the Memory Foam System, but not overly tight. If you have wide feet, you might want to try them on first or explore Meindl's Comfort Fit range.
Who are the Bhutan boots best for?
They're ideal for anyone tackling rough UK terrain who wants a boot that's durable, supportive, and ready for long days out, without sacrificing comfort.
Do they work for long-distance walking or multi-day hikes?
Yes, they're great for big mileage days and multi-day hikes. The support and comfort hold up really well over time, especially with a good pair of socks.
How breathable are they?
They're lined with Gore-Tex, which offers decent breathability for a leather boot. They won't be as airy as a mesh shoe, but they manage moisture well even on longer days.
Can I use custom insoles or orthotics with these boots?
Absolutely. You can swap out the standard footbeds for your own insoles or orthotics, just make sure they don't affect the overall volume or fit too much.
Are they suitable for winter use?
They're excellent for winter hillwalking with a warm sock, but they're not insulated or stiff enough for crampons or serious alpine use. For UK winter trails, though, they do a great job.