All-DAY COMFORT: CORK AND FLEECE FOOTBEDThe Meindl Meran’s Comfort Fit cork-and-fleece footbed is all about keeping your feet happy from the first step to the last. The natural cork base gently molds to your foot over time, while the fleece top adds softness and helps keep things dry and warm. It’s cushioned, supportive, and seriously comfortable.
What are the Meindl Meran GTX?
The Meindl Meran is a classic brown leather hill walking boot that’s built using Meindl’s “Comfort Fit”, a special last (internal shape) to cater for a wider foot and to provide supreme comfort. It is made using high quality components that, with the appropriate care, will last you for years. It’s perfect for light hill and country walking.
What are the Meindl Meran GTX made of?
Upper – The uppers are made using high quality waxed Nubuck leather to provide durability, support and excellent protection. Nubuck leather is made from the finest quality hides and has been sanded to give a softer, more supple feeling. It is far more durable than Suede and with good care will last for many years.
Lining – Meindl use the ever-reliable Gore-Tex membrane sandwiched between the Nubuck outer and the inner 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 Meran has a light stiffness that provides enough support 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 grip are provided by Meindl’s own Comfort Hiker sole that uses different shaped lugs to provide grip and a comfortable rolling action through the gait.
What are the features of the Meindl Meran GTX?
The most impressive feature of the Meran boots is the “Comfort Fit” shape that allows a natural placement of the big toe (it isn’t squashed in) and gives plenty of width and volume at the toes for those with wider/bigger feet whilst retaining a tight grip on the heel for increased support.
Another fundamental part of the “Comfort Fit” is the superb footbed. Unlike the usual floppy foam footbeds found across other boots, this one is made using lightweight, supportive and breathable cork with a memory foam comfort layer, a PU foam joint support under the metatarsal head joints (ball of the foot) and a PORON shock absorber insert under the heel. This all combines to provide unparalleled comfort and support.
As well as all that, you also get Meindl’s 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.
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 Meran 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. The Meran is the perfect boot for hill and country walking which will provide many years of service provided you look after them properly. 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.
- Comfort Fit
- High quality leather
- Cork footbed
- Memory foam system
- Durable and protective
Meindl MERAN GTX REVIEW We'vve worn the Meran GTX on everything from wet Welsh hill walks to muddy dog strolls, and they’ve never let us down. Straight out of the box, they felt incredibly comfortable thanks to the wider Comfort Fit and that brilliant cork-and-fleece footbed that moulds to your feet over time. No hotspots, no faff, just solid, reliable comfort. They’re waterproof, supportive, and feel like they’ll last for years.
MEINDL MERAN BOOTS CARE To care for your Meindl Meran GTX boots, brush off dirt after each use and clean with lukewarm water and mild soap or a leather cleaner—never machine wash. Once dry, apply Meindl Sportwax to condition and waterproof the nubuck leather (it may darken slightly). Reproof with a suitable waterproof spray for Gore-Tex boots and let them air dry naturally—avoid heat sources. Remove and air out the footbed regularly, and store the boots in a cool, dry place.
MEINDL MERAN GTX WEIGHT The Meindl Meran GTX boots weigh approximately 650g per boot for men (UK size 8) and around 580g per boot for women (UK size 5). While not ultra-light, they offer a great balance of weight, durability, and comfort, making them perfect for long walks, everyday hikes, and general outdoor use. The added weight contributes to their solid support and stability, especially on uneven terrain, without feeling bulky thanks to the cushioned fit and flexible sole.
FAQ
Are the Meran boots comfortable for long walks?
Yes, absolutely. The Comfort Fit design and cork-and-fleece footbed make them feel great even after hours on the trail, no pinching or sore spots.
Do they work well for wide feet?
Yes, that's one of their best features. The Meran GTX has a roomy toe box and a secure heel, offering plenty of space without feeling sloppy.
Can I use them for hillwalking?
They're perfect for countryside hikes and low-level hills. If you’re heading into steep, rocky terrain, you might want something stiffer, but for everyday walking, these are spot on.
Are they easy to break in?
Yes! Most people find the Meran GTX comfy straight out of the box, with no painful break-in period. The soft leather and flexible sole help with that.
Do they provide a good grip?
Yes, the Meindl Comfort Hiker sole gives reliable grip on most trails, grassy slopes, and muddy paths. They are ideal for mixed UK terrain.
Can I replace the insoles?
Yes, you can swap out the original cork-and-fleece footbed if needed, but many users love the comfort of the standard insole. It's supportive and moulds to your feet.
Who are these boots best for?
Great for walkers who want all-day comfort, a bit more room for their feet, and a boot that handles wet, uneven ground without fuss.