Our verdict
For anyone searching for quality leather boots they can use for walking, backpacking, scrambling, or hiking, the Vakuum GTX by Meindl fits the bill perfectly. Tons of wonderful feedback can be attributed to its beefy construction, premium materials, and protective features like the Gore-tex membrane and durable Vibram outsole. While this boot has a premium price tag, it's totally worth the investment.
Pros
- Excellent quality and durable construction
- Amazing comfort
- Solid grip
- Extremely supportive
- Long-term abuse
- Superior protection against water intrusion
- Meindl hiking boots
Cons
- Heavy
- Long break-in period
- Gets warm on super hot days
updated 9 Mar 2023
The Meindl Vakuum GTX makes a great choice for anyone looking for a supportive shoe that can last for a long time. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a boot that offers high resistance to abrasion.
- Track and field.
- Prefer a boot that has a moisture management system to keep the foot fresh and cool.
Meindl hiking boots
Underneath this leather, the boot is the Multigrip 2 outsole by Vibram. It's a stiff sole that features aggressive lugs that are less likely to clog with mud. It's a double-density sole which means that some parts are softer than the others, which contributes to the stability and flexibility of the shoe on uneven grounds.
Excellent grip on different terrain
As reflected in its name, this specialty sole delivers a good grip on different terrain. It is also long-wearing and highly resistant to abrasion. Lastly, the Vakuum GTX boots are reliable.
Prefer a boot that has a moisture management system to keep the foot fresh and cool
Testers say this backpacking boot is able to take extreme use and abuse because it features a sturdy and long-wearing polyurethane (PU) foam. Unlike EVA, PU is less likely to flatten or compress over time because of its solid structure. This means that it will not lose its cushioning despite heavy use. The same material is also used in other high-end performance footwear products. One drawback of PU midsoles, however, is that they don't make for a lightweight hiking boot.
Moisture control
The Vakuum GTX boots also come with the Air Active footbeds which are also Meindl-exclusive. Such removable insoles not only provide added cushioning but also help with moisture control.
Superior protection against water intrusion
This mid-top hiker has an upper that's completely made of Nubuck leather, including the tongue and collar. Inside is a Gore-Tex lining that provides superior protection against water intrusion. With such a combination of the upper material and interior lining, this boot can get really warm sometimes, especially on really hot days. Nonetheless, they also make a perfect pair in terms of durability and protection.
Secure fit
Completing the upper is the Digafix lacing system that extends to the collar for a secure fit. There's also a rubber that provides additional protection particularly around the part where the upper and outsole are glued or stitched together.
