Meindl Borneo/Burma/Bhutan & general Meindl experience.

[Acm]

Thinking of grabbing a pair of these but have been put off a bit by all the bad press Meindl get these days. I called bushwear and had a good conversation with a really helpful guy there who said in his experience Meindl quality had indeed taken a dive but almost exclusively on the Douvre range.
Is that the same finding as the general membership of the SD?
I’m after a boot to wear to work when I don’t need steely’s, somthing that is pretty normal looking without big orange branding (crispi style!) but still good for 10-12hour days spent on my feet.
Thanks all.

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

I’ve worn the Borneo’s for over twenty years, though not every day. Great boots.
I have Glockners also, but these are taller heavier boots more suitable for serious hiking.

 

[parlanaich]

My advice to you would be to spend your hard earned cash elsewhere, for many years I wore Meindl I bought nothing else, now Meindl quality is nowhere near as good.

My last Meindl purchase was a pair of Bhutans, didn't get six months out of them, leaking like a sieve, took them back and was given a new replacement pair, just as bad maybe slightly less time before leaking, £200+ for absolute crap.

Back they went and this time got a full refund.

I wear Alt-Berg now, there's lots of recommendations/information on boots as this topic has been discussed on SD many times already.

 

[tozzybum]

Friend runs his own tree surgeon business about 20 people, stopped buying Meindls .
About 5 years now ,too many " claims for split leather and soles falling off .
Personally I'm using Haix as dailys good luck.

 

[RM100]

3 people whom I know, bought Meindls ( Bhutan or Burma’s not sure). They leaked like sieves within a month.

Must say my Douvre’s are excellent, about 5 yrs of recreational use.

 

[Backwoods_compatable]

I've had good luck with meindls, they take some fair abuse at work and I find them more comfortable than the other boots I've tried.
Tend to last 2-3 years before the rubber disintegrates.

 

[Donkey Basher]

Burmas with soles as above have been total sh1t - have posted photos before but basically the foam in the sole breaks down & it falls off!

However, Borneo with soles like the one below are still going strong after many, many years but only get worn in the summer as not goretex.

 

[antsa]

Have a pair of Borneos, had them for 20 years. They've been resoled once during this time. A great leather-lined boot for everyday wear. Starting to get a few cracks in the rubber rand but a little Shoe-Goo does the trick.

Cheers

 

[devon deer stalker]

Don't bother with Meindl, 20 years ago a brilliant boot, would last many years, then they went downhill quickly, and they don't care, something has gone wrong with that company and not helped by the UK importers attitude.

 

[Dave31]

I've had a set of Bhutans about 5 years and have had no issues. Comfortable hard wearing boot. Must have gotten lucky. Altberg make a decent boot as an alternative

 

[Tazz]

Thinking of grabbing a pair of these but have been put off a bit by all the bad press Meindl get these days. I called bushwear and had a good conversation with a really helpful guy there who said in his experience Meindl quality had indeed taken a dive but almost exclusively on the Douvre range.
Is that the same finding as the general membership of the SD?
I’m after a boot to wear to work when I don’t need steely’s, somthing that is pretty normal looking without big orange branding (crispi style!) but still good for 10-12hour days spent on my feet.
Thanks all.

Between my partner and I we have 5 pairs of Meindl boots including Dovre Extreme we have had no issues with any of them

 

[foxhunter]

Dont bother, my mate is on his 3rd pair in 6 months .

 

[Freeforester]

Hanwag Tatra or Yukon, depending on application. Their quality has not diminished.