Fake Meindl desert fox boots?

[robford1]

Are there such a thing?

I have recently purchased via Vinted a pair of Meindl desert fox boots which from initial appearance were in good condition.
However, after one dog walk the sole on both boots have disintegrated and come away from the boot. There is no way to repair them as the cushioning in the sole has disintegrated resulting in them being chucked in the bin.

This is the second time this has happened and my mate tells me that they are probably fakes!

it is really annoying as these are incredibly comfy, lightweight boots that I use for summer stalking.

I would like to buy a brand new (7.5 UK) pair but it does not look Meindl sell them anymore.
Any suggestions for similar boots?

 

[GrumpyGrandpa]

I had a pair of boots (can't remember the make) where the sole disintegrated like that too. Plus, we were having lunch with a neighbour a few weeks back and when the neighbour got up from the table there was a pile of 'crumbs' under her chair. At first I thought she'd dropped some chocolate cake but after two steps she had no soles on her shoes.

I think it is an age thing (sole material, not you):

"PU consists of long polymer chains that are gradually split apart due to the effect of moisture. As a consequence, PU loses flexibility over time and gradually becomes brittle. As the shoes reach an advanced age, this can lead to signs of disintegration in the soles."​

You have purchased a pair of boots that the previous owner has used a couple of times then 'put them away' and now decided (in good faith?) to pass them on. Unfortunately, the sole material has just given up.

Recommendation: I bought a pair of Dolomite (off here) and they are light, super comfy and supportive of my dodgy ankle too.

 

[CastleStalker]

Exactly as above , once used and stored away for some time the materials just give up once they are put into use again. I only know this as it happened to a pair of boots a mate had, he stored them away after use and then didn't use them again for 12-18 months and 1st time out they disintegrated.

 

[gelert]

I've had my le Chameu resoled by these The Boot Repair Company - Walking boot repairs, shoe & leather repairs.Maybe more than what you paid for the boots but my repair was done in less than a week and its a top job.I paid £70.

 

[Rory]

@robford1 - they were cheaply made boots, buying used just means that they will begin to break sooner.

 

[Donkey Basher]

Not fake but par for the course with that type of sole on Desert Fox boots as well as numerous other models of Meindl boots!

I have the complete opposite - I have a pair of desert fox boots that were new ( err old stock ) that have now done about 10 years service & I’ve worn right through the outer some so time has come either to resolve or find some replacements. Mates have had several pairs in that time from similar source & all have fallen apart after a few years.

 

[Jelen]

Are there such a thing?

I have recently purchased via Vinted a pair of Meindl desert fox boots which from initial appearance were in good condition.
However, after one dog walk the sole on both boots have disintegrated and come away from the boot. There is no way to repair them as the cushioning in the sole has disintegrated resulting in them being chucked in the bin.

This is the second time this has happened and my mate tells me that they are probably fakes!

it is really annoying as these are incredibly comfy, lightweight boots that I use for summer stalking.

I would like to buy a brand new (7.5 UK) pair but it does not look Meindl sell them anymore.
Any suggestions for similar boots?

View attachment 369576

Exactly what happened to my Meindl walking boots. I put it down to a flight in an unpressurised airplane, or being kept in a warm boot room..

 

[Jelen]

Exactly as above , once used and stored away for some time the materials just give up once they are put into use again. I only know this as it happened to a pair of boots a mate had, he stored them away after use and then didn't use them again for 12-18 months and 1st time out they disintegrated.

Ditto.

 

[robford1]

I've had my le Chameu resoled by these The Boot Repair Company - Walking boot repairs, shoe & leather repairs.Maybe more than what you paid for the boots but my repair was done in less than a week and its a top job.I paid £70.

thanks so much - that looks like a really good shout! I will get in contact with them

 

[Stalker62]

However, after one dog walk the sole on both boots have disintegrated and come away from the boot.

@robford1



Dog walk?

It looks like your dog has eaten them!

 

[phoenix 365]

Try the Alt-berg web site they make light weight boots. Made in north yorkshire.

 

[nick100]

Typical Meindl shite.
I’m into my 3rd year with a pair of Danner desert boots. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

 

[Rbr1401]

Try an army surplus store you may land lucky and get a pair. But you be going down same route again as to buying someone else’s boots

 

[robford1]

Try an army surplus store you may land lucky and get a pair. But you be going down same route again as to buying someone else’s boots

its too risky in my opinion now that I know what causes the issue. Just dont know how long they have been sitting there un-used. Now thinking buy new, and cry once!!

 

[robford1]

Typical Meindl shite.
I’m into my 3rd year with a pair of Danner desert boots. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

they look great - which ones do you have?

 

[robford1]

thanks so much - that looks like a really good shout! I will get in contact with them

these guys were rapid in coming back to me!! They can repair for £120

 

[starr shot]

There was a problem with Ex MOD Desert boots and the soles disintegrating. Friend of mine who deals in surplus ended up shredding a container full all with the same problem.

 

[Rbr1401]

its too risky in my opinion now that I know what causes the issue. Just dont know how long they have been sitting there un-used. Now thinking buy new, and cry

its too risky in my opinion now that I know what causes the issue. Just dont know how long they have been sitting there un-used. Now thinking buy new, and cry once!!

I use highland army surplus in Forres Scotland. Woman who has is is first class never any issues bought pair of haix commander boots and also pair of leather meindl in black both pairs grade an and decent price.

 

[Koenig]

The boot shown in the OP was phased out of issue over ten years ago - the issue boots including deserts boots are now all a mid brown. The plastic I’m afraid on old stock boots can and does break down. Get a pair of Iturri brown desert boots from a reputable surplus provider.

 

[VSS]

Sounds like the OP read the label wrong and ended up with Meindl Desert Faux.