Gear

Are they a similar fit?

I want to buy some Himalayas (I like the huge rubber rand and the crampon compatibility), but because they're old, I can only get my hands on Lhotses (this year's remake of the Himalaya) to try on. Are the boots similar enough that I could risk trying on Lhotses and buying the same size in Himalayas online? 

Don't want to be too risky as these are going on remote arctic rock-collecting treks for weeks at a time - I can't do much about sore bunions from ill-fitting boots in Peary Land!

Thanks! 

The Lhotse isn't a remake of the Himalaya - they're different but similar models, &  both are currently available. 

I've worn the Lhotse, and a very nice boot it was too. Will take crampons, though you wouldn't want to be in them all day. If you're going to be using crampons a lot you might want to consider whatever the woman's version is of the Makalu.

 Thanks for the advice!

Women's Makalus don't exist or I'd have bought them already...

  Most of what I'll be doing doesn't need crampons except for crossing the odd glacier - hence the choice of 3/4 season walking boots rather than stiffer mountaineering boots.

Giselle,

Meindl classify both the Himalaya and the Lhotse as "B/C" boots which is roughly 3/4 season as you say. The Himalaya are a fair bit heavier and the rand will also reduce the breathability somewhat.

I am not sure what your stockist can show you, but there's several other Meindl options in the B/C category.

I use the Island Pro - it doesn't have the step-in crampon sole but it is a fantastic all-round boot. But in the women's range of Meindl's there's the Engadin which looks solid (and doesn't have a membrane lining which could be an advantage in dry-cold conditions).

Plus there's the suede Alta Via and the lighter Air Revolution 5.1.

And if you wanted something of similar stiffness to the Makalu theres the Sella and Viper

My point is that Meindl have a wide range of styles to choose from if you can find a place that stocks them. I've had a couple of pairs of Meindls and would gladly buy more...

I can heartily recommend Lhotse's.

See my review here under the name of Richard Blake.

they do suit my feet well however, and can be eternally adjusted (laces wise!) for comfort.

Hi All,

 Is the Meindl Lhotse MFS the new model to the Lhotse GTX.

 If not what's the difference.

 Can anyone advise. 

GTX stands for Goretex (lining). MFS stands for memory foam system, which is the padding of the boots. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Have a look at the Meindl website for combinations and permutations.

Thanks for all the advice on Meindls chaps, in the end I went for Raichle Mt Trail XT GTX (they fitted my feet vastly better) and very comfy they are too. Looking forward to giving them a good walk across Spitsbergen and Peary Land! 

I bought Himalayas to take along the Baltoro Glacier, to Concordia and over Gondogoro Pass (where crampons are needed) in Pakistan. Step in crampons (DMM Aguilles) fitted very well, shame I didnt need then (huge crevasse blocking the route).

These boots couldnt be faulted; in extremes of temperature- blistering heat in afternoon and freezing cold late evenings/nights/early mornings.

Required little breaking in and were very comfortable.

2 weeks trekking on rocks ice and sand with no blisters or hot spots.

They are a fairly wide fit so wont suit everybody, they obviously suited me fine.

I also have an old pair of (pre MFS) Burma GTX which I could have taken had I known I wouldnt  need crampons. 

Welcome to the forum, Rick!

On an aside, I just saw a beautiful pair of Meindl Air Revolution 9.0 (Meindl grade D so fully stiffened) for half price (size 12 I think) in my local outdoors shop. Unfortunately for most of you, that's in Toulouse. But if you're passing through on your way to go skiing or climbing in the pyrenees, I can give you the details!