 Those who have a keen eye will notice, I'm upgrading all my kit...
I like the fit of Meindl boots, but The Borneo Pro MFS or the Burma Pro MFS? What are the major differences?
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 I think its the gore tex lining
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 Burma has goretex lining, Borneo doesn't. Goretex lining isn't necessary in a boot of this kind and is only in the Burma as Meindl consider it a selling point.
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 Got the Borneo myself and never had water get in other than over the top! Rarely get sweaty socks either and Gore-tex lined boots do plenty of that IME. Can't recommend the Borneo enough - if they fit your feet.
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| Edited: 22/09/08 15:07 |
 A bit like the tents thing... what are you actually planning for them? Lots of folk wear big chunky boots because... they've always worn big chunky boots because the Recieved Wisdom was you needed big chunky boots. It turns out that's not always the case, and for some jobs you may be much better off in something rather lighter. I used to insist on big chunky boots for everything, I now typically use them if I'm anticipating crampon use or step kicking or if I'm on steel edged skis. That's actually a small minority of the times I'm out. Pete.
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That's a good point BUT... when I went to purchase new footwear I went with a completely open mind except for one thing, they had to fit. Price, material etc wasn't the issue for me. I'd have rather had something lighter, however the Borneo's fitted like a glove. Always said I'd never have a pair of brown leather boots but for me they have been amazing. Heavy yes, although once on the go the extra weight around my waist is more of an issue. Fit is everything when it comes to footwear, years of shinsplints taught me this.
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Yes, fit is everything. My big Scarpas fit me very well, and are comfortable because of that. But my Scarpa shoes are built on a similar last so fit just as well, but are much, much more comfortable a lot of the time as there's so much less of them. Just because a pair of boots fits very well doesn't mean you won't find a shoe that fits just as well. Especially if it's from the same company. Pete.
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the reason most people go for the burma or borneo is because they are a most robust boot around for there weight. they are great for everyday use or if your a heavy stompa... gortex or not gortex doesnt matter as long as you look after the leather.
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 Just because a pair of boots fits very well doesn't mean you won't find a shoe that fits just as well. Especially if it's from the same company. Pete.
You would have thought so, wouldn't you? I have a pair of Meindl Burma Pros and they are a fantastic fit as well as being brilliant boots to boot. Exactly the same size Meindl Emotion XCR trail shoes are just slightly too roomy to feel completely stable.
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 I wonder how many folk have bought the Meindl Burma Pros because 'Trail' magazine said they were great for hill-walking? Then binned them after a year cos they are heavy b******s. Pair of size 9.5's going cheap.
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| Edited: 22/09/08 18:05 |
 the thing to look for with meindl boots is that the lace eyelets do not dig into the top of your foot. they will not soften up! it depends where your foot bends. i like the borneo very much but they gave me bruises on the top of my foot from the eyelets so meindl boots with that lacing pattern are a no go for me.
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 Borneos are nice boots but as Mike says they are bloody heavy (well, relatively heavy), I got a pair because they had a good reputation and I wanted to get away from GTX lined boots, they fit like a glove, great support and keep my feet dry but I had a problem with a seam on one of them so I've been using my old lightweight fabric/suede boots recently (which soak up water like a sponge) but I think I'll stick with them because...well they are just more comfortable to walk in than the Borneos (just bcos of the weight) and anyway changing socks deals with the wet. Having said that there are plenty of 3 season boots out there that are a lot heavier then Borneos and a lot of people swear by them so each to their own, if they work for you go for it.
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 As the wise regular OM forum folks above here say, it is just so very important to try the boots on for a good proper exact fit, before deciding which to buy. Different sizings in the same size can be readily noted amongst the different various outdoors footwear manufactureres of this world. So an 11 in one make will be a perfect fit for me, whilst in another brand it just plain isn't, and I have to size either up or down accordingly to a ten and a half, or eleven and a half!  Well, that is if one can still locate half sizes, as lots of manufacturers seem not to want to produce them anymore either too! Hence me being actually a ten and a half size foot really, and having to try an 11 on for size and fit first off, just in case that is their 10 and a half foot size, but being marketed in fact marked as a size 11!
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| Edited: 23/09/08 16:52 |
 I have a pair of Borneo's, used to be my only walking boots. Recently bought a pair of Hitec V lite boots, very comfortable, reasonably light, waterproof like a sieve. I ended up with sodden feet every time I went out (wet peaty ground in my area) Wore the Borneos again last week in the same terrain, no problems with wet feet. Depends what you want, I prefer dry feet so I'm happy with the weight of the Borneos. I found with the fabric boots that changing socks didn't work as the boot lining was saturated.
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Which V-lite model was that R_Mac?
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 Hi i-duck. I'm on my 2nd pair of Borneos and they're excellent boots. As Stomper says, look after the leather and the lack of a gtx lining shouldn't become an issue. One thing though, the footbeds are pretty basic. I'd forgotten how little cushioning and support they offered 'till I tried breaking in my new pair last weekend. If you do go for the Borneos my advice is to grab a pair of cheapo spots insoles while you're at it.
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Which V-lite model was that R_Mac?
Hi, they're the V-Lite Fasthike.
http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/40619-product-v_lite_fasthike_mid_wp-all.html Comfortable enough but they're not holding up too well, the outer sole is coming off along one side and there's a bit of wear on the canvas?? part along the side on one of them. Only wore them about 6 or 7 times, a few rocky/stoney routes inc CMD, the rest of the time soft wet ground. Wouldn't buy them again TBH, I think I'd go for something like the Aku Croda
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Hey everyone, I've bought the Burma Pro MFS. Thanks for all your advice guys.
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