Vorsprung dürch, er, boots really...
Meindl Borneo Boots (three-season / trekking boot)
Price: £110.00
Features: Oiled Nubuck hydrophobic leather upper,
anti-wicking thread used for stitching, DIGAFIX lacing system, double
density Vibram sole, full rand.
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Instant luxurious comfort plus
superb durability. Thunk...
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If the Meindl Borneo were a car, its doors would shut with just that
satisfying Germanic 'thunk' you'd expect from a Merc or a BMW. They
really are that good and after a year's hard use including some
ruthless backpacking in the Peruvian Andes, still going strong.
Comfy straight out of the box due to the luxurious ankle padding
and soft leather lining, they're simply very, very capable
three-season boots. The highish ankle offers reassuring support to
anyone wary of walking or particularly, backpacking in lower cut
boots and a series of air vents in the collar claim to ventilate the
inside of the boot. Whether this works or not, and we'd be hard
pushed to say for sure, its hot weather performance is definitely
improved by the lack of a waterproof breathable lining making them a
good option for treks which include hotter zones.
Down below, the medium stiff mid-sole offers decent stability on
uneven ground and the Vibram outsole does the usual reliable wet or
dry, decent friction gig. A full rand helps protect the
water-resistant Nubuck upper from abrasion.
Our only slight query is over the level of cushioning from the
sole on hard surfaces, though its no worse than most other walking
boots.
As long as you have standard issue UK feet - broad and medium
volume - the Borneo is a spot-on, high quality 'fit and forget' extra
for the fellwalking or trekking foot. It would probably take a flexi
crampon for short distances, but that's not really its raison d'etre.
For an extra tenner you can have the Burma Gore-Tex, basically the
same boot with a water-proof, breathable Gore liner to keep the bog
out of your socks.
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Verdict: These boots drip comfort
and quality. The lack of a waterproof lining makes for
comfort in warmer conditions, they break in quickly and last
for ages. If they fit and match your needs we can't think of
a good reason not to buy a pair.
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Performance
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Value
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Let's stomp over to the Meindl
web site alternatively you can e-mail
the UK importer or phone for information: 015395 60214
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Pushed for time:
Vorsprung dürch Teknik as the ad men say. The
Meindl Borneos are built with all the precision and quality
of a German car. Luxurious padding, instant comfort, good
warm weather performance, a very capable sole and durable
contrauction including a protective rand. High ankle offers
confidence to those who worry about lower boots, but without
detracting from comfort. There's no waterproof liner to make
you sweat when the sun's out, but water resistance is still
good from the treated leather. Simply an excellent
fellwalking and trekking boot for the standard issue British
foot.
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