Meindl Matrei GTX

Mike Roberts 3
Reviewed: 03 February 2012

Very comfortable and suitable for most people

The most comfortable boot ever.

None so far

I've had no end of trouble finding a comfortable boot since breaking two toes over twenty years ago. Even a pair I had specially made were very uncomfortable going up Snowdon. I was amazed at how comfortable these Meindl boots were when I tried them on in the shop. I've been on quite a few walks since and I'm still impressed. I have every confidence they'll get me up Snowdon. Let's face it, most of us are not gong to climb anything too arduous so a boot like this is gong to be perectly adequate. If a boot isn't comfortable you just won't want to wear it so comfort is the number one priority.

Chinoy
Reviewed: 09 March 2011

COMFORTABLE ALL-ROUND WALKING BOOTS FOR EXTRA WIDE FEET

Very comfortable straight from the box, no breaking in required
Excellent cork insoles
Soft Meindl soles have better grip on wet rock than harder Vibram soles

Price for comfort paid for in durability, probably wont last very long if regularly used for serious hill/mountain walking
Soft Meindl soles also wear out quicker than harder Vibram soles
Similar spec boots like Brashers Supalite (if they fit you) are cheaper and lighter

I fitted the Matrei in a shop here but ordered the non-goretex version called the Meran from Germany as I find waterproof membrane lined boots too warm on the feet even in the UK, use Nikwax Aqueous wax and no leaks in wet conditions. Have used in Snowdon and recently a couple of day hikes in Southeast Asia and have so far been impressed. Has enough cushioning for walking on tarmac, enough support for fairly rocky terrain without being stiff and comfortable straight from the box. Not a heavy duty hill/mountain walking boot so wont last long if used too often for tougher rocky trails, but makes a very good all-round hiking boot for those who mostly go on day hikes in easier terrain with some ocassional higher level hill or mountain walks.

Chris OMS
Reviewed: 20 January 2010

EARLY DAYS YET, BUT BEST BOOTS I'VE HAD FOR AGES

Meindl quality
Great cork insole - who needs Superfeet?
Me, I like the desert boot look, in town or out
Best of all, they fit my feet

Don't suppose comfort = longevity
Would much prefer a traditional one-piece Vibram sole with no trendy coloured bits of plastic.

After a brief test in the Scottish snows, I've just used these boots on a tough 200-km desert trek across rubble, bare rock and only occasionally sand. They lasted fine, did not feel hot despite membrane (temps up to 30C) and best of all were by far the most comfortable boots I've had in ages. At times we were balancing from boulder to boulder across broad oueds, traversing scree and rockfalls and they always felt surefooted (we carried only day packs). Amazingly the sole did not transmit this mashing through to my feet, even on the hardest days when others were hobbling.
I don't suppose this durability and comfort will last forever and they're pretty scarred now, with small bits of the sole and nose rubber chipped off, but the same or worse happened to all other footwear on this trip. After a bad experience with Borneos (see my OM review) the Mats have restored my faith of bootwear though I havent had a chance to try them in soaking UK conditions so can't vouch for that aspect.

Buck
Reviewed: 18 February 2009

NOT BAD!

Well the fist and most obvious is the comfort. This boat really is very comfortable right out of the box and very soft on your feet. They are also very light. The sole is fairly aggressive allowing good grip in most situations. They do have a particularly wide foot, but that suits me! Good quality! It is very waterproof, if looked after. First time i took mine out through bog and driving rain in wales, and the water didn't even saturate the leather.

I was sold these for use in the Lakes and Wales as a summer boot. Sadly i'm don;t think it is particularly up to the task mainly because the sole is ridiculously bendy. I wouldn't take this on scrambles or scree or similar just because I don't think it would be easy to find purchase on wet rocks, or dry rocks even! It is great for almost everything until you start getting to rocky areas. Also in my personal opinion the boot is not terribly good looking. It looks more of "around town" boot, although I definitely wouldn't wear it around town!

You can draw your own conclusions from above. This boot is ok, but not what i'd intended it for!