It's been a few years ago(at least 8), but I had some Cabelas Meindl Perfekt hikers that held up really well.

I was wondering what the new Meindl stuff is like as far as durability and being able to keep your feet mostly dry? I'd heard the Cabela's Meindl stuff ain't the same anymore and not in a good way so I was looking at the German made Meindl boot that is all leather.

Thoughts on the Meindl?

Thanks.

How about the Hoffman Explorer?

lonny check out zamberlan hunting boots

Ed

My Cabelas Meindl Denalis are 3 or 4 years old now and seem to be as good as the ones I bought around 10 years ago.

I heard a rumor they stopped carrying Meindl after the bass pro buyout.

Two pairs of Cabela’s Meindl boots, Perfekt Hikers and Ultralight Hunters. Love them both.

Last I looked it appeared as though Cabelas was phasing Meindls out and they were only available in limited sizes, went with Irish Setter Elk Trackers.

Yep,
I posted on this very thing a while back.
The perfekt hikers were the most comfortable , most durable boot I have ever worn.
I work outside on my feet every day.
It sucks , but the Walmart system is killing me!
It suited me fine when BPS was a fishing store , and Cabela’s was a hunting store.
“Just stay in your lane dude “

I'm sure the Meindl is an excellent boot that will likely outlast many others, but I tried one about ten years ago; incredibly stiff boot that would have required significant break-in. So stiff, in fact, I couldn't tell for sure that it was the right size/ fit. I passed on them for that reason.

Check out Lowa boots as an alternate.

I think these boot would work well. I'm also looking for some new boots.

These might be pretty close to what Cabela's Meindl version was when they carried better quality gear.


https://meindlusa.com/collections/meindl-footwear. The "comfort fit hiker" looks to be about as close as it gets.


I'm going to check several brands of boots and I appreciate the suggestions.

I have owned two pairs of Meindl boots. One pair I bought in Germany a long time ago and pair sold under the Cabela's brand. The Cabela's pair is about 3 years old.

In my experience, Meindl are a tad overpriced. You pay for the name and get a boot that doesn't justify the higher cost. I like them; they function fine, but I can't say that they are a good value.

I love my Perfekt Hikers and am sorry to see Cabela's discontinue them. That said, I take good care of them and hope they'll hold together for several more years.

I've had a pair of Perfekt Hikers for several years and really like them. A friend who hunts in WV has the Perfekt Extremes and really likes them, they were bought before the buyout. I was hoping to get a pair of those myself, might have to look elsewhere now.

Meindlusa looks like they carry a form of what was once the Perfekt Hiker. The Comfort Hiker looks pretty close anyway.

https://meindlusa.com/collections/meindl-footwear

Glad I found this thread, just ordered the comfort hiker light. Was thinking about getting another pair because they're my favorite everyday boots and they're getting old, checked cabelas and of course...nada. Same boot as they used to call the perfeckt hiker light.
Also have the "Denali" uninsulated I wear for early grouse and small game and may need to get a spare of them (whatever the equivalent is) from meidl while I can before they go and change the design at some point.

Very sad to see the perfect hiker and hunter go. Bought a pair of Denali’s, seemed like a good sheep boot but too stiff for what I do nowadays...much stiffer than the perfect series. Not happy with what BPS has done since the merger, pretty much lost a customer.

I am four for four with Meindl boots soles deteriorating in equatorial regions.

Best boots on my feet. Need to get them with a different sole.

I would link you to my posts from a few years ago, but the search function here eludes me. In short, they are viable boots if you are willing to glue the soles back on daily. Too much experience here. But boy, are they comfy.

I am going to try some Zamberlan boots. These will be my first ever "premium" boot I've had. Before this Danner pronghorns and Irish Setter Trakker series have been my go-to. It is really sad to see what is happening with Cabela's since the buy-out. And Meindl seems to be having a few woes themselves...I hope there are still decent products available when my kids get to be my age.

Thanks for the link, going to order a pair of hikers. I found it ironic that Meindl USA is based out of Sidney NE. Looks like some former employees knew what a good product looks like, good for them!

Glad to the link to Meindlusa! Looks like close the same line Cabela's had with some improvements.
Going to order a pair of the Ontario shoes.

Does anyone know if the ones sold in Germany are different from these sold state side ?

From what I’ve read, those made for Cabela’s we’re manufactured in Germany at a specific price point. Nubuck was used instead of full grain leather, etc.

I posted this elsewhere and wanted to update here.

I had called Meindl USA and they returned my call today. The "Comfort Fit" model at Meindl USA is the same boot as the old "Perfekt Hunter" with some upgrades. Made in Germany. Ex Cabelas employees at the new Meindl USA.

My size 8 1/2 EE is not available but will try some 9D and 9EE to see how they fit. They said they would work with me to get a good fit.

Hope this helps.

Care to elaborate on this ?
Are the ones from Germany better or just different , and how so ?

Just edited my previous post, but cheaper materials were used for those manufactured for Cabela’s to meet a specific price point, ie. nubuck vs. full grain leather. Also, my Cabela’s Meindls don’t have heel loops to help pull them on. Diesel indicated in his post that they are the same boots with some ‘upgrades’. As for better or just different, your guess is as good as mine.

I was told over the phone the foot bed is upgraded cork and a better vibram sole.

Hoffman Boots also carries a few styles of the Meindl, but doesn't appear the hiker is one of them.

https://www.hoffmanboots.com/meindl

FWIW....I know this is not the classifieds...But I have a pair of Cabelas Meindl Perfect Hunters(insulated) size 8 1/2 for sale and another Cabelas Meindl Boot( I believe the hiker..a little shorter than Perfect Hunter) size 8 1/2 for sale. Both pair of boots have been used 3 or 4 times...in EXCELLENT condition. Let me know if interested.

I'm a huge fan of the Meindl boots and this is very welcome news!! I got my first pair nearly 20yrs ago when Lathrop and Sons carried them. Cabelas became the only carrier for years, but I'm glad to see them now have a viable US option. I'll be ordering a pair.

FWIW, IME the ones from Meindl were better than the Cabelas branded ones, which are good boots, just not quite what the real deal is.

pm’s sent