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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Ronin83 on 15:57:56, 27/06/18

Title: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 15:57:56, 27/06/18
Hi.
So, I have meindl Toronto boots and they've been amazing. I've taken good care of them and they've served me well, but my feet have grown and/or spread to the point that they are too small now. My big toe literally just touches the end and with the slightly pointed shape to them(why oh why don't they make shoes the actial shape of a human foot?) My toes are being squeezed from the sides. Im gutted, but they have to go. £160 boots which could have lasted me many more years, damn shame. I have to size up.

Has anyone used or tried on meindl Minnesota pro gtx boots?
There's not much info on them and I'm not sure which shops will sell them in-store to try on. I may potentially get them cheap(ISH) and they look good.
Im also watching a used pair of Bhutans in very good condition.
I love leather for obvious reasons, but do get hot feet.
Cheers

Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:01:13, 27/06/18
Hi. I love leather for obvious reasons,



Message for you :


Miss Whiplash asked me to remind you that your next appointment is this Saturday.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: kinkyboots on 19:18:46, 27/06/18
I love leather for obvious reasons, but do get hot feet.

If you like leather boots but want your feet to be cooler consider the Meindl Borneo 2 MFS which is leather lined rather than Gore-Tex lined.

The leather does need regular waxing to keep them waterproof but the leather lining is definitely cooler than a Gore-Tex lining.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 20:43:02, 27/06/18

Message for you :


Miss Whiplash asked me to remind you that your next appointment is this Saturday.


Hahahaha. Nice one. I didn't even get that at first. Does sound rather kinky
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 20:53:49, 27/06/18
Yeh I thought about the Borneo's. Finding a good deal on them isn't so easy though and I bought expensive leather boots in the first place to buy once, buy right, buy to last. I kind of begrudge having to spend big again after less than 2 years.
It doesn't help that I need size 8.5 in meindl.
Sound like a right moaner don't I? Haha

Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Chris954 on 22:44:52, 27/06/18
I bought a par of Minnesota GTX about a year ago, I find them extremely comfortable but thats me, you might have different shaped feet. So far theyre 100% waterproof, not too hot in warm weather with the right socks and ok in mid winter, the cold does come through when theyre caked in wet mud though. The grip from the sole isn't the best on mud but is good on the slimy Limestone of the white peak district. I bought mine from Foothills in Sheffield and the customer service was second to none. I was there for two hours trying boots on till I found a pair that fitted properly.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: kinkyboots on 12:11:12, 28/06/18
A couple of leather options which might be worth considering are the Altberg Malham or the Altberg Nordkapp which are built on the A-Forme last which has a more rounded toe end shape. Not cheap but as you'll no doubt already be aware quality boots which will made to last never are. If you go the Altberg route make sure that you get properly measured.

You can find your nearest stockist here https://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/ (https://www.altberg.co.uk/stockists/)

https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-malham-walking-boot-p1793 (https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-malham-walking-boot-p1793)
https://www.tauntonleisure.com/alt-berg-men-039-s-malham-leather-walking-boots.html (https://www.tauntonleisure.com/alt-berg-men-039-s-malham-leather-walking-boots.html)

https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-nordkapp-boot-p1794/s4947 (https://www.gaynors.co.uk/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/altberg-mens-nordkapp-boot-p1794/s4947)
https://www.tauntonleisure.com/alt-berg-men-s-nordkapp-leather-walking-boots.html (https://www.tauntonleisure.com/alt-berg-men-s-nordkapp-leather-walking-boots.html)

A budget unlined leather option which might be worth a look is the Altberg Defender military boot with plenty of new in box examples cropping up regularly on eBay for around £70.

Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 13:31:51, 28/06/18
Thanks guys.
Altberg are class. I do actually have some defenders(I think thatst what they are) which I got grade 1 from eBay to see me through working outdoors all winter in snow, mud and lots of water/rain. They stayed perfectly waterproof, however, I wouldn't want to hike in them. The heel slips too much even when fully laced, they are a little roomy everywhere except the toes and they're bloody heavy. Like I said though, bloody good, strong, quality boots. I'd definitely have to go to a shop and get fitted with altberg, but unfortunately none of their stockists are any where near me. You just don't seem to see them in outdoor shops for some reason. I think thats terrible really considering they're a respected British boot maker.
Anyway they are my go to winter bushcraft and general heavy use boots, but not comfy enough for walking.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 13:36:50, 28/06/18
My concern with the Minnesota's is that they couldn't handle the wet chalk, mud and clay of England, especially around my area(Hertfordshire). They might still be worth getting, but try to keep them away from the wettest muddiest walks in winter.


Mud on leather just washes right off though ay?
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: kinkyboots on 13:49:23, 28/06/18
.......and that's the main reason I've been trying to steer you towards choosing a leather boot.

The fact is that any suede or nubuck and fabric combination boot will not only generally perform poorly in wet conditions in comparison to a leather boot it will also probably only have a short lifespan. It may be only 12 - 24 months before the waterproof liner fails rendering the boot totally useless in wet conditions and you are back in the shop buying new boots yet again.

The obvious penalty for the increased waterproofing and longer life provided by a leather boot is an increase in weight of the boot.

It comes down to personal preference and whilst some people are prepared to accept the shorter life for the weight saving others are not.
 
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 14:28:23, 28/06/18
.......and that's the main reason I've been trying to steer you towards choosing a leather boot.


Yeh it does make more sense for my home terrain.
In dry summer conditions I'm more than happy In a pair of trail runners. May keep my eye on some low moabs or something for inbetweeny weather, but I think the leather boot journey continues.

Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 14:54:50, 02/07/18
Ok. Sorry this is long.


Went to a few outdoor stores and tried on loads.
Heres what I learned....
1. I need size 9 in boots to give me my precious toe wiggle/splay room
2. Meindls all have stupidly narrow toe boxes nowdays except vakkuum, which are very pricey.
3. At size 9 leather boots wont tighten enough over my foot, leaving me sliding around inside the boot and heel slippage, except mammut trovat which were, again, very pricey and a way too stiff for less than mountainous terrain
4. Meindls Minnesota and Scarpa r Evo gtx were comfy, grabbed my foot nicely and didn't squeeze my toes.


Other fabric/suede boots felt good too, but felt less strong and reliable.
The Scarpa had a particularly good smooth lacing system, soft shell+elastic goretex tongue and ankle and thick suede uppers. Elastic goretex means the fibres are designed to stretch and stay waterproof, which is the usual downfall of goretex...it isnt stretchy and so fails.


I also found scarpa terra gtx on sale at millets/blacks currently for £99. Full leather boot.
Minnesota are looking expensive.
I ordered the r Evo and the terras to my local store so I can try on and compare.


My decision now is this...


Buy the r evos for goods and a pair of cheap(found some) altberg defenders for stomping in the mud and the blood and the beer in dead winter [censored] weather.


Or


Providing they're comfy, get the terras and be done with it. £99 pair of leather boots for everything.

Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: alan de enfield on 15:16:36, 02/07/18
Ok. Sorry this is long.


Went to a few outdoor stores and tried on loads.
Heres what I learned....
1. I need size 9 in boots to give me my precious toe wiggle/splay room
2. Meindls all have stupidly narrow toe boxes nowdays except vakkuum, which are very pricey.




Strange how we differ - I spent hours trying on various brands and models of boots - I have wide feet and a bunion, and the only ones that were 'wide fit' (wide enough) were the Meindl boots.


Most of the Meindl bottom lace grommets fell on top of my Bunion - the widest and best fit (Bunion wise) were the Meindl Meran


I ended up with those.



Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 16:16:06, 02/07/18
Hmm.
Ah yeh the meran are ''comfort fit'. They certainly were toe friendly, but a bit expensive for what they are if u ask me. Lots of stitching. But as everyone says, our feet are all different.


To clarify, its the toe box lack of width which bothers me. Why the [censored] do shoemakers curve the end in towards the big toe. It's a bunion epidemic out there.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Kukkudrill on 17:20:42, 02/07/18
why oh why don't they make shoes the actial shape of a human foot?


The curvature puts space in front of the toes while holding the foot in place. If shoes followed the actual shape of the foot, all your toes would bump up against the front of the toe box and you'd end up with blisters or bruised toenails or both.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: alan de enfield on 17:36:20, 02/07/18
. Why the [censored] do shoemakers curve the end in towards the big toe.



Some years ago (and newly married) SWMBO suggested to me that she would like some of those shoes with long pointy toes (a bit like Jester shoes). I suggested that it would not be a good idea as she wouldn't be able to get close enough to the sink to wash the pots.


Ouch...……………………….
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 19:10:01, 02/07/18

The curvature puts space in front of the toes while holding the foot in place. If shoes followed the actual shape of the foot, all your toes would bump up against the front of the toe box and you'd end up with blisters or bruised toenails or both.


Wrong.
1, the toe box isnt what holds your foot in place, at least it shouldn't be. Also to do that it would need to be touching your toes which makes no sense to your statement.
The mid foot is where your shoes should hold you and maybe the heel, but around the heel are sensitive nerves and of course your achilles tendon, so mostly the mid foot.


2, proof that you're wrong are several minimalist or 'barefoot' brands or models like vivobarefoot, altra, lems, Xero shoes, Merrell(trail glove, vapour glove), new balance minimus, freet.
All of which have foot shape design, the widest point being the big toe, mimicking the shape of a natural healthy foot(if you want to see one of those look at people who have spent their lives barefoot).


Most shoes/boots begin curving in from the ball/last big toe knuckle, NOT from the end of the big toe, hence it pushes your big toe inwards potentially causing a bunion and a host of other problems.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Kukkudrill on 20:31:57, 02/07/18
1, the toe box isnt what holds your foot in place, at least it shouldn't be. Also to do that it would need to be touching your toes which makes no sense to your statement.
The mid foot is where your shoes should hold you and maybe the heel, but around the heel are sensitive nerves and of course your achilles tendon, so mostly the mid foot.


True, but if the mid foot isn't 100% effective in holding your foot in place (especially if you're descending a steep slope), the curvature on the toe box will stop your foot sliding forward more gradually than if the toes banged up against the front of the toe box all at once. I suspect that if the toe box followed the shape of the foot, you'd have to tie your shoes a lot tighter.


Can't comment on barefoot shoes because I've never used them, but there must be a reason why most hiking shoe manufacturers continue to use the conventional shape.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 21:19:56, 02/07/18
''there must be a reason" argument.
 :(
McDonald's must be popular because it serves really good food. Couldnt possibly be anything else.


More likely its to do with a fashionable look and following the status quo.


I have used barefoot shoes, along with plenty of others and they grip your foot actually better in general.
Unfortunately I haven't found any with the same capabilities of good hiking boots or the ability to last.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 21:22:47, 02/07/18
"True, but if the mid foot isn't 100% effective in holding your foot in place (especially if you're descending a steep slope)"  

 
The ankle part of the boot will catch you, which is why low shoes don't suit hills/mountains/steep descents
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Kukkudrill on 21:46:09, 02/07/18
More likely its to do with a fashionable look and following the status quo.


Maybe, if we're talking about normal shoes, but I don't think fashion is such a factor where hiking boots are concerned.


The ankle part of the boot will catch you, which is why low shoes don't suit hills/mountains/steep descents[/size]


I did an Irish LDW recently wearing tall (8-inch) boots, but I still found my feet sliding forwards on steep descents. And I had them laced up securely all the way to the top.
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 22:59:09, 02/07/18
And you blame that on the toe box not being pointy or narrow enough?
That would be a rather strange explanation.


A bit of slide is inevitable after a while which is why you should have a good gap at the end. Also if you're side stepping on steep bits then your foot won't just be going forwards the whole time. Not always possible though
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Kukkudrill on 14:54:59, 03/07/18
And you blame that on the toe box not being pointy or narrow enough?
That would be a rather strange explanation.


What I'm saying is:


(1) The boot shaft does not always stop your foot sliding forward in the boot (this in response to your categoric statement that it does).


(2) "If the mid foot isn't 100% effective in holding your foot in place (especially if you're descending a steep slope), the curvature on the toe box will stop your foot sliding forward more gradually than if the toes banged up against the front of the toe box all at once."
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 19:28:01, 03/07/18
Can we continue this in a new thread? Goin way off topic here
Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Mel on 21:15:14, 03/07/18
The ankle part of the boot will catch you, which is why low shoes don't suit hills/mountains/steep descents


'Fraid I have to disagree with this.


I wear walking shoes due to an achilles tendon problem which is aggravated by the ankle cuff of a boot.  I have never had foot within shoe slippage issues on steep descents in them.  I have never had any sideways slippage either on wonky hillside paths.  My heels never slip out of the heel cup on ascents (or when pulling my foot out of a bog  ;D  ).  I also have a wide forefoot and my toes seem to like wiggle room too.  Oh, and despite being nubuck/suede, they are waterproof (apart from when the water from said bog goes in over the top of them).


The only thing I can think of that would cause heel slippage (or any kind of slippage) is an incorrectly fitted boot and ineffective lacing.



Title: Re: Meindl Minnesota pro gtx
Post by: Ronin83 on 14:07:19, 09/07/18

'Fraid I have to disagree with this.


I wear walking shoes due to an achilles tendon problem which is aggravated by the ankle cuff of a boot.  I have never had foot within shoe slippage issues on steep descents in them.  I have never had any sideways slippage either on wonky hillside paths.  My heels never slip out of the heel cup on ascents (or when pulling my foot out of a bog  ;D  ).  I also have a wide forefoot and my toes seem to like wiggle room too.  Oh, and despite being nubuck/suede, they are waterproof (apart from when the water from said bog goes in over the top of them).


The only thing I can think of that would cause heel slippage (or any kind of slippage) is an incorrectly fitted boot and ineffective lacing.


Thats interesting and refreshing to hear aside from the adamantly maximal, boot brigade.
Im open minded but ive been thru mud and water up to my ankles, so yeh, sticking to boots for now(except summer).
I do feel more comfortable in trainers tho.
Anyway.
In the end I went in store to get my 2 orders.
The scrapa r Evo gtx feel good so I kept them. Size 9.
The Scarpa terra gtx were also size 9 but we're we're shorter than my size 8 UA trainers!! Also the toe box is very narrow. Returned them.
So annoying that brands can't stick to atleast their own sizing.


Ive also ordered some leather haix high liability gtx army boots, used grade 1 from eBay, nice and cheap, size 9. They'll be my [censored] weather bangers, as long as they fit ok.


I think this is a good compromise. The r evos do feel like they'll last and ill take good care of them. Any suede experts here? The tongue is like a softshell material.