Contributors to this thread:
I have read all the posts and it looks like it is down to the following. Lowa Tibet GTX or One of the several Meindl boots from Cabelas. How are the sizings on these boots? Also I need a nudge to make a decision any insights would be appreciated. On another note, has anyone tried the new mountain hunters from Cabelas? Are these also Meindl?
These will be for a Sept elk hunt
Thanks!
Pike
I say this seriously: taking other people's opinions about which boot will fit you is like having someone else pick your bow or your wife. Only you can decide. Try them both on, walk around in the (simulate up and downhill if possible) and but the one that fits your foot best.
The lowas will run 1/2 size small.
Pike,
If you've read "all the posts", then you should know that you can't go wrong with either brand. It comes down to which boot fits you the best.
IMO, the Tibet GTX is too heavy and stiff for most elk hunting situations, unless you plan on backpacking heavy weight every day. Plus, I'm not a fan of Gortex.
If you like the way the Lowas fit, you might consider the Tanark. They are about 1.5 pounds lighter than the Tibets and they have full leather lining instead of Gortex. Keep them treated well and they will be every bit as waterproof as the Gortex-lined boots and they won't make your feet sweat nearly as bad.
GG
Meindl for me last 10 or so years..I have 4 dif types of Meindl boots bought at the sidewalk sale. Used?? yes best kind. Some sucker has broken them in for ya.
I have a pair of Meindi's which are great...BUT like everyone else has said, you need to find the one that fit you best.
Matt's advice above should have ended this thread. That is the only advice you need.
With that said, WHERE you buy your shoes is another issue. Correct me if someone disagrees with this. The Cabelas branded Meindl's seem a rung or 2 down the quality ladder from "real" Meindl's. Kinda like name brand bathroom fixtures from Home Cheapo. IMO, the cabelas Meindl's are not quality boots, compared to the higher end Lowas, Han Wags, etc. I recently bought a pair of Lowas from Onlineshoes.com. Thet are a super lightweight hiking shoe that I plan on using as my stalking/stealth mode shoe on my elk hunt. The Han Wag Alaskans will be my packing from point A to B/meatpacking boot, as the light Lowas lack support for real backpacking. Service is grat at this website. The original pair of Lowas developed a small hole in the upper. I've really been beating the H out of these things. I called them, explained the problem and had a new pair in 3 days.
Good luck on your hunt!
-Steve
I have both and prefer the Lowas. My foot is narrow and the Lowas fit better. I use inserts in both. The Meindles hurt the top of my foot if laced tightly at all. Im considering some La Sportivas next because they seem to run narrow. I think the above posts were correct about Cabela's Meindles not being "exactly" tha same as origionals. Not that they are not quality, just not the same quality maybe. Stephen Lathrop once exlpained the difference to me. Good luck. Good fitting boots make the difference. Take your time and spend the necessary money. You wont regret it.
Thank you to all that have replied, Matt, While I agree that this is good advice, I am however looking at the Cabelas Meindl and have no way to try them so I must rely on some advice from others if I go that way. If the consensus continues that the Cabelas Meindl's are not up to the Lowas the decision is probably made. I am going to also consider some White's.
Thanks
Pike
The Cabela's Meindl's are very good quality boots, mine have been through the test. Keep in mind, you can order some and send them back if you don't like them, as long as they weren't worn outside.
For what is worth, I ordered a pair of Lowa Tibets from REI and will pick them up this weekend. I have tried them on there before and really liked how they fit. I bought them from REI because I know I can always take them back if I don't like the way they feel after I have been on the trail.
DB
My advice would be to order them both and wear them around the house. Return the ones you do not like. Folks cannot advise you over the internet as to which boots will fit you best.
A correction to my post above concerning the quality of the Cabela's branded Meindl's. Yes, they are a QUALITY boot. My statement reads as though I feel they are not. Not as good as the Lowas or Han Wags, IMO, but good.
-Steve
I've been breaking a pair of Kenetrek, Hardscables and I love 'em...Take a look at www.kenetrek.com
I have a pair of Meindl Perfekts. They are sized exactly correct. They are the best boot that I have ever had. Been wearing Danners for 30 years and it will be Meindl from now on.
John
Lowas or Meindls...flip a coin as far as construction...both are outstanding boots...However, as MAtt said, you have to try them...I actually did exactly what Matt said (buy, try, return) with dozens of boots before settling on my Lowa Banffs....
I have the Lowa sheep hunters and the Meindl Perfekts. I used the Meindl's last season on mainly side hill step terrain. Great boots but prefer an older pair of Teton II made by Meindl that I used. I believe they were 2" taller which gave me better support around the ankle.
I will be taking my Lowa's out this year. They are probably more comfortable IMO and will be used as weather dictates. The only con observed by me was that my perkect hikers did not tread well at all on wet snow covered terrain. I was able to try mine on in Sydney and the Meindl's for me fit a 1/2 size big so I ended up buying a 9.5 for what I would normally purchase in a 10. Same with the Lowa's. I was able to try them on in Denver at the expo and had a rep fit me properly. I ended up with a size 9. Like Matt and others have stated if possible try them on and see how well they fit.
Owned both. The Mendl Denali and the Lowa Renegade. I prefer the renegade because it is lighter and still has plenty of support. No break-in required on the Lowa.
I have the lowa tibets, and the cabela's alaska hunter by Meindl, the lowas seem to be more comfortable for guy with a lower foot volume, I have a wide foot and the meindl's fit me much better, but my favorites are the La Sportiva best boot I've ever worn, and no leather, awsome boot.but too low for hunts late or in Alaska. Brent
I would not buy another pair on Meindl's to save my life. I tried one pair after all the hype (the expensive "Perfect Hunter") including Cameron Hanes. They were the absolute worst pair of boots I have ever put on my feet. They don't offer crap for tread and the Lowa doesn't seem to either. The Meindl boots take way to long to brake in. If you are looking for boots now forget them. They won't be broke in in time. The sole wore out on mine in 3 months. I was putting miles on them every day so they were tested well. Take a look at Cabelas bargain cave, There are some Cabelas Switchbacks in there for under $100. They have high ratings as well. The other boot I liked was the Cabelas outfitter series. The ait bob sole was good on traction and would last 2-3 years.
Good Luck.
My first elk hunting trip, I trashed a 3 month old pair of Danner Elk Hunters (Note irony). I took them back and used credit toward a pair of Meindl/Cabelas Canada boot. The best piece of footwear I have had on my feet. (I have the Lathrop 1st generation footbead). The boots fit me like a glove from day #1.
Keep in mind, I backpack in a long ways and hunt solo. These boots are stiff. (Almost like ski boots). But I will sacrifice stalking compatability for ankle support. Only knock, I could do without the 200 grams of Thinsulate.
I have not tried Lowas (As they were not available for me to test. But as mentioned several times, try before you commit.
Good boots are probably the MOST important piece of equipment you have on an elk hunt. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!
Brian
Picked up a pair of Lowa Tibets this summer. Wore them everyday for a week scouting in Colorado a couple weeks ago. Put on a lot of miles up to 12,500 feet. I'm very happy with them and they required no break-in period.
I've been using the Meindl Perfekt Kikers for years and just this Spring picked up a pair of Danner proghorns. I absolutely need ankle support as I have no use of the calf muscles in my right leg. While not exttemely comfortable yet, the Pronghorn provides better ankle support for me. Matt's advise of trying before buying is the best advice going.........
I have the Lowa Tibets and the Meindl Canadians. Assuming that fit is not an issue I would go with the Tibets. Very comfortable and a well made boot that will stand up to a lot of punishment. I have not worn the Canadians as much. They seem to be a very good boot but not as well constructed as the Tibets. Mike-TN
I have a pair of Meindl Ibex boots that I have worn for six years. They have been used and abused in Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota every year. The stitching on the sides came unraveled a few years ago, I put a little gorilla glue on them and they are still great. Best pair of boots I have ever had, hate the thought of having to buy a new pair someday.
But it is like anything else, two guys buy identical trucks, one is a lemon the other has no problems for ten years. Luck of the draw.
good luck
I sent a pair of Meindl Perfect Hikers back to cabelas for a different size and the replacements where on back order until Sept 25th. I opted for the Teton 2 instead. I haven't received the Teton 2's yet so I can't comment on them.
Thanks to all that have replied, I looked at all suggestions and took all comments to heart. I could not try on the Meindl's but I could check out the Lowas. After trying the Lowa's I decided the quest was over. The Tibets were just everything I was looking for. I am sure the Meindl's are great but After trying the Lowa Tibet's I did not see any reason to continue the search.
I am tromping around the house in my new Lowa's as we speak and I am a very happy camper.
Again thanks for all of the replies....and per all of the suggestions trying is the only way.
Pike.
I bought some $100 Cabelas Trail Lite Hikers, all Leather Goretex for work and they rival some of my more expensive boots. They have more miles from work than I could ever put in the hills. They are still comftorble and supportive. NM is very rocky and if they did not eat them up, they are good.
Fish Magician, Was at the local Sportsmans warehouse Yesterday buying a new Sleeping bag and to my surprise they are carrying Kenetrek. All they had were the Mountain Hunter and not the one you mentioned but I was very impressed with them. Thanks for the heads up on these, look like a great Nov/December boot. Hmm....
Pike