Inside Look: Meindl Bhutan GTX

[@joeremnant8125]

I'm on my fourth pair. Can thoroughly recommend. I put boots through their paces and have never found anything comparable. Would buy again for the fifth time.

[@theknowlodge8294]

The best boots in the world. Phenomenal quality. Peerless durability. Very comfortable.

[@trekitt]

Hi Dominic, you're obviously a fan, and rightly so!

[@joeyg846]

I’ve had these boots for a year and they are insane. Totally great choice for a solid boot

[@trekitt]

So glad they have worked for you, they are, as they say, "tough as old boots"! Thanks for watching.

[@splittin2atoms]

Got the Bhutan for 5 years and am wearing them a lot. They are still in good shape, the outer sole needs replacing soon though. Meindl provides this service btw. Very happy with the boot, two things to consider, it is very stiff, walking on medium size stone or gravel can be wobbely. The shock protection is bit too hard for my liking.

[@vader2757]

Hi Paul thank you for the tip on the memory foam once I had my boots on I never readjusted five mins. later or after a couple of miles I will give this a go and hopefully my experience will be better..I love these boots

[@trekitt]

Every day is a school day! So good to hear that you're enjoying your boots. Paul.

[@Andy-mg9nw]

Santa was good to me with a pair of these. Love em

[@finallevel29]

Had these for over a year, and here is my review, if anyone is interested… I do a lot of walking all surfaces all over. Purchased on reviews and went from there. Right from the off I found them heavy and I must admit uncomfortable . I thought perhaps it was me and persevered. After a year on, I can honestly say it’s like walking on two bricks or concrete patio slabs. Also the sole on the heels has worn down really quite considerably compared with other boots . I definitely wouldn’t go this way again.

[@tonybennett4922]

The most thorough review of Bhutan's on the net . Well done Paul . I've took your advice on previous reviews on Rab Kangri and Kestrel 48 backpack . These boots are next 👌👌

[@trekitt]

Hi Tony, thanks for your comments and for buying from Trekitt. As I always say when talking about boots, the best ones are the ones that fit you correctly and are fit for purpose. Please ensure that the Bhutan's fit you correctly before venturing out in them. If in doubt, get yourself to your local outdoor specialist retailer for a pro boot fit. Or better still, come and visit us in Hereford when we re-open. Paul.

[@TheBlackHorse92]

I honestly couldn't live without my Merans, perfect fit thanks to the team at Trekitt!

[@truckinghell1655]

Waiting for my Bhutan me a hopefully here tomorrow first high quality boot after three budget pairs and really excited to receive them I feel like a kid at xmas

[@ianrudd7442]

I have had a pair of these for years and have lates really well

[@trekitt]

Hi Ian, they are literally as tough as old boots! Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@dlaw2692]

I bought a pair of Bhutans from your website last year. Overall they are a fantastically comfortable, bombproof boot. The only gripe I have with these boots is their performance on wet grass and muddy terrain. They perform excellently on rocky, craggy, or scree-covered ground. However, on local hikes in the Ochills (which are mostly grassy, boggy slopes and plateus) I find the lugs on the sole don't shed mud and I end up on my arse more often than I'd like to admit. Could you recommend a similar trekking/mountain boot that doesn't have this problem? As always, very helpful product reviews and great service all-round from Trekkit.

[@trekitt]

Scarpa Delta's are pretty good on grass and aren't a million miles away in terms of fit. I'd still recommend trying them if you can though. Harry

[@angelaspencer25]

Clear and helpful - thanks. Had many pairs of Meindls - wide sizing is comfortable.

[@michaelmarshall5283]

Are these ok for Everest Base Camp hike?

[@trekitt]

Yup, these will work as long as they fit your feet. Would definitely try on if you haven't already.

[@VickersDoorter]

Bhutan - evidently a clever play on brown boots.

[@nocnymarek7645]

Are they comparable to Vakuum from Meindl?

[@trekitt]

I'm afraid we don't stock the Men's Vakuum, so I can't tell you first hand what the difference in fit and feel is, but they do appear to be fairly similar having had a quick look online. Harry

[@nocnymarek7645]

@@trekitt Thanks

[@peppimoore5454]

Can I ask are they suitable for me if i have wide feet

[@trekitt]

The Bhutam is one of Meindl's narrower models, you may have more luck with something from their Comfort Fit range, designed specifically with wide feet in mind.

[@harryvanrijn6366]

I love my Matrei GTX which unfortunately are suffering from water ingress after 4 years. Comfortfit is great but I'm reluctant to go Meindl again..

[@trekitt]

Water ingress after only 4 years? Have you been looking after them properly Harry? Regular cleaning and reproofing of leather boots will dramatically extend their lifetime. Paul.

[@harryvanrijn6366]

@@trekitt I may have not done this well enough in the beginning. Not until I watched Hannah's video I took it seriously. So coming back from a day on Dartmoor I noticed wet feet. I may order a new pair for wettish walking, but cannot see the difference between the Matrei and the Meran. I need to spend some time at Bever (Dutch specialist shop).

[@maltereyorb2274]

How well do those boots work in winter? We don’t often have snow here in Germany, however I wonder if they will keep your feet warm on some occasional winter hikes.

[@trekitt]

With a thick pair of wool socks they're more than warm enough for our UK winters. I'm not sure how cold it gets over there but I suspect they'll be in the right ballpark. Harry

[@SilveryFoxster]

Would u recommended going one size up to accommodate thicker socks. Thanks

[@trekitt]

Generally I wouldn't recommend it as a blanket rule. We have a video which outlines how to find the correct size online (I'll pop a link below), or alternatively we offer a free boot fitting service in our shop in Hereford. Kind regards, Harry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4rMp5aNh5mbjM0

[@tonytramonti5828]

I walked from San fransisco to the Shetland islands in a pair of Wallace Hoppit Gino Opido mid goretex lites , £99 from stay indoors, they’ve had 32 soles and 24 new uppers fitted and still going strong and they’re grippier than a hot turd 💩

[@trekitt]

That's pretty incredible, should frame them once they're fully wrecked!

[@Capture262]

Are all the Bhutan boots GTX? I have seen them for sale with no mention of the GTX, is there different models of the Bhutan ? Thanks

[@trekitt]

The Bhutan doesn't officially have 'GTX' in the name, but it does have a Gore-Tex lining.

[@wints66]

Perfect timing been looking at these at Trekitt store for me and my wife, I take it the women's version is made with same materials ? thanks for your helpful videos.

[@trekitt]

The Women's are a slightly different colour and feel softer to the touch, but other than that they're exactly the same.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

Absolutely professional review loved it.... Q:What reason would you leave the meindl Bhutan at home and use the meindl vakuum? And vice versa please as I'm trying to learn the functional difference between the two boots thanks is you can explain pal....

[@trekitt]

The Bhutan is a more stable, supportive and heavy duty boot which works well for trekking, backpacking etc where you require a stiffer midsole and may be carrying a heavy pack, whereas the Vakuum is lighter and more flexible, making it the more comfortable/easy to get along with boot for general hiking and when carrying less weight. If you can, I'd recommend trying both on as they feel quite different. Kind regards, Harry.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt brilliant thank you Harry .. I already have the Himalaya and it was over kill for my needs, the vakuum sounds just right 👍🏾thanks also how you also answer questions, respect to you all at trekitt 👍🏾

[@googleaccount4159]

As someone who walks several miles through the British countryside every day for work I can say that Meindl make the best boots. I very much use and abuse them (as I use them daily I’ll be honest and say that I never clean or wax them) and they last me a good three years. If you’re only using them at the weekend and you take care of them, I see no reason why these couldn’t last a decade.

[@trekitt]

Three years is good going for daily use-even more so if used and abused!

[@WE-vd8ux]

Can amyone compare them to Hanwag tatra II in terms of durability amd comfy?

[@trekitt]

The durability between the two will be similar, they're both sturdy leather walking boots with similar sole units and will both be aimed at the same terrain. Comfort will be more of a personal preference as they do fit slightly differently. The Tatra is slightly higher in volume and a little wider (not a wide-fit boot, just wider than the Bhutan) so may be more comfortable if your foot fits it better. Our best suggestion is to make a trip to your local outdoor footwear specialist (hopefully us if you're near to our Hereford Service Centre) and try them both on for a better comparison.

[@si1987_]

Got these boots and did my first longer trek in the dales , ended up with two massive blisters on my heels , to be fair we was walking on uneven moorland, any tips on how to stop the blisters for nxt time ?

[@trekitt]

Hi, it's going to be really hard to give advice without seeing how the boots fit you. However, try good quality walking socks and ensure that the laces are tied tightly, particularly up around the ankle - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iF7XaaSGocmeosU. If you are able to get the Hereford shop (after lockdown) we would be happy to do a full assessment. Paul.

[@rogerivy2919]

try wearing double socks, obviously thin ones, there are socks made by Karrimor that are double, I have one i dont get blisters when i wear them.

[@Unchained_Alice]

I just got a pair of these. Would the conditioner & proofer be ok to keep the leather in good condition (as good as wax)? Wax changes the appearance of nubuck of course. Haven't tried them out yet for actual walking since I'm waiting to get the products to treat them first. But they seem so comfortable and secure when I tried them on.

[@trekitt]

Conditioner and Proofer also changes the appearance of the boot similar to a wax. Personally, I'd use Sportwax as your main product to care for the boot. It works well, lasts ages and is ideally suited to the Bhutan. Harry

[@Unchained_Alice]

@@trekitt Ok, thanks!

[@greekveteran2715]

These or the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX? Please help!! Thanks in advance

[@trekitt]

It’s quite simple, the boots that fit your correctly and that are most suited to your activity are the ones for you! Thanks for watching. Paul

[@greekveteran2715]

@@trekitt Thanks for the response! Unfortunately,I can't go to the store and check which one fits me better. I like more cushioning and flex, My backpack weighs 10kg around 22 lbs. Since I can't check out how they fit me,It will be a lotto anyway thanks again.

[@rogerivy2919]

Meindl look better, and will last longer, they also have more protection ....but obviously its your choice, i just gave u my opinion as some differences I see in those boots.

[@Northumbrian-Rambler]

My Bhutans are starting too leak after 5 years and a hell of a lot of miles. Always been looked after/ cleaned waxed etc. tread looks brand new still and no signs of anything coming apart. Could it just be that the goretex has worn through? Both feet wet from the toes forward. I walk mostly in the Cheviots, Northumberland which is boggy moorlands so it’s a good test of boots. I’m either gonna buy a new pair of Bhutans or the vakkums. Any experience with the latter? Thanks!

[@trekitt]

It's likely the Gore-Tex either has a hole in it (if your toes touch the 'roof' of the inner boot and have worn away the lining), or it's just degraded over time. I'm afraid we don't currently stock the men's Vakuum, so I can't remember exactly how it fits. The Bhutan is a solid choice though and one I'd probably pick if it fitted me! Harry

[@backwoodsash3214]

No review for the Dovre?

[@trekitt]

Hi, the Meindl Dovre is not a model that we stock, but it's very similar the Bhutan GTX.

[@backwoodsash3214]

@@trekitt thanks for the reply

[@tombain5665]

Brilliant explanatory lesson on boot technology. I enjoyed the content immensely. My old job involved developing and selecting PPE with the major international players, DuPont 3M Uvex etc, but none of them have exceeded your talent in product quality technical explanatory delivery. Great I enjoy all your videos. Tom, Lake District.

[@trekitt]

Wow Tom, praise indeed! We just love what we do and hope that comes across, thanks for watching. Paul.

[@wingaard]

Mine seems to be a bit narrow across the widest part of my foot. Did nt have this problem with the salomons previously. Any ideas how to stretch this part?

[@trekitt]

Here's a good article: grandcircletrails.com/how-to-stretch-toe-box-of-hiking-boots/

[@stuartblundell2404]

Hi guys, I really struggle when it comes to boots... I can never seem to find a pair that fit just right. Unfortunately I am 160 miles away from your shop which is absolutely gutting as I'd love to come and do a proper boot fit with you! I watched your sizing video last night and I was wondering how I'd be able to tell if I had wide feet? Reason being, the reviews I've read of these are superb, but if I do indeed have wide feet, I don't want to be buying another pair that don't fit properly. Lastly, I was trying to see if the Bhutan was made in the "comfort fit", and I cannot see it anywhere for the life of me which is gutting! Can you recommend a boot comparable to this within Meindl's comfort fit? Cheers and keep up the great videos! If ever I am looking at products to get, I always try to see if you guys have done a video on it first! Stu

[@trekitt]

Hi Stuart, it's largely down to the experience of the boot fitter to determine how wide your feet are compared to the 'average' - unfortunately there's no easy way to tell without seeing you in person. It's also down to which boots you've tried in the past; for example, someone who's been fitted with a pair of AKU Slope's in the past would indicate to us that they have a fairly slim foot with high volume. In regard to the Bhutan, I'm afraid it isn't comfort fit. It's still slightly on the wide side, but not as wide as their Meran (which is comfort fit). The Antelao is a good alternative; it's designed for the same purpose but has Meindl's comfort fit. We have done a video on this, so I'll pop a link to it below along with another link to the website. Hope that helps and thank you for the kind words! Glad the videos are helping you out. Kind regards, Harry. Antelao video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enuYg4Ksl56GfNk On our website: www.trekitt.co.uk/37276/products/meindl-mens-antelao-gtx-comfort-fit-anthracite.aspx

[@stuartblundell2404]

Trekitt Brilliant! Thanks for the swift reply! I feel a 300 mile day trip coming on! 😂

[@trekitt]

@@stuartblundell2404 Haha, it'll be worth it! Just make sure to book an appointment on our website to ensure you get a dedicated time slot. Harry.

[@Shenron12345]

Hi Paul, how the sole is doing for exampla at Ben Nevis? theres gravel theres a lot of slipery stone rocks etc

[@trekitt]

Hi Wiktor, the Meindl Bhutan would work perfectly well on the paths of Ben Nevis. I'd go for something stiffer if you were tackling a bit of scrambling though. Paul.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt thought it was meant to be heavy duty stiffer than vakuum? Dyou mean b/c it's needed if scrambling?

[@trekitt]

@@temujinadonijah6365 It depends on the severity of the scramble. The Bhutan's are more suited towards hiking/trekking/backpacking and you may want something a little stiffer and with more climbing-related features (i.e sole unit with climbing zone, crampon attachment points, lacing which stretches down further to the toe, etc) if you plan to tackle scrambling routes.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt oh I see like my Himalayas...... Its strange because those vakuum look like they take crampons?

[@trekitt]

@@temujinadonijah6365 Unfortunately not, they're far too flexible to accommodate 'proper' crampons. A pair of MicroSpike's would be fine though.

[@ronanrogers4127]

I’m torn between these and the Vakuum Men GTX. They both have goretex and MFS, the weight is the same, and the height and style is almost identical, as is the outer sole. If you weren’t going to carry a backpack (perhaps only a daypack or hydration pack), and you have aged knees that you need to care a bit for, would the Bhutan or Vakuum Men GTX be the better choice?

[@trekitt]

If you're never going to carry a heavy pack and don't need as much support, I'd say the Vakuum would be the more suitable choice. This is very dependant on which one fits you best, though, so I'd try both on if possible. Regards, Harry.

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

I am UK 8 almost in everything except NIKE UK 9. What size should I go with these?

[@trekitt]

Hi, I wouldn't like to recommend a size without seeing your feet first. We recommend a professional boot fit for your outdoor footwear to ensure a correct fit. Seek out a good local independent specialist, or better still, make an appointment at our Hereford Service Centre (www.trekitt.co.uk/pages/updates/)

[@lukebell7413]

Can you fit crampons to these boots?

[@trekitt]

Afraid not. The nearest you'll get is something like these: www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=microspikes

[@soylentgreen2065]

I was watching until you showed the glue-on sole. Having made the miatake of paying $300 for a pair of Asolo with a glue-on sole and then having the sole separate and the boot become worthless, it won't happen again.

[@trekitt]

Hi, the majority of boots now use a bonded sole and to be honest we see extremely few problems with this type of construction. Problems often occur when the boots become contaminated (cement, urine, acidic soils etc.). Thanks for watching and for getting in touch. Paul.

[@theewhaler]

You can add me to that list. I’ve had a couple of Meindl model boots now - Kansas and another one, and after about 2 years on both the soles are just falling apart. An absolute joke that at this price range they are gluing bits together like some kind of school project. By the way yes I regularly cleaned and treated the leather but that won’t help with the rubber parts. I use them for gardening so to see that “soil” is listed as a contaminate for “hiking” boots is also interesting.

[@luca-pw9gd]

what type of gore tex membrane does it have (performance confort, sorround etc)?

[@trekitt]

Performance Comfort.

[@blaagoku]

Built like a brick shit house,best boots I’ve ever owned

[@trekitt]

Couldn't have put it better myself! Thanks for watching.

[@karenhenderson8523]

I’m looking to but the Meindl Bhutan ladies boots in a uk 7 (EU 41) but feel very uncomfortable with the reliability and maintenance of the nubuck leather. The men’s leather is much nicer. Can I buy the men’s boots, are the sizes equivalent? If not how do I treat the ladies nubuck? Do I wax first then proof? Will the leather look the same as the men’s once waxed? Many thanks.

[@trekitt]

The Men's and Women's Bhutan will fit differently, so I wouldn't recommend opting for the Men's option unless you've tried them and are certain they fit. Reliability is very similar between the two, the only difference is appearance. You can either use Meindl's Sportwax (a traditional tinned wax) to condition and proof the leather or their 'Conditioner and Proofer' (a spray). Meindl do recommend treating the boots before their first use. Sportwax will darken the appearance of the leather after use. I hope that helps. Harry

[@GavinHayhurst]

Not sure if this is helpful (or recommended) but my Meindl Lhotse's were the brushed nubuck like the ladies Bhutan and I decided to put sportswax on them instead of the proofing spray. The leather went dark and smooth like the men's Bhutan and it still looks good 12 years later.

[@khndenmark]

What is the Best walking boots after your opinion?

[@trekitt]

The ones which fit you best. We stock a wide range of boots which vary in width, volume, intended activity, etc, so we'd recommend popping in to see us if you're near and we'll be able to fit a pair based on your foot shape.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

Think I will nick name you thumper 😂 thanks for the info what's furthest you'd wear this boot on mixed and hard ground? And what meindl non gtx and not leather would you recommend for 40+miles please?

[@trekitt]

Hi, thanks for watching and I'm happy to be nicknamed "Thumper"! The furthest you can wear these boots will wholly depend on your personal fitness, the boots will keep going far longer than you can! It's really hard to recommend another Meindl boot as fit is so important and I can't see, measure or asses your feet. My advice would be to go to a local specialist retailer and get a proper boot fit and then follow their advice to which boot is suitable. Paul.

[@temujinadonijah6365]

@@trekitt thanks Paul I can walk more than 40 miles but the footwear keeps letting me down losing comfort... I've some meindl also but they are over kill I bought wrong type(Himalaya MFS gtx) I've some Hillmaster gtx they were no good!

[@amouraviva]

Only thing is they are a narrow fit.

[@trekitt]

I'd say they're almost bang in the middle. I'm a narrow fit and they're too wide for me. That being said, they're no where near as wide as Meindl's Meran, for example. Harry

[@terrydactyl6751]

I wouldn't buy any other make. I love my Meindl footwear.

[@trekitt]

They obviously suit your foot shape, and they are indeed a very good make. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@rabierabie2352]

Nice shoes but I don't have money to buy

[@lizcole9827]

well you need a job then and then you can get a pair simple

[@texfromro]

@@lizcole9827 How simple is that..right? Most people around the world are not making in a month(working their asses off)... the cost of these boots

[@davedoogan6650]

Buy a pair of hi-tec

[@kimjongun1413]

@@davedoogan6650 .....They were beat up because of your advice. NEVER GO FULL HI TEC lol

[@bobmarley6161]

Nice boots but I prefer the meindl German army boots

[@trekitt]

Thanks for watching

[@labellaescrima1996]

found it too heavy, other material today do a better job and don't cost that much!

[@khalil7011]

Disagree with other materials doing a better job but they are heavy.

[@trekitt]

The Bhutan is definitely sturdy and built to last, however there are lighter boots available if that's your preference. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

Unreal boot,

[@outdoorsummiteer399]

So comfy, u pay for what u get