Meindl Burma Pro GTX

The Burma Pro GTX is a men's mid-mountain walking boot designed by Meindl. It's a long distance hiking boot capable of basic mountaineering routes in summer and winter conditions.

Having described these as one of my favourite bits of kit in my Reviewer of the Month article I thought I had better do them justice with a review.

Germans certainly know how to make boots  (I also owned pair of HanWag mountaineering boots and they saved a trip to the Alps). I have walked for hundreds of miles in these boots and not suffered a single blister, testament to the fit and quality of these magnificent boots. They are fitted with memory foam so they mould to the shape of your foot. They are laced up with seven sets of eyelets which fix your foot firmly in the boot.

They are made with a full Nubuck leather upper and and a Vibram sole. A Gore-Tex lining adds to the waterproof properties to the boots, but means they make my feet sweat more if it is very hot. They have never leaked, even in sodden mountain days in Wales in the pouring rain and crossing streams. 

I have worn them for countless miles over long distance trails and Welsh and Scottish mountains and I have done a few low grade mountaineering routes in all weathers and seasons. They are B1 crampon-compatible and my feet felt warm and secure when walking on ice. Whilst they performed well on routes such as Cniefon Arete, I would not use them on more serious routes or at altitude. The lack of a toe rand means the leather would soon scour away and they aren't quite beefy enough for more technical routes. That said, they aren't really designed for this kind of activity. 

Compared to other walking boots I have worn they are fairly heavy and I do notice them on my feet after a days walking. They are also quite bulky (a small niggle but if you have a tiny tent with a tiny porch there is nowhere to put them). I do not wear them on really hot summer walk as they get too hot. Then there's the price tag— £180 though seems to be standard these days for a decent pair of boots, but they will last for hundreds, if not thousands of miles and they can be re-soled. 

Overall this is one of the few items of gear I would not hesitate to buy again, even at the hefty price point. They are comfortable, made with typical German quality, and will last for many years. Consider them an investment, your feet will thank you for it. 

Background

Long distance trails in the UK. Mountain walking and basic mountaineering routes in Wales and Scotland. Used in all weathers and seasons including full winter conditions.