New Pair Of Meindl Lhotse GTX Boots

Steven Gourlay · #1 19-01-2009, 09:10 PM

Decided that my Rockports have had enough of a beating over the years and the sole is pretty badly worn now that it was time to get a new pair of boots.

I went into my local outdoor shop, i had a pretty good idea what i was looking for.

I went for these Meindl Lhotse GTX and they had a decent January sale on so saved myself some money. It was the same shop where i bought the bush baby backpack.

North West Outdoors - specialist outdoor retailer and coffee shop

They have not seen much action so i can't really comment on them too much. They do however feel very comfortable and give a fair bit of ancle protection (to me this is important as i nearly broke my ancle going out on the rocks at Ardmair). I know the owner of the shop who advised these boots are very popular with the local stalkers as they offer lots of protection and comfort.

Mallimak · #2 20-01-2009, 02:10 PM

Look good Steven. The biggest problem I have with finding boots or any footwear for that matter is the size. I need a size 13/14 depending on the manufacturer. Most companies only go up to 12.

Steven Gourlay · #3 20-01-2009, 02:23 PM

Jesus i thought i had large feet at a size 11. Yeah most only say 11-12, i know a friend in high school who had the same problem at such a young age and he had to get trainers and shoes made.

Steven Gourlay · #4 22-01-2009, 12:05 AM

Took them for there first real walk and tested out the bushbaby backpack with my son. The boots are great, very comfy and feel much more steady going up and down gradients especially with Aidan on my back. I took aidan up along the Ullapool hill walk and back down to the village, oh it was cold realy cold and that slight breese made it even worse. At the end of the hillwak it goes very steep and its all loose stones so the boots came into their own and i did not feel uneasy at all.

The busybaby lite was great apart from getting through the swing gates (you know the ones to stop animals getting through). I had to take the backpack off with Aidan in the back as we could not both fit through. Apart from that its was fine and Aidan loved it, talking well baby talk all the way. I did not feel uncomfortable with the backpack really but when i took it off it still felt like he was on my back for a few minutes.

Seen a few chaffinches, house sparrows, a robin and plenty of rooks on our walk up the hill and through the village.

Overall

for both of my recent purchases.

Mallimak · #5 22-01-2009, 08:26 AM

Pleased to hear the first outing went well and that you and Aiden both enjoyed the walk.

I may have to check out your local shop when we are over that way later in the year.

Never had to have footwear made yet but the choice is quite limited and the choice of stockist even smaller. Some of them just look at you in disbelief when you ask if they stock anything in that size!!

Steven Gourlay · #6 22-01-2009, 10:27 AM

Yeah its a nice shop that seem to hold a fair amount of stock. I do still think a lot of outdoor clothing is well overpriced, £100 for a pair of hillwalking toursers, £300 for a jacket, i dont think so.

Mallimak · #7 22-01-2009, 12:58 PM

I have to agree with you there Steven some of the prices do make you wonder how much profit is being made especially when there is a sale and they knock so much off the price of the product.

If they charged a reasonable price in the first place they would probably get more sales in the first place.

My biggest gripe about trousers is the leg length. When you are 6' 4" and most trousers stop at an inside leg of 33", I don't see why I should pay a fortune for something that isn't long enough!!

Steven Gourlay · #8 27-01-2009, 11:39 AM

Well i have to admit i am happy with the boots, i took Aidan up the hill and i am embarrased to say i was out of breath by the time i got to the top. The boots seem to grip well on large rock and muddy paths. However i think im going to have to look at a harness for the camera as it just bumps about and ties up one of my hands when not using.