I’ve previously written a guide to buying hiking boots, focusing on what to look out for when choosing a new pair. However, for the first time in over a decade, I recently found myself in the market for boots again. This article looks specifically at the option I chose — the Meindl Peru hiking boots. I’ll go through why I chose them and how they’ve performed so far.
Hiking boots should be durable and long-lasting if cared for properly — or at least, that’s the theory. My old Helly Hansen boots lasted over 11 years. While good hiking boots come with a high upfront cost, their lifespan means the cost per use is actually very reasonable.
I bought the Meindl Peru hiking boots four months ago and have been wearing them steadily since on a mix of Irish trails, including Knockanaffrin, Slieve Binnian, Glenbarrow and the Vartry Reservoir trail. So this isn’t a first-impressions review. They’ve been tested in wet and wintry Ireland. While they still feel like a boot that rewards time and patience, they’ve already proven themselves to be a clear step up from my previous Helly Hansen boots (which I was very happy with until they met their ultimate demise after serving me well for over a decade).
In this article, I’ll share how the Meindl Peru hiking boots have performed in Irish conditions — from rocky mountain terrain to forest paths — and who I think they’re best suited to.
Quick Verdict on the Meindl Peru Hiking Boots
Best for: The boots will suit the majority of hikes in Ireland. They’re classified as a three-to-four season boot. This means they’re perfect for Spring, Summer and Autumn and fine for most Winter conditions.
Not Ideal for: Harsh Winter conditions in deep snow and ice. So not the boot if crampons are needed. In addition, they are a bit heavy for long, well surfaced trails or roads.
Comfort: Perfectly fine from first use but I’ve found they get more comfortable each time I bring them out – which is to be expected with all hiking boots.
Grip: I haven’t had any slips as of yet. The grip is good and I’d be confident of it in nearly all settings apart from thick Winter ice.
Waterproofing: Keeps water out even going through sodden grass and mud. I’ve been impressed by my dry feet so far.
Durability: Meindl has a reputation for producing quality boots. The Perus are mid-weight and mid-stiffness. I’m expecting to get close to 10 years of walking out of these!
Value for money: I paid €270 in the Great Outdoors shop on George’s Street. These are expensive but you are paying for a quality product from a trusted brand.
Why I Chose the Meindl Peru Hiking Boot
I did a lot of research before making my purchase. Some people might say that’s because I find it hard to part with the guts of 300 quid. To be honest, there may be some truth in that. If I am paying that sort of money, I want to make sure I am getting the very best option available.
I actually went into the shop thinking I wanted the Meindl Bhutans. However, after an in-depth chat with the hugely knowledgeable sales assistant in the Great Outdoors shop, I opted for the Perus. The girl in the shop was an alpine hiker from Italy. She knew everything there was to know about hiking boots.
I ended up going with the Meindl Peru hiking boots because they felt more comfortable. They are more flexible and more suited to everyday trekking – rather than off the beaten track and deep Winter conditions which the heavier Bhutans would suit more.
The Meindl Perus will suit 99% of the hikes I complete over the next decade. If I decide to climb Everest, I’ll splash out on the heavier boot. Ultimately, comfort won out and I’m very happy with my decision.
Fit, Comfort and Break-in Period
As I said, the comfortable fit proved one of the deciding factors in choosing the Meindl Peru Hiking Boots.
My right foot is a little bigger than my left (more common than you’d think). Usually, a size 10.5 works for me. The Meindl sizing matched that and I went with the 10.5s which still allowed for the extra thickness of a hiking sock (which I brought with me for trying the boots on). I found the boots to be well padded throughout and feel comfortable from the off.
While comfortable for me straight away, I do feel like the boots are still getting used to my feet. Every time I use them, I break them in a bit more. This wouldn’t be unusual for leather boots and I have no concerns on this front. I’m looking forward to completing another 5 or 6 hikes and having them fully broken in.
Performance on Irish Terrain
I’ve tested the Meindl Perus across a few different trail types. In my view, these three to four season boots are ideal for the majority of Irish trails.
These boots excel on Irish mountains and uplands – especially where some sort of a trail exists. They are built to handle rocky or gravelly sections and have no issues for when these surfaces are wet. The Meindl Peru hiking boots are ideal for and will keep your feet dry through wet grass and soft bogland. They feel comfortable on dirt, grass and even roads – although using them for extended periods of road walking is probably overkill.
Who the Meindl Peru Hiking Boots Are (and Aren’t) For
The Meindl Peru boots are ideal if you’re looking for a reliable three-to-four season hiking boot for Irish conditions — particularly mountain trails, uplands, wet grass and mixed terrain.
They’re less suitable if most of your walking is on roads or well-surfaced paths, or if you regularly hike in deep bog with no defined trails. Likewise, if you need a boot for winter ice and crampon use, you’ll want something stiffer and more technical.
For the vast majority of hillwalkers in Ireland, though, these boots will cover almost everything you’re likely to do.
Grip and Stability
I’ve had no issues with the grip and thankfully no slips or tumbles so far. The ankle feels extremely secure while still being comfortable. Overall, I feel confident wearing the Meindl Perus. Confident walking on more difficult terrain and uneven paths. Plus confident of the protection offered by the boots.
Waterproofing and Breathability
Starting from the outside – the Meindl Peru hiking boots have a waxed nubuck leather upper. Nubuck is essentially a strong durable type of leather. This tough leather type offers more protection for rugged backpacking but proves heavier and less breathable than synthetics or softer leathers.
Nubuck leather needs regular waxing to maintain water proofing and keep the material supple.
Under the outer leather, the Meindl Perus have a Gore-tex lining. This acts as a water barrier. Gore-tex is extremely reliable with the added advantage of being breathable. This means it allows moisture in the boot (e.g. sweat) to escape. The footbed also comes designed to wick away unwanted moisture. These have worked – my feet have stayed dry every time I’ve used the Meindl Perus. Plus, my feet haven’t felt clammy during any of my hikes.
The boots then have a comfortable inner lining below the gore-tex layer.
Weight and Feel on Long Hikes
Given the above, the Meindl Perus feel heavy initially. However, no different to any other three to four season boot. Any time I used them, I got used to the weight very quickly. They really didn’t feel cumbersome on long hikes.
I wouldn’t use them for a day of road walking but perfect for softer springier underfoot conditions.
Build Quality and Durability
I have very little concerns about the quality of my Meindl Perus. People note Meindl as a high-end quality brand with a huge tradition of manufacturing quality footwear.
I cannot emphasise enough that regular maintenance of the boot is required to maximise their longevity. This means cleaning and waxing after every hike.
Price and Value for Money
Buying the Meindl Peru hiking boots is undoubtedly an expensive initial outlay. However these are a long-term investment. You are paying for quality and an expectation that the boots will last you for years. You need to keep that in mind when considering the €270 or so price tag.
Would I Recommend the Meindl Peru Hiking Boots
For me, I would definitely recommend the Meindl Peru hiking boots. However, only if you are looking for a three to four season type boot. This is important – you need to think about where and how you are going to use the boot before looking at what type of boot you need.
Where to Buy the Meindl Peru Hiking Boots
I cannot recommend the Great Outdoors on George Street highly enough. The service felt top-class. The person I dealt with had a huge depth of knowledge she willingly shared. What you are looking for in a hiking store is someone who lives and breathes hiking. I definitely got this when I went to Great Outdoors.
Alternatively, you can always buy online if you were comfortable purchasing before trying on the boot. This wouldn’t be something I would really recommend though to be honest.