REVIEW: Meindl Equator Einsatzstiefel Alpha GTX®

The Meindl Equator was officially launched at the IWA 2017. The presentation is the result of a long lead-up: the boot was constructed by Meindl in collaboration with Gore with the aim of creating a particularly lightweight patrol boot that is a fully-fledged GORE-TEX shoe. The Equator also serves as a prototype for a new class of GORE laminate from Gore. The Meindl boot has been equipped by Gore with the brand new GORE-TEX^® Extended Comfort laminate, which completely eliminates insulation compared to conventional laminates and is single-layered in the shaft construction.The GORE-TEX^® shoe laminate used in the Meindl boot carries the word "Patrol" in addition to the product class designation, indicating the exact type of material used. In addition to this, there are two other versions of non-insulated laminates that are new from Gore: Tactical and High Liability. You can read about the details of the three versions HERE in the first report.With these new boots, the manufacturers conducted an extensive product test with users to see how the footwear performs in practice. Over at SPARTANAT, 200 candidates volunteered, with 49 extensively testing the boots. You can read all about the results of the field test HERE.

We also had the opportunity to thoroughly examine the Equator ourselves over the summer months and now in the spring.Unlike the desert-equipped version, easily recognizable by its brown leather look, we tested the black version. Essentially the domestic tactical version, as many authorities insist that their active members in the military and police services wear uniformly black footwear.

The first thing that stands out when you pick up the boot is the weight. It is definitely light, weighing only 627 grams for a size 45 Equator boot.Otherwise, the Meindl closely resembles the good old Jungle Boots of the US Army, albeit with a much better tread that provides grip on various surfaces. And one striking distinguishing feature: the inner lining shimmers subtly silver. Other aspects are fairly standard: the boot is laced with four solid eyelets and four hook eyelets that allow for quick lacing. In use, the boot's strengths become quickly apparent – the focus is on absolute and enduring waterproofness, high breathability, and minimal weight. After testing the boots for a period of time in various activities - from light to moderately rough terrain, on asphalt, gravel, and soil, as well as in and around water - we noticed the following things:

• The breathability is exceptionally good;
• Due to its low weight, the boot feels almost like a trekking shoe, though with a high shaft;
• The tread provides secure grip on almost any surface, despite having a relatively thin, lightweight sole (see image below);
• The shoe is watertight. Completely waterproof.

The only criticism we would note is related to the feel of the shaft. It feels unusual at first to sense the smooth laminate. This leads to a feeling of not being securely in the boot. But if you lace them tightly, you're snug inside, including ankle support.

CONCLUSION: The Meindl Equator Alpha GTX® sets new standards in warm weather boots. The American would say "Jungle Boots on steroids" - in other words, a jungle boot that not only has drain holes but also doesn't let water in at all.

Meindl Einsatzstiefel Equator Alpha GTX^® brown HERE at ASMC

Meindl Equator Einsatzstiefel Alpha GTX^® black HERE at ASMC

Feldschuh leicht - Meindl Equator Alpha GTX^® HERE at MILITARY PARTNER