40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
Technology and Innovation –
Made in Bavaria
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A journey into mountain boots history
Meindl: A Bavarian family business
The Meindl Cobbler-house with Lukas Meindl Senior as the youngest of the children (1917)
Alfons Meindl, together with friends on the Breithorn (left, holding an ice axe). The company boss at this time knows exactly about the needs and problems for mountaineers.
The ninth generation: Lars and Lukas Meindl
1683
For over 300 years, there has been a “Meindl” master shoemaker in Kirchanschöring. In the 8th generation, Alfons and Hannes Meindl have built up the shoemaker and leather goods business into a recognised brand. Already at this time Meindl has an excellent reputation and sells shoes far beyond the region. And yet Alfons Meindl was not quite satisfied. It was his ambition to develop shoes that made mountaineering easier and safer.
1981
Already in 1981 Thorger Hübner (W.L. Gore & Associates) and Alfons Meindl start developing the first shoe equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane: The Meindl Trailer.
Alfons Meindl is critical – but he recognises the great potential of GORE-TEX: lightweight shoes that are waterproof and breathable. Thus begins the long joint development.
The beginning of a successfull partnership: Meindl and GORE-TEX:
The first Meindl GORE-TEX Boot:
The Trailer
The first successes with the new material:
Bob Gore invented the new material: ePTFE
1991
GORE-TEX promises excellent properties: lightweight, tear-resistant, vapour-permeable, waterproof, very inert, heat-resistant, with a low coefficient of friction. But there was still no ideal solution for making the shoe waterproof.
- GORE-TEX is attached between the outer shaft and the leather lining. Textile linings are not yet accepted by the customer.
- Bootie construction: the membrane is placed inside the shoe like a sock.
- Open construction: the membrane is inserted between the upper leather and a textile lining. The “Bottom-Fil” technology is later developed to a patent by Meindl.
Thus, Meindl has tested, tried and considered a lot over the years.
1992
The Meindl Island is a new kind of mountain boot: lightweight, waterproof and breathable. With GORE-TEX equipment, of course. And a special climate comfort.
For this, Meindl develops its own inner lining construction: Meindl Air-Active®.
This is necessary because the vapor permeability of the GORE-TEX membrane exceeds that of the sturdy outer leather of mountain boots and shoes. The newly developed Air-Active® system optimally transports moisture between the outer material and the GORE-TEX lining to the outside.
MEINDL AIR-ACTIVE® is developed
The AIR-ACTIVE® Construction at the example of the Meindl Island.
Young and old together lead the family business into the future.
1990//96
The new technology also brings a new generation of Meindl into the company. Lukas Meindl has been involved in the development of the first Meindl GORE-TEX shoe from the very beginning. In the 9th generation, he continues the family tradition and starts his apprenticeship as a shoemaker. Since 1990 he has been responsible for production and development. In 1996, after completing his studies and gaining his first professional experience, Lars Meindl took over the commercial management of the Meindl company. The sustainable partnership with retailers at home and abroad is at the top of his agenda.
2000
The findings of the Air-Active® construction become the inspiration for the next Meindl innovation: Meindl Air Revolution®.
The special thing about it is that moisture is transported directly from the foot to the outside and thus moisture is transported to the outside even before the membrane. The central element here is the loose, open-pored flap, which works like a pump in the shoe and also acts as a cushion.
The special processing of the GORE-TEX membrane in the upper structure, in combination with highly vapour-permeable outer materials makes a noticeable difference here in terms of climate comfort.
Meindl Air Revolution® immediately wins the ISPO Innovation Award
The climate revolution for mountain and hiking boots and shoes: MEINDL AIR REVOLUTION®
MFS System developed for MEINDL Island
2005
Meindl develops the first ISLAND with MFS system. The specially developed foam combination in the shaft area is deformed by body temperature and takes on the exact shape of the foot. This minimizes pressure points and blisters and raises wearing comfort to a new level without reducing climate comfort.
2006
The idea behind MFS Vakuum®: a stable outer upper for safety and stability, combined with a particularly soft and adaptable inner lining. The MFS foam is processed throughout the entire upper and thus adapts perfectly to the whole foot. To avoid seams at the heel, the special GORE-TEX-Stretch is used as a lining in the heel area. The footbed is also equipped with memory foam and adapts to the foot.
Individualized fit with the MFS Vakuum® system
GORE-TEX SURROUND® – 360° Climate Comfort
2016
The result of 35 years of joint partnership: GORE-TEX SURROUND® footwear lets feet breathe all around and is guaranteed to be durably waterproof. The truly unique construction draws perspiration away from the feet in the form of water vapor in all directions – even through the sole.
2020
With GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT, the membrane is directly connected to the outer material. Without an additional insulation layer, the shoes are particularly breathable.
Here our Meindl Aruba GTX model: Lightweight, stable. Thanks to GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT, the knit mesh upper adapts very flexibly to the foot.
GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT
A moving legend: Meindl Island
2021
The success of the partnership between Meindl and Gore is most impressively demonstrated by the millions of satisfied customers who have since been able to discover the world and nature in Meindl GORE-TEX shoes.
The best-known representative and probably also one of the most popular trekking shoes in Europe is the Meindl Island model. This mountain boot has been manufactured in Kirchanschöring for almost 30 years. It is the epitome of quality craftsmanship and tradition, innovative spirit and durability for tough tours on the trails of this world.
Future
The guiding principle and philosophy of our shoemaking tradition has always been to build a high-quality, durable, reliable companion for the feet.
It will continue to be our goal in the future to be able to offer the best fitting shoe for every foot, ideally suited for the respective use. Be it for easy hikes in the low mountain ranges or for alpine tours in the mountains of the world. With Meindl and GORE-TEX, you always have a reliable companion on your feet.
The success of the partnership between Meindl and Gore is most impressively demonstrated by the millions of satisfied customers who have since been able to discover the world and nature in Meindl GORE-TEX shoes.
Types of use
for Meindl GORE-TEX Modells
Which boot or shoe is the right one for me? This crucial question comes up every time you buy a pair of new boots or shoes. This is because each is designed differently depending on the area of application. The Meindl types of use quickly provide information about which shoe is best suited for which undertaking. In each category you will find models with GORE-TEX – perfectly paired with the innovative Meindl shoe technologies. This allows us to offer models for many different needs,
for special experiences on the mountain and in nature.
