HOW A VISION BECAME A LEGEND

The evolution of the Island model into a true legend in the history of mountain boots could not have been foreseen. Who would have thought at the time of the first product idea that a model would still be successful after 30 years?

The chronology of the last 30 years shows the Island evolution: the shoe has been carefully developed – a story of inventiveness, craftsmanship and perseverance. It is a story of customers who wouldn’t want to wear any other shoe. Countless industry awards also testify to the importance of the Island for the outdoor industry. The Island is also a success story of the creators who have led the way. Alfons, Lars and Lukas Meindl.

1991-1999

Regular durability tests put the concept to the test: whether on expeditions to the North Pole, many other extreme uses or in the laboratory at Stiftung Warentest: The Island delivers what it promises – the company Meindl receives the ISPO Innovations Award for it in 1994. Success is already in the making, rewarded with more than a dozen international awards in three decades. The durability tests are always continued in order to further develop the technology.

2001-2004

20 years of partnership between Meindl & Gore: a success story that started a new era for stable mountain and hiking boots with the Iceland. Any development of the Island was also always a development at Meindl. The sole concept of the Meindl Multigriff profile is used for the first time in the Island. Its success means that the sole construction is now used in more diverse configurations. However, the basic shape, the pattern of the studs and the heel always remain unchanged from the original profile.

2011

In just under 20 years, the Island has been sold over 1.1 million times in 40 countries.

2016

35 years of cooperation with the company Gore help to implement the GORE-TEX-SURROUND® technology. Since the development of AIR-ACTIVE® technology, as first installed in the Iceland, we have been working on improving climate comfort in the shoe.

2018-2019

New introduction of the “Island Rock MFS” – the further development of the successful series – with special sole construction for even better grip on rocks and an adapted fit. It is particularly suitable for via ferrata.

The Meindl Museum opens in Kirchanschöring. The Island gets its own wall – telling the stories of customers.

New introduction of the “Island Alpin MFS” – the trekking classic is enhanced with a more stable insole as well as a crampon mount. The familiar Iceland feel can now also be used for alpine tours with crampons.

2022

30 years after the first Meindl Island, the Island Evo is now available. It features a revised cut. The special pronation and supination zones support the natural rolling process and make the shoe even more comfortable. The higher rubber belt protects the feet and leather even better. What’s even more special: all aspects of sustainability that are important to Meindl can be demonstrated using the Island model. The individual aspects are not new, but have always been a part of the Island and a part of Meindl.