Meindl and Gore-Tex®: 40 years of collaboration for the mountain experience

For more than 300 years, there has been a Meindl master shoemaker in Kirchanschöring. The 8th generation, Alfons and Hannes Meindl, have made the brand a household name in the world of footwear and leather goods. Even today, Meindl has an excellent reputation. And yet Alfons Meindl was not satisfied. His ambition to develop footwear that made the mountains easier and safer was his obsession.

PHOTO 1: THE MEINDL SHOE FACTORY WITH LUKAS MEINDL SENIOR, THE YOUNGEST CHILD (1917)

PHOTO 2: ALFONS MEINDL AND FRIENDS ON THE SUMMIT OF THE BREITHORN (ON THE LEFT, CARRYING AN ICE AXE). THE FIRM'S DIRECTOR KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE ADVENTURERS' NEEDS ARE AT THAT MOMENT.

PHOTO 3: THE NINTH GENERATION LARS AND LUKAS MEINDL.

Already in 1981, Thorger Hübner (W.L. Gore & Associates) and Alfons Meindl started to develop the first shoe with a Gore-Tex® membrane: the Meindl Trailer.

Alfons Meindl is very critical, but he recognizes the enormous potential of Gore-Tex®: light, waterproof and breathable footwear. This was the beginning of a long collaboration.

Gore-Tex® promises excellent properties: lightweight, tear-resistant, vapour-permeable and therefore breathable, waterproof, inert, heat-resistant, with a low friction coefficient. But there was still no ideal solution for making waterproof shoes.

1. Gore-Tex® is waterproof between the upper and the leather lining. Textile linings are not yet accepted by the end customer.

2. Bootie construction: the membrane is placed inside the shoe like a sock.

3. Open construction: the membrane is inserted between the upper leather and a textile lining. The "Bottom Fil" technology is then patented by Meindl. Meindl has tested, tried and thought about it a lot over the years.

Bob Gore invents a new material: ePTFE

Lukas Meindl was involved in the development of the first Meindl Gore-Tex® shoe from the very beginning. In the 9th generation, he continued the family tradition and began 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. His main focus is the long-term partnership with retailers at home and abroad.

The Meindl Island is a completely new mountain boot: light, waterproof and breathable. With Gore-Tex® of course. And a special inner climate.

Meindl has developed its own interior construction for this shoe: Meindl Air Active®.

This is necessary because the vapour permeability of the Gore-Tex® membrane exceeds that of the robust outer leather of mountain boots. The new Air Active® system optimally transports moisture between the outer material and the Gore-Tex® lining to the outside.

The discovery of the Air Active® construction became the inspiration for the next Meindl innovation: Air Revolution® technology.

The special feature of this technology is that moisture is transported directly from the foot to the outside, even before the membrane. The central element here is the loose, open-pored flap, which functions as a pump in the shoe and also acts as a cushion.

The special treatment 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 climatic comfort.

2005

Meindl develops the first Island with the MFS® concept. The specially developed foam in the upper is deformed by body temperature and follows the exact shape of the foot. This minimizes pressure points and blisters and increases wearing comfort without reducing climate comfort.

The idea behind this concept is simple: a stable outer upper for safety, combined with a particularly soft and adaptable inner lining. The MFS® foam is processed over the entire upper and thus adapts perfectly to the entire foot. To avoid seams in the heel, Gore-Tex® Stretch is used as a lining in the heel area. The insole is also equipped with memory foam and adapts to the foot.

The result of 35 years of collaboration: the Gore-Tex® Surround® concept lets feet breathe everywhere, and guarantees lasting waterproofing. The truly unique construction wicks perspiration away from the feet in the form of water vapour in all directions, even through the sole.

The membrane is directly connected to the lining. Without an additional layer, the shoes are particularly breathable.

The success of the partnership between Meindl and Gore-Tex® is impressively demonstrated by the millions of satisfied customers who have since been able to discover the world and nature. The best known representative and probably also one of the most popular trekking boots in Europe is the Meindl Island. This mountain shoe, which has been manufactured in Kirchanschöring for almost 30 years, represents the quintessence of quality craftsmanship and tradition, innovation and durability for difficult trail tours all over the world.

The future

Our guiding principle has always been to build a high-quality, durable and reliable companion for feet. Our goal for the future remains to be able to offer the best fitting shoe for the foot, perfectly suited for every use. Whether it's for easy hiking in the low mountains or for alpine tours. With Meindl and Gore-Tex®, you will always have a reliable companion on your feet.