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

For over 300 years, there has always been master shoemaker Meindl in Kirchanschoring. The 8th generation, Alfons and Hannes Meindl, have made the brand a recognized name in the world of shoes and leather products. Even today, Meindl has an excellent reputation for its high-performance outdoor shoes. And yet, Alfons Meindl was not satisfied. His ambition to develop shoes that make the mountains easier and safer was his obsession.

Alfons Meindl is very critical, but he recognizes the enormous potential of Gore-Tex®: lightweight, waterproof, and breathable shoes. This is the beginning of a long collaboration that would revolutionize high-top hiking shoe models.

Gore-Tex® promises excellent properties: lightweight, tear resistance, vapor-permeable thus breathable, waterproof, inert, heat resistant, with a low coefficient of friction. But there was still no ideal solution for making waterproof shoes without using a shoe waterproofing to ensure their long-term protection.

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 thus tested, tried, and reflected over the years, gradually integrating all the essential hiking equipment for enthusiasts.

Bob Gore invents a new material: ePTFE

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

The uniqueness 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 flap with open pores, which acts like a pump in the shoe and also serves as a cushion.

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

The idea behind this concept is simple: a stable outer upper for security, combined with a particularly soft and adaptable inner lining. The MFS® foam is treated throughout the upper and thus perfectly adapts to the entire foot. To avoid seams at the heel, the 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 allows feet to breathe everywhere and ensures lasting waterproofing. The truly unique construction moves sweat from the feet in the form of water vapor in all directions, even through the sole.

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

Building a high-quality, durable, and reliable companion for the feet has always been our guiding principle. Our goal for the future remains to be able to offer the best-fitting shoe for the foot, perfectly adapted to each use. Whether for easy hikes in the low mountains or for alpine hikes. With Meindl and Gore-Tex®, you will always have a reliable companion at your feet.