I have covered almost 20 miles in the last four days hunting grouse in northern Michigan, and I really like these boots. They have given me all the support and traction I could ask for through snow, ice, and mud, up and down hills, over deadfalls, and across streams.

The boots feel remarkably light, but they are substantial. Regarding comfort, I was surprised by how tight the toe box is. Every boot and show I have ever owned has been a “D” width, and that's what I ordered, but they feel a little tight across the top of my foot near my toes. Also, there are a couple of pressure points, one against my Achilles heel at the top of the heel cup. It feels like my sock has a fold or wrinkle, but it's definitely the transition from the heel cup to the shaft. I'm hoping it smooths out when they are fully broken in. It's not painful, just annoying.

So far, I really like the boots, but I hope they will loosen up a bit when fully broken in.

Before buying, I read other reviews where the break-in could be longer than expected. Others, had immediate fit though. Well, it took me 30 miles of trail, creek and hillside hikes to get them right. I think my foot shape is the issue here. Having owned a variety of new work & hunting boots, I always require longer time as my feet are wider than EE immediately accommodates. Combining my high arches = a “ball” shape as the top of my feet sit higher combined with the stiffness of these boots and my wider width, it was an effort. That may or may not be the reason for the longer break-in but it’s my situation. I did order 1/2 size smaller too, the length was spot on so that wasn’t the issue. Shout out to the Meindl support though! After the first 3 miles, I developed a hot spot/blister on one heel. They directed me to YouTube where there are several videos on how to lace boots to prevent heal slip. I never knew this!!

The traction is great too. Walking in creek beds with wet rocks covered with wet leaves and I was able to take lines that I normally wouldn’t. It took several hikes and lace adjustments to dial these in but the lace system holds and the new tie method works. These may be the last hunting boot I purchase.

Primary use is upland pheasant & quail hunting.