Meindl Bhutan
+ leather upper with minimal stitching; full rubber rand; aggressive outsole
– some are lighter and feel more precise for scrambling
The Bhutan replaced the Meindl Burma Pro in 2014 and is built around a leather upper with minimal stitching for durability, but you also get a full rubber rand for extra protection. A GoreTex lining provides waterproof protection, while underfoot the Vibram sole has deep well-spaced lugs for general hillwalking. The upper and sole is slightly softer than the stiffest, but still great for hillwalking. It’s slightly heavy though. 4/5
Men’s sizes are 6-14 and 3½ -9 for women. The fit is slightly broader and higher volume than some of the other models, with a little more space at the toe, so the Bhutan would suit those people with chunkier feet well. The ankle cuff is a similar height to others and has a slightly softer flex on the foot than the stiffest options. 5/5
There is a little more cushioning inside this boot than in some of the others, so the Bhutan does feel a little more comfortable – with no hint of pressure points anywhere on the feet. Another bonus is that while the ankle cuff is supportive, it‘s also slightly softer and more comfortable than others when flexed to its maximum point. The toe flexes nicely to allow smooth walking. 5/5
For general hillwalking up loose, rocky mountain paths, it feels great as it’s stiff, supportive, has good grip and is comfortable. You can easily tramp across boggy moorland with that sole flex, and outsole lugs providing good grip. It feels slightly heavier and less precise at the toe for scrambling over more intricate ground, though; others are slightly better for precise footwork. 4/5
The RRP has only increased by a fiver this year so it's holding its price well, but it’s still a hefty amount to fork out. 3/5
Excellent general hill and mountain walking boot, but others are slightly better for regular, intricate 4.2/5 scrambling.