Meindl vs Lowa walking boots

Fit: the difference that matters most

Fit is personal, but there are general patterns. Meindl boots are often described as roomy and comfortable, with generous padding and a softer feel around the ankle. Many Meindl models come in standard, Comfort Fit and wide versions, and Lady versions for women.

Lowa boots are often described as a little more precise, with a snug heel. The best-known model, the Renegade, comes in standard, Ws (women's) and Wide versions, and Lowa states that the Camino Evo is built on a last for medium-width feet.

Because these are tendencies, not rules, the only reliable test is to try both on with your walking socks, ideally in the afternoon or evening when feet are larger. Check our walking boots for wide feet guide if neither standard last suits you.

Four models side by side

The table compares two pairs that buyers often weigh up: Meindl's Bhutan against Lowa's Camino Evo for rougher hill and trekking use, and Meindl's Vakuum against Lowa's Renegade as everyday leather boots. All facts come from the amazon.co.uk listings.

Linings and feel

Many Meindl walking boots have leather linings behind or instead of a membrane. Leather linings feel smooth, are hard wearing and mould to the foot, but they are warmer and dry more slowly than fabric. The Bhutan and Burma Pro are listed with leather linings and Gore-Tex. The Vakuum Men Ultra is listed with a leather lining and no membrane, relying on waxed nubuck for water resistance.

Lowa's popular boots more often use textile or Gore-Tex linings, which dry faster. The Renegade Evo GTX Mid, for example, is listed with a fabric lining. If you walk mostly in cool, wet weather, a leather lining can feel pleasant; in summer, a fabric lining usually feels cooler.

How the ranges are laid out

Meindl's walking range runs from light shoes such as the Mondello GTX and leisure boots such as the Journey Mid, through classic leather boots like the Bhutan and Burma, to heavier boots for rough country. Our Meindl walking boots compared guide lays out seven models.

Lowa's runs from light fabric boots like the Zephyr and Innox Pro, through the Renegade, to heavy trekking boots like the Camino and Tibet. Our Lowa walking boots range guide covers seven models.

See the Lowa range explained →

Care, resoling and long-term ownership

Both brands make the kind of leather boot that rewards care. Clean off mud after each walk, let the boots dry slowly away from heat and feed the leather with a wax or proofer suited to nubuck or smooth leather. Kept this way, a leather boot from either maker can last many seasons of regular walking.

When the sole wears down, a good leather upper is often worth resoling. Lowa's listing for the Camino Evo states that it is resolable. For other models, check with the brand's UK distributor or a specialist boot repairer before assuming it can be done. Our article can you resole walking boots explains what decides it, and our guide to boots you can resole lists suitable models.

Which to choose

Choose Meindl if you like a roomy, cushioned feel, want a leather lining or need a Comfort Fit or wide version. Choose Lowa if you prefer a more precise fit, want a lighter fabric option within the same brand or like the Renegade's all-round reputation.

Both brands sell boots that suit most UK walking, and both have heavier models for rough ground. Neither listing states a B rating for the models above, so check each maker's guidance before using them with crampons.

Frequently asked questions

Are Meindl boots wider than Lowa? Many walkers find Meindl's standard fit roomier, but both brands offer wide versions. Try both.

Do Meindl and Lowa size the same? Not always. Both use UK sizes on amazon.co.uk, but lasts differ. Use each maker's chart and our boot size converter.

Which lasts longer? Both make long-lived leather boots. Care and use matter more than the brand. Lowa states the Camino Evo is resolable.

What does MFS mean on Meindl boots? It refers to Meindl's memory foam system around the ankle, which the maker says moulds to the shape of the foot.