AllOutdoor Review – Meindl Boa Speed Hunter Boots

You can count on a good pair of boots to make or break your season if you are the type of hunter who is out in the elements for long days. That is why Meindl has earned such a solid name for themselves on the footwear game. The German outfit has more than 300 years of boot-making under its belt and a reputation for making top-shelf, high-performance hunting gear. Their Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots are a case in point; they put a modern spin on what has been a proven design by way of the BOA system for speed and precision.

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I have had the Meindl Boa Speed Hunter Boots on my feet for three hard seasons now, so I can tell you this review will not be swayed by the fact that the company provided them for me. Nor has Meindl been given a look at this piece before it goes to print. Here in Maine I have put in hundreds of miles with them from fall through to spring. They have seen wet and muddy conditions on an early deer hunt, deep snow when the season is winding down, and the sogginess of a spring turkey run. In all that terrain, the Boa Speed Hunters have become my first choice. They are as comfortable as they are capable, hands down, some of the best I have owned.

Specs – Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots

• Height: 8.25 inches
• Upper Material: Premium nubuck leather with full rubber toe guard
• Waterproofing: 100% GORE-TEX membrane
• Outsole: Vibram Alpin Light
• Closure System: BOA® Speed Fit System
• Last: Comfort Fit®
• Midsole: Polyurethane
• Footbed: Moldable cork insole that conforms to your foot
• Weight: Approximately 3.16 Lbs
• Best For: All-season hunting (fall, winter, spring), rugged terrain, long days on foot
• Country of Origin: Handcrafted in Slovenia
• MSRP: Approximately $460 USD

First Impressions & Design – Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots

The first thing you notice when you unbox them is how they look. There is a professional but rugged quality to the rich brown nubuck that doesn’t overdo the tactical vibe, yet still makes an impression at the trailhead or camp. The lines are clean and the rubber toe cap gives them a purposeful air.

I will be honest, I was a bit leery of the BOA system on a boot meant for serious work. I am used to the no-nonsense reliability of traditional laces and had my doubts the dials wouldn’t get clogged with mud or give up on you in the field. One hunt put those fears to rest. It is a fine system. You can make a precise adjustment with one hand and your gloves on in seconds. The way it spreads the pressure means you don’t get the hot spots you would with conventional laces. On a long day when you need to make a quick change, I’ve come to appreciate it.

Comfort – Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots

You will find that the Comfort Fit® system is what really puts Meindl’s hunting boots in a class of their own. It is a feature you don’t get from the competition. The last is built to be more roomy than the kind of traditional European fit you are used to, with a toe box and overall shape that is far more accommodating. For a hunter puttering around on his feet for hours, it is exceptionally comfortable. You have plenty of room in the forefoot but the heel is still locked down tight so you don’t have to worry about blisters or hot spots on a long stalk or while glassing. Then there is the moldable cork footbed from Meindl, over time it will take on the contours of your foot for support and cushioning that feels custom made. With the flexible midsole and good arch support, the whole package gives you the performance you want in the backcountry without compromising on comfort. I can tell you from three seasons with the Boa Speed Hunter boots that it makes all the difference when you are out in the woods for a hard day’s work, taking the fatigue out of your feet.

I have had some miserable conditions to contend with on fall and spring hunts,  deep mud, pouring rain, melting snow and not once has water made it inside. The GORE-TEX liner keeps my feet bone-dry. For winter, they were certainly adequate while walking, but once I sat for a while my feet did begin to get a bit cold, so definitely not for Arctic conditions.

Then there is the matter of durability. I have given these boots constant abuse over three seasons on rocky trails and thick brush and the uppers show very little wear. And when it comes to footing, the Vibram outsole has no trouble with loose leaves or slick rocks, so I don’t give a second thought to steep descents or technical terrain.

Real-World Performance – Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots

In the field, the Boa Speed Hunters have been up to whatever I’ve asked of them. Be it glassing off a ridge in the cold, working through wet timber on a still-hunt, or packing out game, they have excelled. You don’t want to be thinking about wet or cold feet when you need to concentrate, and these boots let you focus on what matters. The warmth and comfort make for much more pleasant long sits and tough stalks.

What I Like
The GORE-TEX provides breathability and waterproofing in spades. After three seasons of hard use the durability is outstanding. They are good-looking too, and I have come to really like the BOA system for a quick, exact fit. There is hardly any break-in period and the support is there when you need it for all-day comfort.

The Only Drawback
It is the price tag that gives me pause. At $410 or so you are making an investment. A serious hunter can see the value in the workmanship and the performance of these boots, but it is a lot to part with for boots. If they keep up as well for another few seasons though, I’ll think of it as money well spent.

Closing Thoughts – Comfort Fit Boa Speed Hunter Boots

I have no doubt the Meindl Boa Speed Hunter Boots have a place in my gear closet after the heavy use they have seen. They are old-world quality with a modern twist. I was a bit leery of the BOA at first but that went away in short order,  it just makes things easier in the woods.They have protected my feet and kept them dry on some of the harder days I have had in the field, while looking the part and feeling fine to boot. Any hunter who cares about longevity and performance should give them a look. They have made my time afield more productive and I am looking forward to many more seasons in them. I would recommend them to anyone who is particular about their footwear.

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