Don’t let slush and shin high snow keep you from the trails this winter. Sophomore Outdoor Product Design student Drake Roskelley recommends the Meindl Vakuum Hunter hiking boots to fight the cold.
“They have been with me for four years now and have kept my feet dry, ankles stable, and feet happy even while hiking long distances,” Roskelley said. “I would definitely recommend these boots to anyone, I got two of my buddies to buy them. I would recommend them because of longevity as well as functionality.”
With a combination of foam paneling and Gore-Tex lining, these boots mold to the shape of your foot, eliminating major factors for blistering. The Vibram Alpine soles make traction in wet and snowy places much better but also allow soft crampons to fit. According to Meindl’s website, these boots sell for about $300. They recommend you size down half a size because they tend to run big.
“I’ve done numerous hikes and mountaineering trips in them,” Roskelley said. “The highlight trips would be Mount Rainier or Mount Kilimanjaro. On Rainer I wore them from start to finish, they easily accept crampons and kept my feet warm on the way up when it was 13 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as kept my feet dry when the snow began to melt on the descent.”
If happy feet equals a happy hiker, the Meindl Vakuum Hunter hiking boots are right for you. Make sure you check back next week for another Aggie Gear Guide.