British Army Desert Boots Unboxing First Impressions

[Mike8472]

I have been toying for a little while now about buying a pair of desert boots as my everyday pottering about in boots.
I was still umming and aring until I saw these on ebay going dirt cheap; so I snapped them up.

They arrived this morning. so this is the unboxing and first impressions.

this is the manufacturer's product description:-

MEINDL DESERT BOOTS
Perfect for desert operations, this is a tough boot that provides superb comfort.
- Robust suede/cordura upper
- ClimaDry lining enhances comfort
- Multigrip MTH gives reassuring grip
- Approx. weight (one boot, size 9): 794g.

they look and feel very sturdy and so far are very comfortable, I have only warn them around the house but they feel great. I was happy about the fact that they came with a spare pair of laces in the box aswell.

I am going to have to find some way to help waterproof them! Does any member on here have any ideas? I would gladly welcome them.

I will post a better review after I have tryed them out for a bit.
For the mean time here is a few pics.

[Dougster]

I have a pair of these - have had for a few years and they are nice boots.

Two things I'd say - don't try to waterproof them, you won't be able to, they get wet quickly and dry quickly too, go with it.....

They shrink - about half a size when they do get wet and permanently, - so be sure to wear them dry so they don't shrink too much.

With those two points included they are great comfortable boots, only surpassed by the Lowa SF ones, but then you are talking much more money.

[Culloch]

My feet have lived in a pair of those for the past 3 years!
Thats every day...without fail these have been worn for at least a couple of hours, I've never had a blister or hot spot and never had wet feet (even up here!) I can't reccomend them highly enough!
Even after multiple tours of Iraq and Afghan there is plenty sole left as well, I previously wore Altberg Desert MicroLights which are also superb but the sole does wear faster!

I've got the Lowa SF boots as well...both Desert and Black but can't really compare because I haven't worn the Desert for more than a couple of minutes and since the Comrie meet up Culloch Jnr has claimed the black pair!

[Dougster]

Oooh black SF, now that would be nice.....

[Culloch]

Oooh black SF, now that would be nice.....

They are mate..I got both Desert and Black issued but apart from trying the black ones on I seem to have lost them to the lad who smugly informs me that they are the Dog's !

[Mike8472]

thanks guys,
I'm a little worried now its very wet here in Yorkshire most of the time!
I normally take a 10.5 in boots but went with the snug fit of a 10 due to them being everyday boots and the fact that I would just be using normal socks in them not thick walking ones (and it was an amazingly cheap deal).

[Culloch]

You should be ok with them, I've only known one person have a problem with them shrinking and that was after full immersion and he dried them forcefully! They really don'nt take on much water!

[Culloch]

Forgot to add, forget waterproofing its really not needed or any more efficient and DON'T clean them! They improve with wear and dare I say it abuse!

[Barn Owl]

Would one of those sprays for suede not help a wee bit ?

I've been looking at those boots for a while but i'll stick with my leathers for the winter now.

[Mike8472]

cheers Culloch

[SimonM]

I've had a pair of these for just over two years now and they are my footwear of choice when not at school.

As others have said, don't bother waterproofing them as they dry quickly. I've not had a problem with shrinkage, and believe me I've had them wet through. Just stuff them with newspaper and leave to dry in a warm room overnight.

Can't say I remember mine being that clean though...I never clean mine and they look better, IMHO, for a little ingrained dirt!

Simon

[Mike8472]

the dirt will add a little character!

[Robbi]

does any one have a link for these boots ? i've done the google bit but there are so many and lots of fakes around, a pointer in the right direction would be great.

Cheers


Robbi

[Mike8472]

this was just a quick search on ebay, type meindl desert and you will get alot of results. average price is around £60. You should be able to get some on ebay cheaper than that, there is alot of surplus kit knocking about and alot of them have best offer on the auction.
no connection with any sellers etc...etc...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MEINDL-DESERT-FOX-BOOTS-SIZE-10-SIZES-8-12-AVAILABLE-/280587027367?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item41544a43a7

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Meindl-desert-fox-boots-size-10-/330495718871?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item4cf31475d7

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MEINDL-DESERT-FOX-SIZE-9UK-NO-RESERVE-/270660610255?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item3f04a128cf

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Meindl-Desert-Fox-Military-Boots-Size-6-1-2-NEW-/280541930258?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item41519a2312

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Meindl-Desert-Fox-Size-13-/110610210590?pt=UK_Clothing_Me nswear_MensShoes_GL&hash=item19c0e1df1e

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-MEINDL-DESERT-FOX-BOOTS-SIZE-8-/160505580142?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item255ee0ca6e

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MEINDL-BOOTS-DESERT-FOX-NEW-SIZE-10-00-/180582699021?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item2a0b91500d

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-MEINDL-DESERT-FOX-COMBAT-BOOTS-SIZE-9-5-10-/220692848087?pt=UK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE&hash=item3362519dd7

[Robbi]

many thanks indeed.