Arxus or Meindl Owners Please Chime In

[TheWaypoint]

the pioneer nord wide calves came today. Super nice boots… fill well seem like excellent quality construction. Can’t wait to put them to use

Oooh, that’s awesome! Congrats. Looking forward to hearing your review after a few miles in them.

 

[TheWaypoint]

Just wanted to thank all you guys for the helpful insight. Finally decided one really needs both. Since I already have a pair of Mucks, I ordered a pair of Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300’s. I am pretty excited, they are supposed to be here Monday. I plan to break them in over the 4th long weekend.

When the Mucks give out, I plan to purchase a pair of Arxus.

Thanks again guys.

 

[TheWaypoint]

It’s a trade off. I do prefer the comfort and support of a hiking/hunting lace up. However if I can only afford to get one or the other it would be rubber boots. Sometimes they are needed. Creek crossing, swamps any wetness they are my go to. Also, ticks have a harder time climbing rubber boots and I have always had more ticks on me when using lace ups.

It’s a trade off. I do prefer the comfort and support of a hiking/hunting lace up. However if I can only afford to get one or the other it would be rubber boots. Sometimes they are needed. Creek crossing, swamps any wetness they are my go to. Also, ticks have a harder time climbing rubber boots and I have always had more ticks on me when using lace ups.

Have you had a chance to stomp around in your new Nords?

 

[TheWaypoint]

I have both Gumleaf Viking and Arxus Nord Zip.
The viking are a great boot. for warmer weather but for the toe box is a little tight in my boot-length size. The next size up would open up the toe box but then it would be too long of a boot. The profile of the upper boot and sole is nice and slim. It's a great rubber boot for sneaking, they definitely are not "clunky" feeling when walking in brush. One observation...the little strip of "tubing" around the top edge of the boot may not be durable, mine shows some wear. I like to replace the insoles in all my boots with Superfeet insoles but the Viking's insoles are sewn in, no way to remove them. Consequently, I can't use Superfeet in the Viking.

I decided to try the Arxus when I needed to replace my "utility" rubber boots...the ones I use for chores, shed hunting, etc. So I now use the Viking for non-hunting and my Arxus are my boot strictly for hunting. I love the zip, easy on and off and can ventilate if I want. The sole is a little more stiff than the Gumleaf but it's not too bad. The boots do not seem clunky or bulky.
I do have one issue with them. There is an inner lining in the Achilles area and it kinda squeaks a little when I walk after a little sweat moisture forms. It's easily remedied with a little sprinkle of powder. Baking soda works but I use a tiny amount of activated carbon powder and it fixes the squeak and also adds some odor absorption.

As good as rubber boot are at eliminating ground odor, They do still have a bit of a "chimney" effect which can leave odor on foliage, etc that come in contact below the knee. I have a strict regime for how I handle my boots and I gotta say that I never have busts from ground odor. Deer do smell ground disturbance but there is never any type of alarm. Having odor free boots opened up a lot of options for stand placement and access routes. I used to avoid walking across trails in order to access stands. It often limited me from putting stands where they really needed to be. Such is an issue when hunting small properties with limited access routes. Ground odor can ruin a season.

One more thing, as good as merino socks are, alpaca socks are that much better. My feet seldom get really cold unless I'm hunting in the mid-teens or colder.

Arxus and Gumleaf boots border on being stupid expensive but if cared for properly, they should easily outlast the crappy rubber boots that are the other choice that seem to be the only thing available. I got tired of spending $150 every couple of years for rubber boots that don't hold up.
My Arxus are only 1 year old so at this point, I can't comment on their durability.

What’s your strict regime?

 

[Allegheny Tom]

What’s your strict regime?

In no particular order...

Boots are only worn for hunting; never in a vehicle, gas station, etc. If I need to cross a road, I'm careful where I step. There are all kinds of odorous substances spilled on roads.

Never handle boots with bare hands. Always remember that fingerprints equal odor. Handling boots with bare hands every time you put them on/off leaves a build-up of skin oil (odor) and that odor will transfer to anything the boots touch in route to your stand.

Boots always go on a boot dryer every night. No exceptions. All boots, rubber or leather, will have some level of moisture inside after a few hours of wear. Moisture produces bacteria which produces odor. Keep the inside of boots as dry as possible.

I treat my rubber boots with ozone daily. Yeah I know...ozone is supposed to be hard on rubber but I run a short 5 minute cycle each morning while I'm showering so they are fresh and ready to go each day. I do believe ozone destroys rubber if exposed for extended periods. But I've not had any issues if the treatment is short and then aired-out asap after the treatment. Ozone kills odors that it's exposed to quickly, there's no need to treat boots for long periods, and never store boots in an O2 environment (tubs, lockers, closets, etc).

I store boots with sachets of granular carbon inside them.

I use a bee smoker on my gear. Smoke is not (just) a cover scent, smoke inhibits bacterial growth that's why smoke is effective in preserving food.

I don't place my boots in a closed tub after the hunt until they've been dried.

At least once per year, rubber boots get a thorough washing inside and out.

I can't say which of these practices are more effective than any of the others on the list. But what I can say is I never have busts from ground odor. Some deer will smell ground disturbance but there is no negative reaction, it's more curiosity than anything.
I hunt small properties with extremely limited access routes. There is no way that I can access many of my stands without walking across, on on deer trails. Odor free boots are mandatory if I hope to keep stands fresh and not burned-out. But there's another aspect to getting in and out of stand locations and that is to do your very best to not touch anything if you can avoid it. I always carry hand pruners and I prune paths (private land) or use them to push stuff out of the way. I'm not concerned with touching anything until I'm in my final approach to the stand, or when I'm in other "sensitive" spots like scrapes, rub lines, bedding, etc.

 

[raisins]

Now that my wife and I are empty nesters, I am going to splurge a little and upgrade to a quality boot.

Up to this point I have been buying and wearing Muck Arctic Pros for 20+ years. Before that I had some Irish Setter knee high boots.

I have never had a high end boot or worn a shorter hiking style boot. I think that would be lighter and more comfortable and probably make climbing the hill country of Indiana easier.

My feet sweat and freeze when it gets cold, but a quality pair of socks and mucks have made it bearable.

I am struggling to decide between the Arxus Primo Zip or the Primo LW. But, I really like the idea of a hiking style boot. I have decided I want to consider Meindl simply because I now know how beneficial and comfortable a wide toe box is and I guess they are the best for this, plus I have a wider foot.

In Meindl I am looking at the Eurolite Hunter 300 or the Comfort Fit Hunter 400. There is no place near me to even try a quality boot let alone Meindl.

I am in South Eastern Indiana, so Late October to November can typically have morning lows in the 20’s and highs ranging 30’s to 50’s.

If you have worn either of these brands I would love to get your input and recommendations.

Thanks and God bless.

I have Meindl Comfort Fit Hikers (uninsulated) and Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter 400.

I wear prescription orthotics, so in both cases I remove the large, cork insole and put a thin/flat insole in. For the hikers, I use the waffle volume reducers that Meindl will send you for free. For the Hunters, I use a memory foam with silver antistink treatment.

They are incredibly well made and my favorite boots by far.

I usually wear a 12 wide. I'll have to look, but I believe the Hikers are 11 wide and the Hunters are 11.5 wide due to wanting thicker socks in the Hunters.

Some find the Meindls pinchy, but they might have a taller foot than me. My feet are wide/flat and not big top to bottom and I have no issues.

The sole is a great traction pattern and I love the heel scoop for descending slick hills and it works well against a saddle platform edge.

For socks, I always wear Fox River liners with silver antistink and then an alpaca sock over that. I have medium and heavyweight Alpaca. I prefer Warrior Alpaca over Hollow brand since the Hollow brand is a bit tighter fit.

With boot blankets and a Hot Hands Super Warmer in the blankets, I could wear the Hunters down to 0 F, no problem.

The primaloft gold insulation seems noticeably warmer than thinsulate comparing equivalent grams. I'd guess 30% warmer.

The downsizing thing they recommend is real. It felt weird to put $600 worth of boots on a card, but I bought competing sizes, tried them inside with my sock layering, and sent back the pair that didn't fit as well. Their customer service is great, but it does stink that you can't try them on in person. The same guy usually answers the phone and he's very friendly and knowledgeable. I think I've called twice.

As far as odor, I just can't walk in rubber boots for any distance, so they are out. I can't recommend a boot dryer enough. After every hunt, even if it was dry out, I put the boots on it without heat just to quick dry any sweat. I wash the inside of the boot with warm water and a drop of Dawn soap once a year and clean the outside with warm water and sometimes a spray of Meindl's soap as needed. The boot dryer decreases the odor inside the boot by a huge amount as does the silver treated liner socks. My boots hardly smell worn.

 

[TheWaypoint]

You’re hardcore disciplined! Thanks for the detailed reply!

 

[TheWaypoint]

Ok guys. My Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300’s arrived today. Super impressed with the quality.

But…They fit like a sneaker with my light liner sock. When I put my heavy Alpaca of Montana sock on they are super snug around the top and sides of my feet. Can’t even cinch them down very tight.

I have never worn this kind of boot and am definitely going to have to discuss it with Meindl tomorrow.

My question for you guys is
1. Should I consider not wearing a super heavy alpaca sock and go with a medium weight?
2. Should I order a wide instead of a standard?
3. Should I size up 1/2 size?
4. Consider a different boot like the Comfort Fit 400? (Though I am concerned a really stiff sole would be too much for midwest whitetail hunting.)

What say you?

 

[raisins]

Ok guys. My Meindl Eurolight Hunter 300’s arrived today. Super impressed with the quality.

But…They fit like a sneaker with my light liner sock. When I put my heavy Alpaca of Montana sock on they are super snug around the top and sides of my feet. Can’t even cinch them down very tight.

I have never worn this kind of boot and am definitely going to have to discuss it with Meindl tomorrow.

My question for you guys is
1. Should I consider not wearing a super heavy alpaca sock and go with a medium weight?
2. Should I order a wide instead of a standard?
3. Should I size up 1/2 size?
4. Consider a different boot like the Comfort Fit 400? (Though I am concerned a really stiff sole would be too much for midwest whitetail hunting.)

What say you?

Wide sounds like a plan if the length is good. They'll let you keep them with tags and only wearing inside and order another and return the one you don't like, but confirm with them for sure.

They aren't crazy wide, just a little above average, as far as wide boots go.

With a really thick sock, most boots are a little snug (not super snug though).

The cork insole is very big, removing it has given me a lot of extra room. But I like my boot to fit at the ankle and be pretty loose in the toes without slipping.

 

[TheWaypoint]

Wide sounds like a plan if the length is good. They'll let you keep them with tags and only wearing inside and order another and return the one you don't like, but confirm with them for sure.

They aren't crazy wide, just a little above average, as far as wide boots go.

With a really thick sock, most boots are a little snug (not super snug though).

The cork insole is very big, removing it has given me a lot of extra room. But I like my boot to fit at the ankle and be pretty loose in the toes without slipping.

Thanks Raisins. The website says the wides are sold out.

Is there a significant difference between an A/B flex rating and a B/C?
I mean, I am a whitetail hunter and I try to move as quietly through the woods as I can. Seems like a really stiff boot would work against that?

 

[enkriss]

I liked the cork footbed. It was my favorite part of those boots

 

[raisins]

Thanks Raisins. The website says the wides are sold out.

Is there a significant difference between an A/B flex rating and a B/C?
I mean, I am a whitetail hunter and I try to move as quietly through the woods as I can. Seems like a really stiff boot would work against that?

I think all the flex ratings are brand specific, or am I wrong on that? @enkriss might know.

I've only tried those 2 Meindls, and they are basically the same shape and materials, just one is taller and with insulation. Other than that, about identical. But I see the Hunter is a B/C while the Hike is a B, maybe due to the height? The soles and such seem the same. I also see that the Eurolight are a bit more flexible.

I have not found either to be overly stiff for WV mountain hunting with walks several miles in at times. And I am somewhat sensitive to this. I sent back a pair of Crispi Thors after walking 20 feet inside because the soles were so stiff. After you break them in a bit, I would be very surprised if you found the Comfort Hunter or Hiker too stiff. I haven't tried walking toe-heel, like I would when stalking, because I'm mostly a saddle and ambush hunter. I walk heel-toe at a medium clip and just try not to snap twigs or fall down or walk where I can tell it will be especially noisy. No problems there with those boots.

 

[TheWaypoint]

Wide sounds like a plan if the length is good. They'll let you keep them with tags and only wearing inside and order another and return the one you don't like, but confirm with them for sure.

They aren't crazy wide, just a little above average, as far as wide boots go.

With a really thick sock, most boots are a little snug (not super snug though).

The cork insole is very big, removing it has given me a lot of extra room. But I like my boot to fit at the ankle and be pretty loose in the toes without slipping.

Man, Meindl customer service is excellent! They are always polite and thorough and ready to take care of any issue everytime I have talked to them.

The guy I talked to today immediately recommended the wider size which he said he did have in his warehouse. I was trying to upgrade in price to the Comfort Fit and he was very sincere in telling me the most important thing to him was that I had the right boot for my hunting and the Eurolight was the right boot.

While I was on the phone he emailed me a postage paid return label and said the moment USPS scans my return label my wides will be mailed out same day!

Most companies would have gladly taken more money from me.

 

[raisins]

Man, Meindl customer service is excellent! They are always polite and thorough and ready to take care of any issue everytime I have talked to them.

The guy I talked to today immediately recommended the wider size which he said he did have in his warehouse. I was trying to upgrade in price to the Comfort Fit and he was very sincere in telling me the most important thing to him was that I had the right boot for my hunting and the Eurolight was the right boot.

While I was on the phone he emailed me a postage paid return label and said the moment USPS scans my return label my wides will be mailed out same day!

Most companies would have gladly taken more money from me.

Good to hear, let us know what you think of the wides.