Lasts, laces, insoles, clattering machines and a pervading smell of leather and glue: a multitude of industrious employees are busy working on the production of the next generation of climbing boots. A Meindl climbing boot consists of 212 individual parts and more. On average, it takes between 120 and 200 minutes for an employee to manufacture a boot. We are located in the village of Kirchanschöring in Upper Bavaria, close to the Austrian border. Shoemaker Meindl has had its headquarters here for over 300 years.
Tradition has pride of place here. Lukas Meindl manages the company together with his brother Lars in the ninth generation. “We really enjoy the work and are committed to continuing the tradition.” That tradition goes back over 300 years ago, when Petrus Meindl founded a small cobbler’s workshop to produce leather boots. The family business counted no more than ten employees when Alfons joined his parents’ company in 1948. The father of Lukas and Lars had actually wanted to study physics and mathematics, but due to a lack of money he was obliged to help in the business. At that time there were numerous shoe manufacturers, but Alfons demonstrated his skills at an early stage and went to the first shoe trade fair in Munich. “My father recognised the need for a special climbing boot,” Lukas remembers. Like his father, he is an enthusiastic mountaineer.
For us there is no alternative to GORE‑TEX technology; that’s always been the case.
The passion for mountaineering is shared by Thorger Hübner, former Global Footwear Leader at Gore and one of the great pioneers of the GORE‑TEX brand. In 1980 he presented the first piece of ultra-thin membrane to Alfons. “In those days the GORE-TEX membrane – today world-famous – was still somewhat exotic,” Thorger remembers. But Alfons was enthralled by it and eager to try out something new. He is regarded as a fair and open person, with many contacts. “We quickly realised that there was a special chemistry and feeling of trust between us,” says Thorger Hübner, who has worked for Gore for 29 years. “Between Alfons and me the spoken word was all that was needed.” They didn’t even draw up a contract at the beginning; such is the great trust Meindl and Gore have in each other. The two companies complement each other and provide mutual support. Lukas: “Gore not only took care of the GORE-TEX laminate, but also the craftsmanship. For us there’s no alternative to GORE-TEX technology. That’s always been the case,” says Lukas. The cooperation has certainly borne fruit. The first innovations, e.g. the former Bootie design or the hydrophobic treatment of the materials, quickly conquered the market. The fact that Gore and Meindl are able to think around corners means that new solutions can be generated in climbing boots. Having achieved water-proofness, maximum climate comfort is now at the top of the agenda.
We have no interest in being the biggest. We just want to be the best.
Lukas Meindl joined the family-run business in 1990, a significant year. The first Island climbing boot, a real mountaineering boot of the category B/C (for trekking and mountain tours, via ferrata) was launched on the market. To date it has received numerous awards and is still based on the original design. “The Island has always remained the Island, and as such a true classic,” says Lukas. Alone the shaft of the boot consumes 90 minutes of working time. Every Saturday, as little boys the brothers Lars and Lukas would tinker with innovations within the circle of the family and closest colleagues. His father was his teacher. Lukas recalls: “The entire development process took place here – the first Island, the first waterproof GORE‑TEX boot.” Together they steadily developed over the years. The company currently has 200 employees at its Kirchanschöring headquarters alone, and a global workforce exceeding 600. Meindl has long since become a global brand, but for Lukas what matters is: “We have no interest in being the biggest. We just want to be the best. It’s important to understand the product, to be a technician.”
Gore and Meindl: “Quality is our common foundation."
Quality has always been the overriding factor in this long-term partnership. “Without quality our products wouldn’t be able to compete; they simply wouldn’t be Meindls,” the likeable Bavarian asserts. Thorger adds: “For Gore it’s just as important as for Meindl that our brand partners conform to clearly defined quality standards. Quality is our common foundation.” In addition, an intensive partnership has grown up between Gore and Meindl. Nowadays it’s hard to imagine a challenge we couldn’t overcome together; on this point they are both in agreement. 35 years of partnership are confirmation of that. Gore and Meindl have learnt a lot in all those years. They have revolutionised the life of many outdoor enthusiasts. “If a climbing boot is to function really well, it has to be watertight and breathable. For Meindl it has to be GORE‑TEX. We can’t just make a plastic bag, that wouldn’t work,” grins Meindl, who grew up in Kirchanschöring.
GORE‑TEX SURROUND® delivers what it promises
Meindl fans can look forward to a variety of bright colours in the new collection. “For us the big topic is GORE‑TEX SURROUND®. I am admittedly a technology freak, and SURROUND® simply delivers what it promises. For me it’s a completely convincing product, otherwise we wouldn’t use it.” In 2014 GORE-TEX SURROUND® technology enabled for the first time the manufacture of watertight and all-round breathable multifunctional boots. Now the surplus heat and moisture can also escape downwards from the sole and laterally from the boot.
Boots born out of passion
Meindl has always remained true to its standards. It does not strive to be a fashion trendsetter, but rather to manufacture boots with emotion. The focus is on quality. That has always been a distinguishing feature of the cooperation between Meindl and Gore as traditional companies. Trust is the keyword that characterises the long-standing partnership to this day. Thorger: “The membrane is a vital component of our joint success. However, it had to be supplemented by many further developments such as patented manufacturing processes and a global quality strategy. And last but not least, it was the special trust between Meindl and Gore that made the long-lasting success possible.” What inspires Meindl to continue its success story? Lukas laughs slyly: “I won’t tell you now. But you do need a certain passion.”
