The Perfekt Boot at a Reasonable Price
by Ross Russell
As your feet go, you go! After another long descent and multiple black toe nails from my toes digging into the front of my boots, I knew I needed to make a change. I was looking for a boot for both September Archery season and a boot that would work until October when the temperature dips and snow begins to fall. After reading many reviews I settled on the Perfekt Hiker by Meindl.
There are two styles available.
The 10 inch has 400 grams of thinsulate, a gore-tex liner and can be found at Cabelas for $260. These boots provide excellent lateral stability, cinch down exceptionally well with the lacing system, and provide excellent ankle support. They also have an ample toe box to prevent your toes from hitting the front of your boot and are very comfortable. They are on the stiff side, which provides the lateral support and the cork bed conforms to your foot to provide a custom fit. At 4.4 pounds per pair, they are on the heavier side for this category of boot, but worth the extra few ounces.
The 7 inch is non-insulated and provides the same benefits as the 10 inch at a pound less per pair and runs $230 at Cabelas. If there is one piece of gear to not scrimp on, I would say it is your boots, as your feet ultimately get you to your destination and back. If your feet give out, you will not be comfortable and your hunt may be cut short. If you’re looking for a boot that will work for elk and deer hunting, is reasonably priced, provides excellent lateral support, good traction is waterproof, and requires a limited break in period, then look no further than the Perfect Hiker. I have not lost another toe nail since I bought these boots.
