Meindl Comfort Fit: Extreme or Hunter?

[kaikens]

Hello Everyone,

I am choosing between Meindl Comfort Fit Hunters and Extremes for a first rifle elk hunt in Colorado. It’s my first western hunt, and I’ll be hunting in a unit that is on the steeper end – at least that’s what I understand. I’ve tried many boots, and the Extremes fit me the best when paired with Superfeet Hike Support insoles. There are some downsides to them:

• Heavier: 2 lbs. 10 oz. per boot (measured), in my size. They do feel clunkier compared to others, even though the weight difference is only a handful of ozs.
• Maybe taller than I need: 11 in., which is about an inch from the top of my socks
• The soles seem less stiff than other options I’ve tried. Maybe this partially has to do with the EVA midsole it uses?
• They seem to flex a fair bit in the rand on the sides of my feet: This is very different from other boots I have tried (Kenetrek, Crispi, Hoffman), and it gives me slight concerns that I’ll get rand separation (I have seen this in some reviews). I’m probably overthinking it.
• More expensive: I know, spend the money on good boots and save elsewhere. I can get some Hunters for $130 less, however (very slightly used).

The Hunters, in comparison:

• I have generally liked the taller boots that I’ve tried on (most have been ~10”), but I’ve never hunted out west, so I don’t really know what I prefer. 9.25” with the Hunters compared to 11” for the Extremes. I do not have weak ankles, however, so I’m guessing 9.25” should be sufficient. And I have good gaiters.
• Likely stiffer in the midsole with polyurethane instead of EVA on the Extremes.
• Not a full rand, although consensus seems to be that isn’t a major concern.

I guess my implicit assumption is that both will fit well given that they use the same last, and I would use the Superfeet insole in either. I do not know this to be true, however, as I haven’t purchased / tried the Hunters.

What are your thoughts? Thank you all! I appreciate it.