In this review of the Meindl Lite Trail Lady GTX, Lara Dunn reveals why these shoes were awarded her commendation after rigorous testing.

Sharing some stylistic traits with technical mountain and approach shoes – the asymmetric toe shape and hefty protective rand – the Meindl Lite Trail Lady GTX are nonetheless designed to be trail hiking and walking shoes rather than anything more hardcore.

Lara Dunn recommends

Rugged and protective, yet comfortable for long periods, they are on the expensive side, but the build quality and longevity should more than make up for the initial outlay.
Pros
  • good all-rounder
Cons
  • expensive
  • heavier than some
Quick specs
Price: no US shipping / £177.50 (available from Cotswold Outdoor)
Weight: 724g pair, UK5.5
Material: Suede and fabric upper
Features: Air-Active footbed, Meindl Lite-Trail outsole, EVA shock absorber
Waterproof? Goretex liner
Men’s version: yes
meindl.co.uk

That said, the features and characteristics of this pair of shoes do mean that they’re capable of much more than just a bimble in the hills. Made from rugged suede and mesh fabric, along with an Active-Air footbed, these are designed to be particularly useful in the warmer months, maximising airflow and minimising moisture build-up. They do still employ the weatherproofing capabilities of a Gore-Tex membrane, making them a good choice for most British walking conditions between March and November.

The level of stiffness and stability of these is spot-on for long-wear comfort over even quite rugged terrain, again much more so than Meindl’s ‘Leisure Grade A’ might suggest, and they’re easily up to the job of a bit of load-carrying too. The soles decently grippy, although the shape of the lugs does make them better suited to established trails rather than mud-fest or rock-hopping adventures.

The relatively slimline round laces which finish about half-way up the front of the shoe do make it a bit tricky to create a truly secure fit that prevents any movement at the rear of the shoe, which also limits their technical use a little, but they remain comfortable in wear, and secure enough for all but the most uneven ground.

Fit-wise, they feel pretty ‘medium’, both at forefoot and heel, so worth consideration for most, except those with very wide or very narrow feet. Rugged and protective, yet comfortable for long periods, they are on the expensive side, but the build quality and longevity should more than make up for the initial outlay.

Testing conditions

Lara wore the shoes during variable non-snowy winter and early spring conditions on a variety of walks – with and without a pack – in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She usually takes a UK5.5 shoe and has a medium width foot but narrow heels, and weights are taken from her own digital scales.

This review was first published in the June 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors magazine.