Meindl
Germany
Meindl is a Bavarian family company that makes hiking and mountain boots, traditional Bavarian shoes and clothing. The business was founded as a company in 1928 by Lukas Meindl in Kirchanschöring, building on a shoemaking tradition the family traces back to 1683. It is one of the best known German names in outdoor footwear.
| Founded | 1928 (family shoemaking since 1683) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lukas Meindl |
| Ownership | Meindl family |
| Headquarters | Kirchanschöring, Bavaria |
| Generation | Ninth generation |
| Segment | Outdoor footwear |
| Website | meindl.de |
What is Meindl?
Lukas Meindl GmbH & Co. KG is an outdoor and traditional footwear maker headquartered in Kirchanschöring, in the Traunstein district of Bavaria. Its product worlds range from mountaineering and hiking boots to multifunction and leisure shoes, children's footwear, winter boots, socks and traditional Haferlschuhe worn with Bavarian dress. A separate Meindl Fashion line covers clothing.
History
The Meindl family has been recorded as shoemakers in Kirchanschöring since 1683, when Petrus Meindl was first documented in the trade. The present company was founded in 1928 by Lukas Meindl. According to German Wikipedia, the business is now in its ninth generation and is run by brothers Lars and Lukas Meindl. Meindl has produced special models over the years, including the boot worn by Felix Baumgartner for his 2012 stratosphere jump, and it is among the manufacturers of new combat boots for the Bundeswehr.
Products and positioning
Meindl positions itself in the premium outdoor segment. Its categories include:
- Mountain and hiking boots, often with GORE-TEX linings
- Multifunction, leisure and Pure Freedom comfort shoes
- Children's and youth footwear
- Traditional shoes for Bavarian dress
- Socks and clothing
Brand technologies include Air Revolution ventilation and the Comfort fit last.
Business model and distribution
Meindl sells mainly through specialist outdoor and shoe retailers, supported by a dealer portal for trade partners. In addition to its German headquarters, German Wikipedia lists production sites in Hungary, Slovenia and Italy, with some sports and leisure models produced in Asia.
Why it matters
Meindl is a typical example of the German Mittelstand in fashion and footwear: family-owned, rooted in a rural region and focused on technical quality rather than trend. Its combination of alpine performance boots and traditional Bavarian styles gives it a distinctive position in the outdoor market.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Meindl boots made?
Meindl is headquartered and produces in Kirchanschöring, Bavaria, and also has production sites in Hungary, Slovenia and Italy according to German Wikipedia. Some leisure models are made in Asia.
Is Meindl a family company?
Yes. Meindl is a Bavarian family business founded in 1928 by Lukas Meindl, with family shoemaking roots going back to 1683. It is run by the ninth generation of the family.