Verdict from +100 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- The Meindl Caracas GTX hiking shoes gets numerous five-star ratings for its out-of-the-box comfort.
- Nearly everyone attests to the excellent quality of these low-cut hikers.
- Tons of users are in awe of its amazing support.
- Many hikers are happy that it's a Gore-Tex hiking shoe, which means they can walk on wet paths without worries.
- Several buyers showers it with high ratings for its grippy sole.
- Tons of customers love how versatile these shoes are. Some use it for hiking, urban walking, traveling, and so much more.
3 reasons not to buy
- Some Meindl Caracas GTX reviews say that this hiker is heavy for its class.
- Many wish that it's available in other colorways.
- The design looks old-fashioned, according to several customers.
Bottom line
A multifunctional leather shoe that boasts of high-quality craftsmanship, the Meindl Caracas GTX gets high marks for its out-of-the-box comfort, durable construction, and supportive features. It's also waterproof which ensures pleasant hikes and enjoyable leisure time activities even on rainy days.
All these qualities make the Caracas GTX a go-to shoes of many hikers, travelers, and casual wearers.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Good to know
-A tough hiker that is ready for adventures rain or shine, the Caracas shoe has an upper made of premium Nubuck leather that is waxed to further enhance its durability, longevity, and resistance to water and damage. Inside the shoe is a Gore-tex lining that keeps the foot dry at all times.
-This shoe is equipped with the Urban Walker sole by Vibram which creates a firm hold on a number of different surfaces. Meanwhile, the soft continuous EVA midsole provides a good amount of cushioning and support.
The Caracas GTX is a low-cut model with a full-leather upper that adapts to the shape of the foot after some time of use. The collar has a padded structure that makes it easy to wear the shoe and take it off. Also, the traditional lace-up closure allows for an easy adjustment of the fit.
Caracas GTX's rubber tread sole by Vibram features widely spaced lugs that grip well on urban paths - asphalt, concrete, slippery streets, and more. These lugs aren't deep so they don't feel uncomfortable when walking on hard surfaces. This sole is made of a quality rubber compound that is highly resistant to abrasion and wear. It's important to note that this model is best used for light hiking. The lugs are less aggressive which means they aren't the best option for rugged terrain.
The Vibram Urban walker outsole also features a soft continuous EVA-midsole that provides extra cushion without the bulk. Inside the shoe is a removable insole called Air Active Footbed - an exclusive technology from Meindl. It's essentially a Vidona drysole topped with a soft print layer that offers cushioning for the underfoot. Aside from creating soft, comfortable padding for the foot, the Air Active footbed is also moisture-wicking, lightweight, and breathable.
This low-cut hiker from Meindl has a full-leather upper that is waxed for added durability. The overlays are beautifully stitched to the shoe, giving it a sophisticated, old-fashioned look. The exterior heel counter is also made of leather.
Lining the shoe interior is the Gore-tex waterproof membrane. This special fabric is made of super tiny holes that seal out water. Even so, the low-cut profile of this shoe ensures that the feet stay cool in moderate and warm conditions.
Low-cut hikers are popular because of their versatility. That is - you can take them around the town after hitting the trails. The Caracas GTX and Journey Pro GTX are both waterproof hiking shoes that boast of Meindl's quality craftsmanship. Below are some of their key differences:
Weight. The Journey Pro GTX is much lighter than the Caracas GTX. It's a great option if you're looking for a protective low-cut hiker that won't slow you down.
Materials. While the Caracas shoe features a full-leather upper, the Journey Pro is made of a combination of leather (Nubuck) and mesh. Because of this, it offers more breathability. Nonetheless, the full-leather Caracas shoes offer more protection against the trail hazards and are likely to last longer. If you prefer a leather shoe that you can use for a long time, on a day-to-day basis, it's definitely a better choice.
Outsole. The Journey Pro GTX features the Comfort Sport outsole which has self-cleaning lugs. It's a Meindl exclusive sole technology that is meant for wet and dry surfaces. While the Caracas GTX shoes deliver a good grip on urban paths, the Journey Pro GTX can be used for multi-terrain activities, such as running or trail walking.
-The Meindl Caracas GTX walking shoes also come in a mid-cut version. This type of boot is suitable for hikers who need extra foot support. It also offers more protection against the elements because of the ankle-high coverage.
How Caracas GTX compares
