The Journey is a lightweight, grippy trekking boot designed for wider feet on tracks and trails. The boot is exceptionally spacious and comfortable in the ‘flex zone’ (what brands call the hinge between your foot and your toes!) but I found the boot very wide at the heel. As a result, I felt much less secure in the boot when off-trail.
Otherwise, the Journey ticks all the boxes. There’s a very reassuring amount of lateral support in a robust sole
unit, which protects the middle and heel of the foot well, a robust toe bumper and a simple but effective lacing system. The boot is cut to just above the ankle, and this, alongside a leather and mesh upper, translates into a very comfortable and breathable boot, without it feeling overly cool.
Grip is exceptional, with a grid system of fairly deep lugs right across the sole that provide plenty of traction on everything from icy rocks to muddy paths. I loved the comfort in the forefoot and security of the grippy sole, but my narrower heel just wasn’t quite secure enough in these boots. However, if you have a very wide foot overall and need a durable, lightweight 3-season boot for anything from canal towpaths to pathed hillwalking, I think these will be a perfect workhorse.
Read more: Three season boot review
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If you’re looking for a three season boot with a wider fit, the Meindl Journey Mid GTX is a good choice. As part of our three season boot review for Spring 2021’s issue of The Great Outdoors, David Lintern puts them to the test.