Our verdict
The Track and field anthracite has impressed hundreds of users with its "out-of-the-box" comfort, solid build, and amazing support. It features a waterproof membrane too, which offers plenty of protection against rain or water. More importantly, it's very supportive, which made avid hikers and outdoor junkies become even more in love with the Respond GTX. It has a pretty stiff outsole that protects the foot against really hard surfaces. Wearing a padded insole makes walking on soft soil or grass much more comfortable.
Pros
- Provides protection against dirt and trail hazards
- Top-notch construction
- Breathable
- Very supportive
- Wide-fitting
- Shut grip
Cons
- Track and field vs. Meindl Lugano
- Lack of color options
- Prefer a hiking shoe that seals out rain or moisture and offers protection against trail hazards
updated Jun 6, 2023
The Track and field is a multifunctional shoe that performs well on the trail as it is on urban streets. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking shoe that seals out rain or moisture and offers protection against trail hazards.
- Track and field vs. Meindl Lugano.
Updates to Track and field
- The latest Meindl Respond shoes come with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane that seals out rain or moisture. The mesh upper offers protection against trail hazards while allowing some breathability.
- For enhanced traction, it features the Contagrip sole made of durable rubber. It's somewhat stiff for support and stability on rough terrain.
- This low-cut hiking shoe also comes with the Air Active Footbed that promotes moisture management, plush comfort, and underfoot support.
Size and fit
The Track and field men's and women's shoes are low-cut hikers with a stretchy mesh upper that offers a snug yet comfortable fit. It has a roomy toebox which makes it suitable not only for people with wide feet but also for those who have common issues like plantar fasciitis and overpronation.
This shoe features a webbing lacing system with five eyelets for a secure fit. There are pull loops in the tongue and at the back of the collar for easy slip-on and off.
This shoe features a webbing lacing system with five eyelets for a secure fit. There are pull loops in the tongue and at the back of the collar for easy slip-on and off.
The Track and field offers a solid grip on rough or uneven terrain
The Respond GTX has a rigid sole featuring a combination of oval-shaped and triangular lugs and narrow grooves. This unique tread pattern lets the shoe bite into rough or uneven terrain.
Provides stability on rocky trails and off-pavement surfaces
Meindl's Contragrip Trail outsole is made of high-quality rubber. It's a little stiffer than traditional rubber but it gives the shoe a good amount of stability on rocky trails and off-pavement surfaces. Also, the somewhat stiff outsole makes the Respond GTX suitable for easy scrambles.
Track and field vs. Meindl Lugano
This trail runner comes with a thin yet highly supportive midsole that is made stronger and stiffer with Kevlar (heat-resistant and strong synthetic fiber) and carbon.
updated Jun 6, 2023
For some nice underfoot cushioning, the Respond GTX comes with a removable insole called "Air-Active" which helps with moisture management. This special footbed features tiny pores that let the feet "breathe" and stay cool while helping reduce impact and absorb shock for improved comfort.
Provides protection against dirt and trail hazards
With a durable mesh upper, this shoe offers ample protection against dirt and mud. The synthetic overlays create a sturdy structure for the shoe while the tidy heel cup helps stabilize the foot by ensuring the alignment between the knee, ankle, and hips. This shoe also features a rubber toe cap that guards against sharp trail hazards or accidental impact.
Prefer a hiking shoe that seals out rain or moisture and offers protection against trail hazards
Lining the shoe interior is the Gore-Tex membrane. It's a proven and tested waterproof fabric but can be a little too warm on hot days. Good thing, the mesh upper is very breathable and helps the foot stay cool and fresh.
Prefer a hiking shoe that seals out rain or moisture and offers protection against trail hazards
Completing the upper is a webbing lacing system that makes tightening or loosening the upper really easy.
The Track and field offers a solid grip on rough or uneven terrain
Meindl manufactures premium hiking shoes and boots. Another popular choice in their hiking shoe selection is the Lugano. See the key differences below:
Materials. While the Respond GTX features a mesh upper, the Lugano shoe features a Nubuck leather upper which has many desirable qualities, such as tear resistance, durability, and water resistance. This makes the Lugano shoe more suitable for tough trail conditions. Pro hikers who are constantly on the trail will benefit more from leather shoes, though it can be a little too warm on hot days. Hiking shoes with mesh uppers are best for light hiking and for urban use.
Lining. The Lugano hiker is lined with fleece and leather which, although not as waterproof as the Goretex membrane, offers some protection against external moisture. The waxed nubuck upper also repels rain or water efficiently. When hiking in extremely wet conditions, the Respond GTX is a better choice.
Weight. The Respond GTX is much heavier than the Lugano hiker. Lightweight shoes are highly suitable for day hikes when not carrying a heavy load while heavier shoes are great for multi-day hikes or backpacking with a heavy load.
