I picked up a couple pairs of desert meindls before I went overseas, I believe it was the safari, and the gore tex model, then later the desert fox. Don't ask about all the names, they seem to constantly change. I wasn't a big fan of the goretex ones overseas as I found them much warmer, it may have just been psychological but after february I never really wore them again.
I wore the non-goretex (I believe it was the safari) for pretty much the whole tour, and they worked amazingly. No blisters. Ever. I found them an excellent compromise between taller boots (like the horrible Boulet we were issued) and low cut hiking boots. I really liked the lacing system, as it made it possible to "lock in" pressure, ie very little pressure where my foot flexes, and then more support toward the top of the boot. It did take longer to lace them, however.
A few caveats here. Although mine held up perfectly (and that's with alot of km's patrolling over that 6 months) a friend of mine's pair basically fell apart, with the stitching along the side of the boot completely letting go. His was the same model as mine, so I don't know if I got an awesome pair or he got a crappy set. Another complaint, although I say this for all boots...... the insoles they come with are JUNK. We're talking cardboard here. Buying a good set of insoles is not an option, it's a must. And lastly, I found the break in time a tad lengthy, but go overseas with them, fall in some wadi's, and those boots will be your best friends soon enough.
I hope this answsers any questions, but the bottom line is on the next tour, I'll be picking up the exact same boots without hesitation.
