They sell the island model here in Germany also,but they call them the Iceland model still spelled Island. They are lighter and a bit more flexible, Gortex lined. But the souls don't really hold up (some newer type of Vibram), the Perfect model with the old style Vibram soles last twice as long. The tops last forever on both models. I'm going back to Perfekt after these wear out (if I live that long )

Another thing about Meindl is they are arrogant. I've had a couple of warranty issues (bent/broken lace hooks) and if they bothered to answer my letter, they always said it was my fault. I actually sent the president of the company a pair of my old boots (with bent/broken lace hooks) with no return address. With a note that said. I can get no help from your warranty department, maybe you can get them to fix these and then you can wear them. I imagine Cabalas eats the warranty issues and Mendl never hears about it. Or maybe they are just more receptive to claims from major distributors. My local distributor told me to make all claims directly to Meindl, Meindl in effect told me tough luck. For the price of these boots you'd think they would be a bit more customer friendly. It isn't really Meindls quality that causes the issues, I'm hard on my boots, but I do think they could be a bit more flexible with the warranty.