Unlike the American market, the Canadian market for footwear is limited, to say the least. Anyway, I did purchase a pair of very comfortable, all leather Keenes yesterday which are cut to the same height as a running shoe. I really did want a pair of boots which would come up past the ankle a couple of inches but simply couldn't find any.

Will these Keenes, coupled with gaiters, serve me well at the Gras Ranch area of Namibia next March?

Bobby B.

Bobby I understand what a problem good boots can be. I wear a size 15 and getting a good fit can be a hassle. Does Red Wing have outlets in Canada? They carry a ankle high boot made by Vasque. I found it to be very strong and comfortable. They come with or without Gortex linning and a lug sole.

I have worn them in SA and the Selous vith good success.

More to answere your question, what you describe was worn by one of the PH's and seemed to work well although he did put a thorn through the sole which caused a little discomfort

Good luck!

Here is an option for you, Bobby.These are Asolo Enduras that I used in Africa.They have a vibram/Asolo sole and a gore-tex liner.I bought them from your province.[URL= ]a[/URL]

Generally something with a soft sole that you can sneak around in is what is required for African hunting. A good pair of running/walking shoes will work but I prefer Clark's Desert boots. The crepe sole is very quiet but tough enough to resist thorns.

Bobby,

Bass Pro in Vaughan, Ontario sells a really nice Irish Setter boot called their "Softpaws" model. I just got a pair and find them extremely quiet and comfortable. They are the low, just-above-the-ankle style that I think you are looking for, and have a very classic-style, non-trendy all-leather look that I like very much.

I got them for my Namibian hunt (next year!) but at the rate that I'm using them they may be worn out by then!

John

For many years I tried about every kind of ready made hunting boot/shoe in the world -- and, then, I finally got smart and bought my first pair of Russel Moccasins. I now own several pair and can't imagine using anything else in the field -- they are simply the best.

It is true that they are a tad more expensive than ready made boots, but once you wear them for a while, you'll never regret the investment.

I second the Russell's. I know there are some folks who don't like them, but they fit me perfectly - no break-in needed. Also, I have two pair and they have been through two weeks of walking through water up to my knees and just changing them out from wet pair to dry and back again. They are still in as great a shape as the day I got them.

Bobby,

I followed the advice of another poster here, mrlexma and bought a pair of Ecco Track IV High boots for my last hunt with Mike Kibble in Namibia.

Great soles, quality poly mid sole and quiet. The bison leather is tough but soft.

Add a pair of gaiters and you are all set.

You can buy them from Amazon or many online stores. If you check the Ecco website it will give you a store locator for Canada as well.....

Just before my trip to Africa this summer, I bought a pair of New Balance cross training boots made mostly of leather because I thought they looked good. It turned out I wore them every day for almost a month, including during a 12 day hunt. I left a brand new pair of Russell Joe's PH's in the bag.

I wore a pair of New Balance Rugged Walkers on my July PG hunt. Very quiet and comfortable.

I have tried several types of boots, but the Russel's have proved the best for me.

Thanks to all. As a newbie to African hunting, I'd be lost without your help.

Bobby B.

I still use my Ecco Receptors and find them the most comfortable of all my boots. They just happen to work with my feet. I haven't tried any of their new line.

Bobby B:

Lots of good suggestions. Since you are hunting in a dry area, do you need Gore Tex? Probably not.

For last years hunt in Zim, I planned on taking my Courteney Safaris plus another pair of botts to be determined. I have Russell boots for upland hunting but some of their stuff has been hit or miss lately. I then began looking at desert combat type of boots. I found a perfect pair, for me at least.

Go to www.desert-gear.com and check out the Converse Desert Foot Pursuits. These boots are built tough but feel like a pair of cross trainers. I was impressed before the hunt and was thrilled on the hunt. They are by far and away, the most comfortable, supportive, and light boot I have ever hunted in. I topped them with Boyt Gaiters and was set. I wore them every day for 10 days and did not use my Courteney Safaris at all. They are light, quiet, and perfect for dry hikes over broken land. I am planning on getting another pair as I always bring 2 pair of boots on a hunt. Plus they are $80.00 USD or so and don't break the bank.

Check them out. They might be the ticket for you. THey are for me. Regards,

RCG

PS. Other people sell them but the Desert Gear people were good to deal with plus their price is lower, IIRC.

Ecco's are great.

There are two versions, one with stiching around the top of the foot, the other without - I have the stitched version. These are Goretex lined and uninsulated. I have worn them in sub-zero weather in 2 foot snow in the mountains (with knee high gaiters over them and my jeans), in Africa, and in 110 degree weather in Texas. They work great! I always have an extra set of inserts and swap them everyday so the other set has time to dry. I use Coolmax socks from Cabelas most of the time and heavy wool socks when it's below 40 F. I used the Boyt gaiters with them when wearing shorts.

I also wear some old New Balance 991 shoes when it's really hot or I'm not doing much walking. My son just got a pair of the NB 974 Rugged Walkers from Cabelas - they are awesome. I'm going to get a pair as well.

As long as they are broke in and comfortable your good to go! I like Roper Horseshoes, they are just so bloody comfortable the first time you put them on and they cost about $90.00 and don't buy the $49.00 ones...

I have had several pairs of Courtneys and they are certainly over rated, no arch just a tire covered with leather, but they are a status symbol for some reason..A lot of the hunting shoes out there are priced out of sight and just more BS hype IMO, but lots of folks think the more they pay the better the product and that may or may not be the case and in the case of hunting shoes I just don't buy off on it.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
As long as they are broke in and comfortable your good to go! I like Roper Horseshoes, they are just so bloody comfortable the first time you put them on and they cost about $90.00 and don't buy the $49.00 ones...

Ray, how do these fit? Are they true to size or run small or large? Also, what "model" of the Roper Horseshoes do you use?

Thanks

Oday450,
Hmmm good question..and I am not sure, I bought mine about 5 years ago and can't recall and the size is worn so I don't even know how they run in size...

What I can tell you is they are Roper brand and they make two models of them and one is called the Atheletic Horseshoe at $50.00 and that is NOT the one to get..

Get the one with the "keltie" that costs about $90.00 as the tung is sewed up to the ankle and its very water proof..They are soft padded all the way around your foot..

Most Western stores have them in stock I think. If I can come up with anything I will contact you.

Thanks - I've looked at the web sites and there is one called the Kelty or Keltie. That must be it - just a little over $100.

I used the Red Wing Soft Paws in SA in June and was not happy with them. So, I'm looking again. I was looking at the Ecco boots but this is the second or third time I've seen your recommendation and I'll check them out.

While you are there ask your PH about seal skin boots.
I don't remember the name but it seems most PHs I have talked to in Namibia know about them.
They are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.
Your PH will tell you, but you buy one size smaller than you wear, you soak them in water and wear them until they dry and you have a perfectly fitting boot.

Don't know if Cabelas still sell the Silent Stalkers, but I've walked all over the states and Africa in them, both on the job and hunting. They're ankle boots with a thorn proof ribbed sole and with a good pair of Cabela's boot socks, I have put many miles on them. They have a ribbed sole tht is very quiet. Camo, only, so you may not like that, but I love them. Cost me less than $90.