The heaviest boots I've ever worn on safari were a set of Danner Light Hikers (my favorite N.American hunting boots), and they were OK, but I still felt a little over-booted for Africa.

My favorite safari boots -- by a country mile -- are the Russell Imperial, and Russell Safari PH, and always with soft brown Vibram Air-Bob soles. No Gore-Tex, and no Thinsulate. These thinner, non-padded boots are better on stalks, and give a better feel for the ground, plus they're cooler.

Yes, the Russells are more expensive, but they are also better boots. You get what you pay for in just about everything in life, and some of the cheaper boots can cause problems, especially if they feature uppers that are glued on to the soles and not stitched on.

AD

I don�t know about gore tex, but I do know that I�ve been very satisfied with Rogue boots on my two trips. Last year I bought a new pair in SA, went hunting with them the next day and I had no problems -they don�t need breaking in.

Am I the only one using Rogues?

I like Gore-Tex shoes for Africa - even in the dry season. Ever try to walk a couple of hours through dew soaked grass??

I have a pair of boots similar to those mentioned in the original post. I bought them thinking I'd take them to Africa. In the end I didn't. I guess the boots are OK. I'm not crazy about the seam around the foot of the boot (don't know how else to explain?), for me it makes the boot very clumsy for its size. I also need quite a bit of ankle support (old injury), and this boot does not offer a bunch. But these are personal issues, if you happen to like the boot (light, reasonably quiet), go for it.

One last thing, I found boots that are capable of turning thorns (through uppers or soles) an advantage. Sadly, that often means the soles get a bit noisy.
- mike

Why no gore-tex in Africa?
I have been wearing gore-tex shoes on 3 safaris, and will be off for Senegal next month with gore-tex shoes once again...

Since I like a taller boot, I was wondering how the Browning kangaroo skin, non insulated, featherlight's would be for a buffalo hunt?

Also, I seem to remember that gore-tex is a no no for African hunting, is this true?

Thanks Jerry

How is the ankle support on the Speed Hunters?

SBT: I�m posting a link to Rogue gear, thay also have other quality items. Our whole family uses their stuff.

http://www.unbeatentracks.com/boots.htm

The prices listed are International, the prices on spot in SA are about half of these. I�ll try to find their National homepage.

The kangaroo boots would be great, but it is also hard to beat a good pair for GI issue boots either the all leather boots or the tan leather/Cordura boots. I think these boots are a great bargain and are tough as nails. Most importantly, wear the boots that fit your feet well.

Wes

I have a pair of Rocky Kangaroo Upland Boots that I have worn on safari.

I think any lightweight, non-insulated upland-style boot is perfect for Africa. I have never had any problem with Gore-Tex boots being too hot.

One thing that is very important, in my opinion, is good socks. You should not scrimp on your socks. I like socks with CoolMax.

Regards,

Terry

Double socks is the key to not getting blisters. I first use a pair of thin liners and over them a pair of heavier socks, wool is my favorite. Believe it or not my feet are never hot or sweaty (while hunting ) and since using this system I�ve never had a blister.

I'm not sure why GoreTex would be a problem. I wore my Russell PHII's in Alaska on a bear hunt, and then took the same boots to Zimbabwe.

The performed perfectly in both places.

Once again Ray is the voice of experience.

I wore my lighter non-insulated Danner's mostly - they have gore-tex and that helped as it rained quite a bit the first four days, but also had a pair of Wolverines with rubber soles. They were very comfortable, much more so than the Danner's.

Bought some green and khaki work shirts from Wally World and I think Sportsmans Warehouse - green Carharts and what are basically maintenance man khaki shirts from Wally's. Drab green cotton slacks completed the wardrobe - I forget the brand, I think they were Farrah or something but styled just like casual Dockers. Very comfortable, durable and worked great, and anyway those thorns are going to tear a pair of $18 pants just as fast as a $60 "Safari Special" pair.

Depending on where you are it's mostly like September upland game hunting - warmish to hot, hiking in gentle terrain, that kind of thing. You don't need high dollar Xtreme clothing. Doesn't hurt to wear if you want to, but it's not really needed. Hell, look at pictures of PH's - shorts and tennis shoes or Desert Boots (wish I could find those now).

Very good as they go above the ankle. The outer shell makes them stiffer than a normal high top tennis shoe and that helps as well.