I hate to kick someone while they are down, but... I had a pair of the Russell TLC climbers with the air bob sole. They were ill fitting from the get go but I wore them guiding in the Missouri Breaks of Montana (mistake). The air bob sole came apart after about 3 days of trekking. The boots were hot and had virtually no arch or ankle support. They are being sold in a garage sale this weekend.

Brian Bingham

I wore my new PHII's at the range today. I did a fair amount of walking as We were doing some shooting at 100, 200, and 300 yards. On this range the targets are fixed and you must walk to the different yard lines.

We also did some up close manouevring and shooting.
It was very hot here.
The boots are doing fine so far.

I´ve used Rogues (SA) for five hunts and have been satisfied. Arch support is minimal at best but I had a pair of fitted soles put in and that made them perfect. If you buy them i SA they cost under 100 US and are a good deal.

The thing I noticed about the Russell PHII's is that they do not make that Clop, Clop sound when walking. They are the quietest boot I have ever worn.

Overall, I've been pleased with Russell products. I have my Russell Zephyrs on right now, enjoy Art Carter Chukkas if I want something slightly dressier or for traveling, stay protected from Mr. No-Shoulders with my Russell Snakeboots, and my son enjoyed the PH II's I got him for our last safari.
Based on the comments in this thread, I guess they're not for everyone, especially if your foot doesn't accommodate common sizings, but for me their products have been fine.

Well just got my Joes PH back today from Russell for the second time to repair a brand new pair of boots that were ordered Jan of this year. They had left a couple of speed lacing studs loose from the first repair session. When I recieved them the grommet on one of these had been driven through the leather and wouldn't have lasted the first week of wear without completely pulling through. They are now on their way back to the factory with less than 5 total miles on them. The Russell folks are paying next day air shipping and are appologetic but this is getting somewhat tiresome, especially since I leave for Tanzania at the end of next month. This is my third pair from them and will probably be the last, their quality control seems to have gone out the window.
I found an Ecco dealer in Atlanta and am going to go see them this weekend and try on a pair. If they fit they will serve as a backup if the Russells don't materialize in time for the hunt. This is a shame as I really have had nothing but praise for the other pair that I have, I don't know about my wife's new pair yet, sure hope they hold together.

I ordered a pair of Russell PH at the DSC this Jan. Received them in late May. They fit perfect right out of the box and were broken in by the time I had laced them up. Wore them around the house that evening, a couple of weekends and to work twice. I had no problems in South Africa this July. They are quite but there is minimal ankle support and the arch is not that high. Overall I have high praise for the pair I have. I am considering a second pair of Russell.

Lewis50
Who is the Ecco dealer in Atlanta?

Thanks

There is an Ecco store in the Lenox Square mall. I bought a pair of their boots as a backup, they are very comfortible but don't offer much, if any ankle support. We'll see how they work out.