Ladies and Gentlemen,

In line with the other post on Clothing for Africa, I am in the market for some new footwear. Does anyone have any direct experience with any of these?

Danner Jackal Boots

Danner's first stalking hunting boot, the Jackal GTX, is perfect for hunters looking to be stealthy and quiet in the woods. This mocassin-style stalking platform combines a super-thin midsole and outsole with a thick, cushioning insole. The result is that the hunter, although walking on a padded surface, has better "ground feel" through the boot. It allows the hunter to avoid stepping on twigs and branches that may alert his game. This boot has a waterproof GORE-TEX liner, Mossy Oak Obsession camo, and full-grain pigskin leather.

Danner Desert Eagle

Introducing the newest, lightest boot developed by Danner for duty in the desert. The Desert Eagle™ GTX has a Cordura® upper and a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® liner. Its TFX platform is the next generation of the lightweight, supportive TERRA FORCE™ technology.


Irish Setter Ground Sensing


GORE-TEX Fabric Lining
Brown Worn Saddle Leather
Non-Insulated
Moisture Wicking Nylon Lining
Memory Foam with ScentBanâ„¢ Odor Inhibitor Footbed
Internal TPU Torsion Stabilizer Shank
Dual Density PU Midsole
Irish Setter Buck Tracks Air Pod Sole
Ultra Flex Opanka Construction

Regards,

Terry

P.S.
I know some of you don't like GoreTex for Africa, personally I prefer it.

Terry,

What have you used in the past? I wore my Courtney Safaris in RSA last year, but am planning on using my new Russell PH's that I ordered at the Houston Convention in Tanzania next year. The Danners you posted look a bit cumbersome,. but I have no expeerience with them. I am intrigued with what Ecco may offer as their golf shoes are fantastic.......

I'd go with Danner, I have tons of danner boots and I wear them at work everday!

I just tried out a pair of Irish Setter soft paws kangaroo leather light hikers, 6". I found them to be ideal through 10 days of chasing elephant and cape buffalo. I will be taking them with me next year in Zambia.

Here's what I have worn on several safaris. I really like them (lightweight and quiet) but I am interested in trying something different and using the old boots for my "walking the dog" boots.

Rocky Kangaroo Upland


I'm a little worried about the description of the sole on the Danner Jackal boot, may be too thin for the thorns in Africa. Plus, I'm not crazy about the camo part of that boot.

Regards,

Terry

Terry,

I havent seen them before, here is the cheapest I found them. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=210536

I have courtneys and Rouge's, I really don't need a pair, but for a hundred bucks thats hard to beat. Danner makes good boots, I have a Pair of Danner Guide boots, I may buy a pair of these just to try them out.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanahile:
Terry,

What have you used in the past? I wore my Courtney Safaris in RSA last year, but am planning on using my new Russell PH's that I ordered at the Houston Convention in Tanzania next year. The Danners you posted look a bit cumbersome,. but I have no expeerience with them. I am intrigued with what Ecco may offer as their golf shoes are fantastic.......

FYI

I was reading Russels website, noticed they will custom make boots for you with the african hides you bring back ... that sounds like a company with prestige and customer service to me

Peter

I wouldn't recommend boots with a Gore Tex liner for African use becaue Gore Tex reduces evaporation of foot sweat, which leaves your feet more damp and therefore more prone to blisters.

I use Danners Fort Lewis at work. I have 5 pairs in rotation at any time. On the last 2 safari I took my shittiest pair and gave them to one of the trackers at the end of the safari.

The fort lewis may be a little heavy for some people who don't wear boots all the time but I think they are great boots. Danner is the only boot I have worn that is waterproof, stays waterproof and will not sweat up your feet.

I am going back to Tanzania 2007. I will be doing the Buffalo/Elephant thing so I am considering getting a pair of Danner Arcadias.
They are a little lighter and easier to walk quietly in. The only drawback I found was the courdoura on the side of the boot blew out after a year in the use in AZ and CA where as the fort lewis will wear out at least 2 sets of soles before they are trash.

Terry,

The Danner Jackle's look very interesting..my only reservation is that I have read of quality control problems with Danner since the switched some of their production to the Far East.

Meindle also do a high quality desert boot, but I have no idea how heavy it it as its designed as an "issue boot"..

I am interested in the South African made Rogue River boots as they are imported to the UK so i can try before I buy so to speak..



For more info take a look at : http://www.unbeatentracks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=RB5

Regards,

Pete

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
I wouldn't recommend boots with a Gore Tex liner for African use becaue Gore Tex reduces evaporation of foot sweat, which leaves your feet more damp and therefore more prone to blisters.

I have worn boots with Gore Tex on 5 safaris and I have never had a problem with blisters. For me, personally, Gore Tex is not an issue.

Regards,

Terry

I likewise don't like goretex, unless I'm hunting in a cold and wet place, it just adds weight, cost and cuts down the breathablitity. I do really like Danner boots, BUT for hunting the warm and dry places my favorite is the Russell PH II. I had them put the speedlaces on mine as well. I just spent the second three month season ph'ing and wearing them everyday. They are almost ready for a resole though. One of my biggest peeves is hunters that come wearing those hard soled boots. You CANNOT walk quietly in a hard soled boots, MOST hunters cannot walk quietly in anything, but put a big heavy hard rubber lugged boot on them and you need to only hunt deaf animals or on really windy days. Now if I'm hunting in mountains thats a different story.

Terry,
I have used the Danner Pronghorn boot on Safari and it worked out well. I do not much care for Gortex in Africa because it makes my feet sweat and after 3 days my boots smell like hell. For this years trip I had a pair of Safari PH II made with the Plantation Creep (Spelling?) sole. I loved this boot in the bush. They are very quiet and the boots fit like a glove once they are broken in. I added a Kevlar Slip sole to keep the thorns from punching holes in my feet. Anyhow I am very happy with them even though I think they are over priced. Two of my PH friends asked me to arrange for similar boots to be made for them!

My wife has a pair of Russell's, but for me, I'm looking for something with more ankle support.

Regards,

Terry

Have you tried Courtney Boots made in Zim? Picked up a pair in Bullawayo Last a few weeks ago for $145. 100% Elephant skin, a lot more support than the Russell. Even come with Goodyear tire tred Sole!

My comments on Goretex............I've never had a problem, I live and hunt in a very hot climate, South Texas/Mexico. Never had a problem with Goretex. I personally think the............Oh no don't use Goretex comes from some of the crap the REI sales people put on the street

My largest complaint I have with my Cortneys, is the fact they do not have goretex and no matter how much treament you put on leather, wet grass in the mornings will quickly soak leather, or at least that been my experience.

Waiting for Ray to chime in here with his recommendation to buy a pair of ropers and save money. What brand, Ray?

Danners are good boots for NA.

I've used Courtney's Selous (quietest) and Russel's Mtn PH. Both are very comfortable and relatively quiet; Courtney quieter, Russel a bit more comftable.

The Danners I have tested are either too stiff (noisy), or have Gore-Tex - (hot and muggy)....They have not found the "sweet spot" yet for hot climate boots...No wonder - They're up there in Portlad, OR!

Courtney / Russel - These are the picks out of about every pair of boots known to exist....I test military footwear for several companies.

Danners are fine boots - great for hunting here in the states...BUT...hunting / stalking in Africa is another game (pardon the pun) altogether.

Go with waht the pros are using!


JW

I have a pair of boots (Receptor) from ECCO and find them extremely comfortable.

I've only used two types of boot in Africa! they are New Ballance Walking shoe, most of the time, and I have a pair of Timberland shoe that comes just above the ancle, that I bought in 1990, and they are still almost like new, only dirty, and blood stained, after several trips to Africa, and Alaska's mountain country! I too find Gore-Tex to be a draw back in hot dry climates, that make my feed smell, and is not needed in any boot used in dry weather. My Timberlands are not gore-tex, and I only use them when hunting rocky areas like North West Zimbabwe, and parts of Zambia highlands.

I have found, for Africa, nothing beats good quality walking shoes, like the New Ballance. Feet stay cool, and they are quiet, and have not given me a problem with thorns. Little above the ancle gaiters are very useful with any light boot, or shoe. I have a pair I got in Lusaka Zambia that are made of canvas, but I also have a pair made from Eland hide with hair left on,for sound suppresion, that are better, because they turn thorns,are quieter,and just as light!

Also, don't assume that because a manufacturer advertises a boot as a "stalker" that is any good for stalking. I've had hunters that have those "stalking" sneakers with the thin rubber soles that are still as hard as a car tire, noisy,noisy,noisy. If your ph keeps looking back at your feet, its not because hes admiring your taste in hunting shoes, he's wondering how you can possible be making that much noise with your feet!

I notice a lot of mentions of people having bad experiences with GoreTex material in their shoes. It leads me to believe that many don't realize that you must wear socks that are compatible with GoreTex and they aren't cotton. Don't believe me, check with the manufacturers and just about any confirmed hiker/backpacker.

Like last year, I'll be wearing my 2 pairs of Ariat Terrains (no GoreTex). They feel great when new and only get better with abuse, I mean, "wear". Plus the soles are thorn resistant (I pulled thorns out of the soles weeks after returning that I had no idea were there). Plus, I'll be wearing Merino wool blend socks.
Dave

It is all about your prefrence! I like Gortex for hunting in the states however I do not find the need to have it in Africa. Peoples feet also react differently to heat. Mine sweat a lot and regardless of what kind of sock I wear, they begin to stink after a few days. Terry is looking for a boot with ankle support. I prefer a light, small shoe or boot with very soft soles. The Russell worked for me and I will use them again. I do suggest being careful with tennis shoes. I had a thorn go through the sole and into the arch of my foot two years ago while wearing Nike cross trainers. I had to remove the laces of the shoe in order to lift my foot up and out of the shoe....hurt bad....my new shoes have a Kevlar slip slole....$8 well spent!

I wore a pair of Russell trackers with the pigskin soles to Zim last August and they worked great for me. They were made to fit and have no lining. I wore smartwool mid weight socks with them and was comfortable the whole time in them. The traction could be a little tricky on inclines or declines in loose stone but traction is tricky on that anyway. we waded across the Ume several times every day and did a lot of walking in wet grass and the water never soaked through. I hunted the entire deer season here in lowcountry SC and the only time I had them to leak water was when i was crossing a creek bottom and they had to stay submerged for quite a while. they didnt leak much then. I got the 7 inch hieght.

I just got a pair of Russell's with the fabic uppers. I have to agree with Terry that there is not a lot of ankle support. I would advise that if you are having Russell's made for Africa you get the kevlar layer between the sole and liner. It is not too enpensive and could save some major pain if you step on something sharp.

Mark

I am with Mark and Terry on the Russell PH II.

The ankle support is abismal. I have a pair of South Forty Bird Boots that worked great but I left the new PH's in the tent after the second day. Felt good until you got on any uneven surface then I felt like I ws coming our of them in the ankle area. I called Russell when I returned and asked if I could have the uppers redone in leather and they declined.

I have three pairs of Russells and I would sent back the Ph's if there was any way.

Sprig

Mark, would the PH model have the kevlar as standard construction as the are designed for Africa?

I will sell my crepe sole PhII for 180.00. They are barely used and the size is 10 1/2

Sprig

Terry: If ankle support is an issue, take a look at the Russell "Mountain PHs" they have better ankle support. Thinking about getting a pair myslef. I must say that I am also quite plesed with the Courteney 406s. Both my wife and I bought a pair this past June and we found the superior to the standard PH, particluarly when ging up and down kopjes. jorge

Mountain Safari "PH"

The Mountain Safari "PH" was inspired by South African PH, Hans "Scruff" Vermaak of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. The Russell Safari "PH", while the ideal boot in the vast majority of African hunting venues, was changed slightly, ideally suiting it for tougher going on steep rocky hillsides. made a bit heavier... a bit tougher... with a more aggressive sole for mountainous conditions. True triple vamp construction, full wrap around molded sole, made from waterproof WeatherTuff leather with cushion collar. Equipped with sturdy heel counters and top lacing studs. Available with aggressive, long wearing Vibram Sierra soles or Vibram Air Bob soles. The resulting shoe is a bit heavier and a bit stiffer than the standard Safari "PH", but offers added support and traction for more demanding situations.

I have had very good luck with a pair of Birkenstocks(that model has been discontinued)comfortable and quiet.I now wear Russell's PHII with the crape soles.I also have a pair of Teva desert boot that should work well.

Terry- I have used Cabela's Speed Hunters. Really nothing more than a high topped tennis shoe covered by a stiff outer shell. Great at stopping grass seed infiltration, very comfortable, mild tread and good ankle support. The negative for me that if temps are over 80 to 85, they are too hot. May be because of the Goretex lining however they are NOT insulated.

John

For me it is the Courtney Selous. I have two pair now that I will go nowhere without. They can get wet but in Africa with wool socks they seem to dry fast. I have tried Danners but it sounds like i am walking on a squeakey floor. Not good. Laced up tight ankle support changes dramaticaly.

Hello Guys,

First of all, Russell is not called a "Moccasin" Company for no reason. You have to understand that almost all of their boots and shoes are made in a true Moccasin fashion the same way they have since 1898, with the exception of better soles, leathers, materials and they are made by Hmongs and Mexicans instead of Irish and Germans. They don't even have a computer yet, all orders are hand written and put in a safe at night. Ok with that said we are now all on the same page. Since they are moccasins they don't have Air Jordan arch supports, so if you need arch supports tell them they sell slip-in type insert and will make your boot accordingly. This is a custom shop, they will do what ever you wan't, different soles, leathers, heights, studs or eyelets, colors, cork, padded collar or what ever, just tell them. Now I am sure this is easyer in person than over the phone which I can do since I am only 45 min away, but they are very friendly and truley make a great product. I wear the "Sporting Clays Chukkar" with an extra eyelit as my every day boot. My Grouse, Pheasent, Turkey and early season Deer and what I will wear in africa in 3 weeks boot is the "South 40" with a cork foot bed, speed lace studs at top and the Aspen Gumlite sole which is very lite and thin to feel the ground. My wife just recently got the "Joe's PH" in all "Weather Tough" leather but part reddish brown and part green with the "Vibram 2060" sole which is the most comfortable they have. The two tone looks so cool that I am planning another pair for myself (we'll call them work boots). I would suggest getting any boot "Triple Vamped" if you will be around water. This does'nt add much weight at all and ofcourse wear merino wool socks "Smart wool" or "REI". REI are cheaper and more flexible but not shure on durability yet. I would also stay away from the "Mountain PH" if you have a heavy sole without a srong enough upper you will roll your ankle. With that said I vote for the "South 40" and sole of choice. Remember, they don't have to look like the cataloge, they're custom made. Steve

In Africa and this is the African forum I wear canvas walkintg shoes, (Tennis shoe type) they sure do dry faster than all that heavy leather when I wade up to my waist...and I take along a pair of H bar C work boots that are near worn out and I paid about $60 for them new...Wrangler horseshoes by roper are another comfortable shoe...I wear what I work in on my farm, so do most of the PHs I know in fact most of them wear deck shoes and no socks and there is good reason for that......

I used Steve "Shakari" Robinsons hunting boots this summer in Zim, and can say that they were the quietest boots I've ever used. Due to their smooth impala lining inside, they actually needed no walking in, and felt great. Inside them, I used thin, ancle high Smartwool socks.

The boots are made to order, either by making an outline of your foot, or sending him your size. (see this thread: Shakari's hunting boots )

Steve is a regular here on AR and over on Nitroexpress.com, and can be contacted here:

Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
http://www.kuduland.com

As you can see, I used a pair of Boyt gaiters with the boots to keep grass seeds etc out:

For the warm conditions both here in Australia and Africa, I use the none lined COURTENEY Safari boot's made in Zimbabwe, but be warned they seem to vary in shape and size.

I´ve been satisfied with Rogues in Africa, no need to break them in, no blisters.

Gore Tex is great for the cold and wet.

Terry, I have a set of Russell Safari PHs, as well as a pair of Russell Mountain PHs. The Safari PH is very good for non-rocky, flat country, but poor for those tough, rocky hills of Namibia, as well as Vaal Rhebok country in RSA.

The Russell Mountain PH boots I have were ordered in all 'Weather-Tuff' leather, dispensing with the canvas sides. This adds greatly to the support provided by these boots, and coupled with their very sound basic design, makes them much more my ideal all-around safari boot than anything else I've used so far.

Most over-the-counter boots have too many layers of various fabric materials, and they're just too much boot in most ways for Africa. The Russell Mountain PH is the best of all worlds in one boot, including the soles, which are fabulous.

The only OTC commercial boots I've used in Africa that I like are Danner's 'Light-Hikers', which is my preferred boot for any desert hunting in North America.

Courtney's aren't exactly my cup of tea. They don't fit me quite right, and they're not as good as Russell's, not even close, in the quality department. They do come with great soles, however

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