I am headed to Congo-Brazzaville in September for bongo and was hoping to get some advice on footwear. I've already broken in a pair of Salomon jungle ultras but want to bring 2 sets of back-up boots. For those who have done a forest Safari, any particular boots you would recommend? Also, any particular socks work well for holding off blisters?

Any help/advice would be very much appreciated!

Hopefully some Vietnam vets will chime in here. I can't think of a single group more qualified to answer.

Paladium Pallabrousse or Pampa Hi boots.

What Mike said. For 50-60 bucks these boots are good. lite, good stiff sole that's fairly quiet and comfy. Dries fast too

The problem I have found with jungle boots is that, for them to drain well, they have to have holes in them big enough to admit sand.

Sand in a boot is a disaster.

What’s the verdict on these?

For me, Bates Recondo. Walked around 200 miles in a pair in the rainforest in the Congo with no problems. Socks were a 98% Polyester, 2% Lycra Spandex with Cool Max technology blend.

Whatever you choose, before you leave, spend time walking in the boots and socks while they are wet.

With whom are you hunting? Are you flying up to Impfondo?

I was in the middle of the rainforest three years ago to the day from today.

I have Palladium boots that I leave as part of my “kit” in Argentina. They work ok and dry well, but the soft soles allow big thorns to give you a jump! I don’t know if that is a problem where you are going. I’ve also heard of the old All Stars by Converse being used, but they don’t seem to have traction. As I said, I don’t know about jungle hunting. Do the Army/Navy stores still exist? NOS jungle boots might be a good buy.

Best boots I've ever owned were Herman Survivors. Now, still using a pair of Karrimor Munros I bought in 2003. Good value, and they take a lot of hammering.

Thank you to all for the advice! In preparation, I've been submerging my feet/boots/socks then push mow the yard. The neighbors keep giving me funny looks

MikeBurke...I am hunting with Christophe Morio and Congo Forest Safaris. Flying into Ouesso then a few hours drive in to camp from there.

Use a light boot that will dry fast. The military knows what it is doing when it comes to boots but everyone is a little different. I still have an old pair of issue boots but I find myself wearing Danner Lights most of the time for wet climate. Use wool/wool blend socks and foot powder and change the socks when they start slipping or forming knots inside. Also, pack moleskin (available at any decent pharmacy).

As several have already stated, make sure they are comfortable before you go. Below are some websites that provide some valid information.

https://authorizedboots.com/be...boots-on-the-market/

https://taskandpurpose.com/her...rmys-new-jungle-boot



Safe travels...…….LL

I am another user of DANNER BOOTS.
They have the current Mil-Spec hot weather boots. Army and Marine.
See...
https://www.danner.com/men/mil...ortId=product-family
Remember that boots with US military logo are difficult to get through some foreign customs counters.
Sincerely,

I have been blessed to have hunted in the forest in Cameroon a Total of 61 days. I took with me 2 pair of Rocky lace up snake boots and they were absolutely perfect for that area. I was in no way worried about snakes but they protected my lower legs from thorns and rough vines and especially ants! My pants were tucked in the tall boots so insects had a tough time reaching skin. They were gore tex lined and we never went in water over them. I live in Louisiana and work year round on my hunting lease which is harder than anything I experienced in the Forest.

If the area you are hunting will have water over your knees that you will have to wade I would use what I do here jungle issue combat boots with the nylon inserts and the drain ports low on the boots. Wear liner socks inside a good pair of hiking socks use blousing rubbers to clasp your pants tight around your ankles and then put the boots on. Take 2 pair of boots and rotate them.

If you would like more info on what you need send me a pm.

quote:

Originally posted by PAGuardian:

MikeBurke...I am hunting with Christophe Morio and Congo Forest Safaris. Flying into Ouesso then a few hours drive in to camp from there.

Good luck, you will surely have a good time. I cannot wait for the report.

On my bongo / rainforest hunt, I wore high topped canvas sneakers. They dry ok and you leave them behind when you go out.