Finding a proper fitting boot with a soft sole is proving more difficult than a 150 class whitetail. The last boots I tried on were the Ecco Track II and they were far too narrow across the ball of my foot. Anyone out there hunt in good ol' running shoes?

Bobby B.

Same $39 New Balances I work in.Paint,roofing cement,glue;coool and comfortable...

Just not elite enough for some...

Dan

I don't think its elite; rather, I believe that ankle support, weed seed proof,sand proof are the factors most consider when choosing hunting boots. Of course having said that my PH hunts in sandals sometimes, but, he is 36 and I am 67-big difference

Though my comment was a little tounge in check...

I guess I'm used to nails,climbing on roofs,etc...the thorns,seed thing doesn't bother me...

Your mileage may vary

I do notice in most of his video's, Jeff Rann wear Nike alot....



Dan

"for Namibia" all depends on where you are hunting. I cannot recomend running shoes for the Khomas Hochlands but could for the Karlahari or other sandy under footing. i want more of a hard sole for the highlands. The rocks seem to start poking through.

aaron

Bobby:

Since you are hunting the Gras, don't sweat footwear so much. You'll be riding in the hunting vehicle most of the time and will only be walking when you choose to stalk that way. The ground is mostly benign, with sharp rock outcroppings in only a few places. There ARE puff adders to contend with (though I didn't come across any), so I'm more comfortable in something that is a little more resistant to fangs than cloth and that
covers a bit more of my anatomy; but as far as navigating the ground, running shoes will do fine. Opt for the thickest sole you can find as even gravel will "tenderize" your feet through a thin rubber sole.

I think you'll love the Gras. I was originally planning to hunt there in 2007 but they were booked for the week I wanted; so I found a neighboring farm (Nomtsas, even larger) where the people and the hunting were also first class. You'll have plenty of opportunities for long shots, but you can always stalk closer if that's what pops your cork. However, take a reasonbly flat-shooting caliber because there will be some wide-open spaces where taking that particular Gold trophy may demand a 200+ yard shot regardless of your stalking ability.

Thanks to all for their response, it's much appreciated, honest.

Stonecreek, I've said this before and I'll say it again; 'your responses just make sense." By chance are you a student of Aikido? Whatever, I want to say thanks again.

FWIW, I'm shooting a Sako L61R action, a Hart barrel in 7RM and all stocked in a Harry Lawson Cochise. All topped with a Swarovski 4-12x50 with the innovative Ballistic Turret. With 168 Berger VLd's, this rifle prints 2.0" 4 shot groups at 350 yds. In short, it hits where it's pointed.

Bobby B.

Try them out first, running shoes can be quite noisy when walking- thick soles etc.

I hunted the Erongo Mountains in Namibia this year and running style shoes would not work there. That was a very rough and rocky area and with a lot of seeds and thornbush. I was glad I had brought a tough pair of mountain hiking boots. However, in other areas of Namibia, closer to the Kalahari, running shoes would probably be great. Check with your PH. I intend to bring running shoes to Zim this year.

This fantastic contraption adds 6 miles an hour to your walking!

quote:

FWIW, I'm shooting a Sako L61R action, a Hart barrel in 7RM and all stocked in a Harry Lawson Cochise. All topped with a Swarovski 4-12x50 with the innovative Ballistic Turret. With 168 Berger VLd's, this rifle prints 2.0" 4 shot groups at 350 yds. In short, it hits where it's pointed.

Sounds like a great rifle for hunting in Southern Namibia. Sounds like you are comfortable shooting at 300 yards and more. While I've got no problem with people who enjoy getting closer, your long range capability allows you to select the best head and possibly take it with an undisturbed shot. I'll bet you bring back lots of "Gold"!

I would use gaiters if you use running shoes. That will solve the problem of "stuff" getting in your shoes.

Todd

I will support what several other posters have said. Make sure you know where and in what kind of terrain you will be hunting. I hunted in the desert around Brandburg mountain. Hunting involved climbing rocky outcrops, ridgelines and hills. I used a pair of light mountaineering boots, and they were perfect for the job. Running shoes would absolutely NOT have been suitable. On the other hand, when we moved to the bushveld for the balance of our hunt, a lighter pair of hiking boots would have been acceptible.

I can't quite get my mind around running shoes, though. The do not offer adequate ankle support, and are too thin to provide a shield against the myriad poky things that one encounters on a days hike in Africa. Still, I've seen native Africans shuffling about in rubber pool sandals so I guess it's what you are used to.

Some time back a poster showed a photograph of his wife, who had lost her luggage enroute, posed next to a trophy they had gotten. She was wearing flip-flops!

I hunted the same area that Wooly did and agree that tennis shoes would not have cut it there. One reason I will never use running shoes on any paid hunt though is the lack of ankle support. I have badly sprained both of my ankles in the past, and one mis-placed step could ruin your hunt. Something to think about.

I used a pair of Lowa Renegades and they were about perfect.

Thanks to all. I may as well continue my search for a good fitting pair of leather hikers, and, if I find them, great, if not, the runners will no doubt prove superior to flip flops.

Bobby B.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed


This fantastic contraption adds 6 miles an hour to your walking!

Does that contraption come with a built-in GPS just in case I get lost? If so, I'll get one for each foot.

As for boots, consider not only ankle support but thorn-resistance. I had an acacia thorn pierce through my boot sole and embed into my foot. ouch! Also if you happen to kick a lazy puff adder you might be wishing for some added protection on your foot.

Namibiahunter

I used a pair of New Balance lightweight leather hiking shoes/boots this summer in Tanz. I actually bought them to wear on the trip over because they looked good, but ended up wearing only them for 3 1/2 weeks and leaving a brand new pair of Russel Joe PH's in the bag. They are light, comfortable, good ankle support and goretex too. Can't remember the name of them, but they shouldn't be too hard to find. Good luck.

I cannot recommend the Montrail Torre boot enough. I just bought my second pair after wearing my first pair almost every day, summer and winter for three years. They are that comfortable and durable. Give them about a week or so break-in and you won't want to take them off.

http://www.montrail.com/Produc...od=102&cat=120&top=1

Check out their Velocity line for shoes. Especially the Hardrock 08. Great shoe.