When hunting in Africa,do you prefer soft sole boots or hard sole boots? I was told that boots that have a hard sole like the Courteney are quiter than Russells with soft soles. What do you think of that?

I took both my courteneys and the new pair of Russells. The Russells are definitely quieter but I think the Courteneys have better traction with their sole.

The choice of footwear will always end up being determined by personal choice.

How quiet or how noisy a boot is can only be regulated by whoever wears the shoe.

PHs for example will wear anything from slip-on Timberlands and Tennis shoes to Courtneys - go figure!

I am over 60 years old, I have been hunting since I was a young kid.

The quietest boots I have ever worn are the Russell PH's.

I have had PH's look back at me on the first day of the hunt, and I asked "What are you looking at/for". They said, "I cannot hear you walking"...

Those new sports type made in China shoes so readily available often have a poor quality hard sole which may although be light in weigh are very noisy on hard ground.
Buy Quality.

Like anything else, I think it depends. My Russell "thula thula" boots are the quietest I have ever used, and they have no real sole - just leather bottoms. However they are not well suited for rocky terrain as you feel every rock, and it gets painful after a while. For rocky terrain, a Courtney boot is much better. If it is a lot more comfortable, it will probably be quieter as well.

HOW you move will greatly influence how much noise you make, regardless of what shoes you are wearing.
The terrain you'll be on should determine the best footwear. Learn to move quietly.
I've been in the bush with clods who just bumbled along as if they were strolling down Broadway. NO footwear would help them.

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
How quiet or how noisy a boot is can only be regulated by whoever wears the shoe.

I agree with Fugo, shoes are not noisy no matter what sole is has. If the hunter is a noisy walker he will be noisy no matter what he wears!

Personally I don't find Courteneys to have a hard sole. In fact they will sometimes let a large thorn penetrate the sole.

Many of the PHs today have taken to wearing toe protected sandals. This makes sense to me, in areas where one must cross a lot of streams. They drain and dry right away. I hate crossing streams bare footed. Nothing will ruin a Safari more than a bad cut on the bottom of your foot!

As Fugo says it all boils down to personal choice! I like Courteneys, or New Balance hiking shoes.

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I prefer soft soles. Recently bought a pair of "Wilde Bees" boots and from day one the were very comfortable.
I will never use my Wolverines or Hi-Tecs again while hunting.

Desert boots. Or actually I prefer Wallabys because they offer a bit more arch support.

Courtneys for me. Just finished my 11th Safari with the same pair.