Just checked Russell’s website as I’m looking to resole my short PH boots. I knew the company had sold, so I figured some changes were coming. What I found was a very limited supply of boot models (no short PH for instance), a coming in 2023 custom shop which I’ve always considered their cornerstone and an upcoming resoleing service by licensed shops.

They’ve removed the sole options page which I’m guessing one would now find at a licensed shop.

It appears you can no longer provide a trace of your foot and dimensions but now a visit in person to see them or at one of the shows( happens my pair was measured at a show)

Interesting things coming forward.

Anyone do business with them lately?

I tried last week. They did 2 custom sheep hunting boots for me a few years ago that they measured for me at sci, insulated and non insulated. I asked them if i could order a pair of their 5" ph boots based on my measurements they took. They said no. I identified myself as a previous customer and asked to speak with a mgr, a person came on and before I could say anything said no. I tried to explain that I was not in a hurry (zimbabwe next aug), and he said they were not taking any orders at all. I then asked if they would extend some consideration (with regard to ordering) to me for being a past customer. He got pretty rude and basically told me to go take a hike and then hung up. So, I just walk away from stuff like this. Kind of sorry for this negative report, but I really thought I was supporting them, referring my friends, "trying" to buy more boots. Hokay. Anyone have any recommendations for boots. Next stop I think african sporting creations for courtneys ?

Sad to hear.. I guess I’ve purchased my last pair of Russell boots.. I have always been able to reference my on file measurements taken years ago at SCI…

Another great company gone to hell…

kennetrek

I bought some Russell Moccasin at the DSC show a couple years ago, I have done some walking in them but don't really feel the love. I really like my kennetrek safari's and although they may have to much support for some they have worked well for me. Life is to short for unappreciative rude people.

quote:

Originally posted by robullelk:
I tried last week. They did 2 custom sheep hunting boots for me a few years ago that they measured for me at sci, insulated and non insulated. I asked them if i could order a pair of their 5" ph boots based on my measurements they took. They said no. I identified myself as a previous customer and asked to speak with a mgr, a person came on and before I could say anything said no. I tried to explain that I was not in a hurry (zimbabwe next aug), and he said they were not taking any orders at all. I then asked if they would extend some consideration (with regard to ordering) to me for being a past customer. He got pretty rude and basically told me to go take a hike and then hung up. So, I just walk away from stuff like this. Kind of sorry for this negative report, but I really thought I was supporting them, referring my friends, "trying" to buy more boots. Hokay. Anyone have any recommendations for boots. Next stop I think african sporting creations for courtneys ?

I switched From Russell to Courtney boots in 2017. No comparison in comfort and fit.

That's unfortunate to hear. I've a set of Mbogo PH's from 2009 that are due for a sole. I guess I'll be wearing them sparingly from now on....

I found them a great upland boot. I tend to wear my Courteney's more (domestically as well as on both safaris, so far).

I read where they were sold. You would think that they would go all out to retain and create their customer base. I have three pairs. Two of the pairs I bought either as one of their display models at the SCI show or here online from another AR customer. Fortunately, both of those pairs actually fit me. The third pair are Thula-thulas that I had them make for me. Even with my foot measurements, I had to send them back because they were not right. Query: For those with re-sole problems, if they are not standing behind their product, can't you get another shoe repair service to re-sole them for you? Just asking.

I had a pair of PHs resoled by them and had the leather cleaned and conditioned about 18 months ago. Satisfactory service and turnaround time back then.

Sad to hear. Hope they right the ship. I've got a pair of Mountain PH's that have gone a few times. I like to have two different makes/models on a hunt to deal with any hotspots that might develop. Use Courtney's primarily now. Always liked the Russell's but they have some life left in them before they need to be resoled. Thankfully.

My favorite pair is my chocolate ele/croc hide dress loafers. They were a display model, were my exact size, and I sweet-talked Suzie into selling them to me at the end of the SCI Show. I nearly bought a similar pair in a peanut brittle color, but decided that one pair was enough at $400. Wished now that I had bought the other color as my chocolate ones have many miles and years on them and are still some of my favorite shoes to wear with my levis, a dress shirt and a nice crew neck merino wool sweater.

Hey Guys,
Figured you all might want some clarity on the Russell subject. My name is Luke Kolbie, and I am the new CEO at Russell Moccasin. When my team took over operations at Russell, there was a 15 month wait time on custom orders and that lead time was continuing to grow. Rather than continue to take new orders, which would result in continued frustration from customers regarding the long lead time, we made the difficult decision to stop taking new custom orders for the first time in 124 years. No company ever wants to stop taking new orders, but in this situation, it was absolutely necessary. We will be taking the next few months to catch up on these orders so that when we start taking new orders again, the lead time will be around 3 months. While it may frustrate some that the custom shop is not taking new orders currently, it is the right thing to do for all our customers. The new website launched over the weekend and, for now, will primarily be for informational purposes. We do have a few select styles that we have standard sizes available, as well as accessories like boot conditioner and such. We also launched our Licensed Re-soling service with our longtime partners Appleton Cobbler Shoppe. This service will help serve to provide our customers with faster re-soling times (2-3 weeks) rather than the 6 weeks it was taking us at the workshop. Our Licensed partners have access to all our soles and materials so you can typically get the same soles we have offered in the past. Brian and John have been working directly with Russell for over a decade and are incredibly talented. I am sure that you will find them a great resource. I hope that clears up most of the confusion. We are a small company and we do truly care about our customers. If you need anything, feel free to contact me at luke@russellmoccasin.com

Good information! Good Luck.

Luke,

I wish you the best with Russell. From what you said, I think you'll make it a great success. I may need a new pair.

I am also a big Russell Moccasin boot fan. Currently have 5 pair in the closet made from my buff and elephant hide from the short Kalahari PH, the regular PH, a pair of Thula Thula's and a pair of Back 40 Bird Hunters.

With all that said, the company has been wanting for a change in leadership and culture in the last few years. A big shout out to Luke for coming to these forums (not always a welcoming place) and letting us know what his plans and strategy for the company are. With the continued decrease in hunter numbers we constantly see great brands tarnished because of loss in sales traffic and revenue and I wish Luke all the best in his new endeavor with an iconic outdoor brand.

Best wishes and good luck sir!

Thanks, Luke, for taking the time to post and explain. You are on the right path!

Just a quick update on Russell. I just saw the price for custom measured/built boots on their website. $1500.00.

I’m out.

Will have my short PH’s resoled and move to a pair of Courtney’s I think.

quote:

Originally posted by robncolorado:
Just a quick update on Russell. I just saw the price for custom measured/built boots on their website. $1500.00.

I’m out.

Will have my short PH’s resoled and move to a pair of Courtney’s I think.

Google ten best hiking boots for hot weather. There are some very fine boots out there which will give Russell's and Courtney's a run for their money

I took the advice above about the Appleton Cobbler Shoppe company, in Appleton, WI, sponsored by the new Russell Moccasin owners, and gave them a call. Very nice fellas to work with. We discussed the (4) Resoling options and I chose the next tougher sole than the crepe soles I had on my PHs. The time from the day I sent them off, to the time they arrived back to me was six (6) days!! Wow, I was impressed, both with the time and the quality of work. Cost was $153.

I dealt with Appleton yesterday, and I must say I was impressed. Very nice, and the price and turn around time quoted, I put the shoes in the mail 1 hr after we spoke.

Reading everything on Russel's site, makes me believe they are out of the custom shoe biz, and all the great boots/options we previously enjoyed are/will no longer every be available.

When you triple the cost of a product, it basically says...WE DONT WANT TO SELL THIS PRODUCT ANYMORE.

For 1500$ a pair, I can go to Maida's here in houston, another shoe maker been around since early 1900s and they will make a carving of your foot and build the shoe around your foot for approximately the same money...they can also make cowboy boots, high heels, anything that Fairgame might need to hunt!

I bid/won on a pair of Russel PHS at the Beretta dinner in 2022, they just delivered them (it took 13 months to deliver)...so I have 2 pairs in total, but there won't be a 3rd pair.

If I pay $100 for a shoe that is alot

I have one pair, Double Moccasin Bottom Double Vamp Bird Shooters. The original soles did not last long, can't remember the name. Sent them in for re-sole, talked to Ralph Fabricus (CEO at the time I think) who had measured me at a Southeastern Wildlife Exposition show. We decided to use the longest lasting soles they had, some model of Vibram. Looks like they will outlast the boots. Very nominal charge, really just shipping. So I was happy and still am after about 10 years. I don't think this model boot is in their catalog anymore, and I cannot pay the kind of prices that I am hearing. I think I paid $350-400, but that was about 12 years back. On one hand I love the boots but on the other hand, they are not all they're cracked up to be. But I'm proud of them and am kind of "saving them" by being picky about where I wear them.

Yes, the sole I had approved on my PH’s repair was a Vibram sole as well: ‘Vibram Gumlite’. It looks to be much tougher than the crepe sole, but is (2) notches less tough than the toughest Vibram used for mountain climbing.

What a surprise. I just read an ad for Russell Moccasin in my email, and they quoted me exactly from above on AR my first post on this thread, and even used my AR name, surefire7. Apparently, they read AR.