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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting BOOTS FOR AFRICAN SAFARI HUNTGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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Not sure if this subject was brought up before I joined, but after my first ever hunt in South Africa, I realized rather quickly the Lowa Sheephunters I was wearing was not the right boot for Hunting in Africa, not only my feet started to sweat bad but the boots were rather heavy for trouncing around in the soft sand/dirt, I also noticed my PH had boots that looked like they were hand stitched and the soles were smooth and had no treads on them at all, and looked to me rather soft. However,I didn't inquire about them. I did notice that, my boots were to stiff for that type of hunt, and when we walked or stalked they were quite loud walking on grass rather than his. Just wondering what you veteran safari hunters use for boots over there, please don't tell me flip flops because one of our trackers were wearing them, and they seem to suit him quite well...Just not my style, gotta have my toes covered. | ||
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You'll find this topic covered extensively in the archives if you do a search. You'll find a variety of answers of course but many people end up with Courtenays or Russells. I have both and greatly prefer the Russells. Either one can come in a variety of styles. _______________________________  | |||
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Try these and you'll be happy. Ecco Track II Highs Durable, unbelievably comfortable, soft-soled, quiet and waterproof. Way better than the standard fare. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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Bates tactical boots (SWAT/Military) are fine. They make several varieties but most offer zip & lace up combinations. Waterproof, non-insulated or insulated. I've worn the same pair on many US and African hunts. Everything from the Rockies to the Stormburg mountains to Victoria Falls. No failure yet, and these were $69 at Bass Pro. I have a closet full of Timberland and Rockies that are coming apart. My friends who have Russells complain of bad blisters. Not just because they're new, but how the interior was sewn. Save your money for airfare and ammo, you'll need it. LDK Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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I wore Tevas when Hot and Amazon 5 on colder rainy days. They are soft and light (much lighter then other desert boots) - front part of the shoe is entirely of waterproof leather (no gore tex stuff). I wear them daily for 2 years now. | |||
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AKSheephunter We believe in Coutneys. We wear them on safari, in Africa for 7 months of the year, every day for 12-18 hours, every year. They are comfortable, can be worn on safari out of the box, handles water well and most importantly, they are "quiet" shoes. And they last a long time if cared for well. For our intensive level of use, they simply outperform anything else we've come across. And they look nice too! Very important with any boot - get good socks as well. Here's our "shoe drying facility" at camp ...  Johan | |||
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I've used the Lowa Timpan Desert and been very happy with them. Much more flexible sole than your Sheephunter's Any good desert style boot will work. I've had Russells and had the same experience as LDK.......... Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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Quite possibly the best shoe's I've ever owned. Lasted a long time amking the dollars spent well worth it. I even recommended the lows to my diabetic father who has worn his daily for nearly 5 years now. I told him he wasn't going to like my answer to his show question but he'd love the shoes. he shot me a scowl athe shoe dealer and forked over the 2 bills. I hadn't considered these as a god choice for Africa, but I will now. Double D 2 Chronicles 7:14 Not a new member, one of us! Formerly Dave in LB Chasing the Doe and not seeing the Bucks! | |||
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I have used the Army boots of Norway made by Alfa, Now I`m looking for Courtney Boots model Selous in size 12, no ones have it, and they don`t know when they get some pairs. Can someone help me? Salesagent Africa hunting | |||
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AKsheephunter, Check out the Merrell boot line. www.merrell.com I used their light hiking boot when I went on my elephant hunt. They were perfect. Walked miles everyday and my feet never got sore, and they are ventilated. After the hunt I gave my boots to the lead tracker....he thought I gave him a ton of gold. You do not need high top boots either. dale | |||
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One thing you need to keep in mind are the thorns that you encounter. I have seen them go through shoe soles. They are nasty and that's the main reason why I won't wear shoes that expose my feet. That's also why I had the thorn liner added to the bottom of my Russells. A common complaint from PHs is that their clients can't walk quietly. Some of that can be helped by choosing a quiet sole pattern. The bigger the heel, the louder the shoe. That's why true hiking style boots aren't appropriate in my opinion on tracking style hunts. Socks are at least as important as choice of shoes. I like the synthetic wool blends like Smartwool. Some guys like to add a sock liner. I have found them unnecessary if the socks are correct and the shoes fit you well (especially in the footbed). _______________________________ | |||
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I have a pair of Rockies that they don't make any more and I only use them for Africa. They were designed like tennis shoes and are great. I have a custom pair of Russells which I used once in Afraica and got blisters, went back to the Rockies but by then had the blisters and nothing really helped thus I use only the Rockies. I wouldn't know of any current style of Rockies I would recommend. | |||
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I'm sure I'm a majority of zero but I have always failed to see what makes the dirt of Africa any different that the dirt of any where in the United States. Soft terrain is the same here as it is there as is desert and rocky terrain. I wear the same boots here as I do there and my feet neither tire or blister more either place. Of course I live in southern Arizona and have only hunted in Zimbabwe (but almost all areas in Zimbabwe) and have noticed almost no difference in either the topography or climate between the two. I don't usually walk any more there in a day than I do here in a day hunting quail over much the same terrain and I am tired here at the end of the day as I usually am there, but my feet feel mostly the same. If my boots fit and are broken in here I don't get blisters nor do I in Africa given the same conditions. Where Africa MAY and I stress MAY require some special firearms only because of larger game I can see no earthly (pun intended)reason for it to require any specialized footwear at all. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
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I have had good luck with Courtneys, have used them on several hunts. Very comfortable, feet are OK after a long day. I use Smartwool medium socks with a thin liner sock. For more ankle support I have a pair of Danner 452 Radicals, item #45252. I used these in Namibia climbing rocky hills and they worked fine.Do not have a very agressive tread pattern. Another good boot is the Converse tan side zip soft toe C8694. It has a more agressive tread pattern. The side zip has kinda grown on me and is a good feature, very comfortable boots. A few years ago I drank the Koolaide and got a pair of Russell PHII's. For me, they were the most miserable, feet killing blister machines I have ever had. Had them fitted for me by Ralph at the factory in Wisconsin. Gave them away. Your mileage may vary. | |||
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My wife and I have hunted the East Cape on two trips, ten days in 2006 and fourteen days in 2007. On both safaris we wore Merrell's, Pulse II,waterproof, 3/4 heigth. Very satisfied. No foot problems either trip. Retail for about $129.00. | |||
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I totally agree the Courtneys are very good for African hunting! There is one word of caution,however, and that is never buy them without trying them on! The sizes stamped on them mean absolutely nothing!  They are very comfortable, and very quiet, but if they don't fit you, they are useless! If you are going to Africa the best thing to do is go a couple days early, and buy them in the store. They don't require break-in, and you can buy them new, and go hunting. Besides they are about $200 cheaper in Africa than in the USA! One can buy a couple pair there for the price of one pair here in the usa.  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith  | |||
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IMO, there are no "special" type of boots for Africa. Bring a pair of boots that are comfortable, broken-in, and offer some protection from thorns, etc. Don't over think it! | |||
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I've gotten a pair of Justin Chukkas broken in for this summer's trip. Very soft and quiet soles. http://www.justinboots.com/boots/casuals.html?424fccf8=8774 Caleb | |||
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Head Trauma, I have the converse tan side zip with the hard toe. It's a great boot for warm weather wear. Do you see an advantage to the soft toe version? "shoot quick but take your time" | |||
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Studdog, the Converse soft toes will not set off the metal detectors at the airport. I believe the hard toes have a steel insert. MacD37, you are spot on about the Courtenys. I have 3 pairs of different style boots, 3 different sizes and they all fit. Go figure. | |||
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Thanks alot guys, Looks like the majority say those Courtneys are the way to go, I looked online, and it looks like they are from Europe,Although, it would be nice to try them on too. Keith, I never thought about the Bates, I do however have a pair issued to be from the military (in desert and black), it does however have safety steel toes in them. I will look at the Merrils, and converse. Has anyone tried the "Montrails Cerre Torre GTX" boot? I was looking at those and saw a picture of someone having them on in the hunting report forum, they look pretty lightweight. | |||
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Ditto Bryan, I wear closed toe sandals when temps are above 75 degree F. and Patagonia approach shoes that have no raised heal, sole is flat = quiet, when temps are cool. I'm headed to Zim in June and even though the mornings will be cool I'll probably wear my sandals. I bought a pair of Russels (PH model) two years ago, worst blister producers I've ever had on my feet, gave them to Salvation Army for some lucky soul and got a tax deductable receipt. Dirk "An individual with experience is never at the mercies of an individual with an argument" | |||
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Have any of you tried the Danner Jackals? http://www.danner.com/product/hunting+boots/uninsulated...gtx+hunting+boots.do I just purchased a pair for my son and me for our Namibia hunt. They are very soft and comfortable. No heavy cleats or heal. They were very comfortable when we were walking around shooting sporting clays in the desert at Rio Salado. We will try them out some more in the desert this weekend shooting and hiking. | |||
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I believe Courteneys are made in Zim. I have a pair that have been with me on nine safaris in as many years and are still holding up well. I would like to throw in another vote for the Courteneys. Geronimo | |||
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I like Danner's and Merrell's, but there's one thing that get's overlooked. If you are prone to blisters, please consider looking at a SOLE or Superfeet insole. For me, I had severe blisters for decades - no shoe ever fixed it. A set of $40 Superfeet insoles literally fixed every blister problem I've ever had. Regards, Robert ****************************** H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer! | |||
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Courtneys are the only way to go my friend! I got a pair in Zim last year .They are light wieght easy to wear and most importantly as good as silent in the field.I don't think they would be really good anywhere else but for africa they are the one and only.If the PH"S wear them then that speaks for themselves | |||
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Silly me, I just wear the same pair of Browning Featherweights I've had for the last 25 years. They work in the US and Africa as well. DC300 | |||
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I ordered a pair of Courteney Selous Boots over 2 months ago from Westley Richards on the internet. After one month and no cost hit my credit card, I called. I was told they never received the order even though I have a receipt. No problem, things happen especially in the WWW. They have my cell phone number and all my info and are going to check. Another month has gone by and still nothing. I wonder since they are made in Zim if the supply is limited. I will give W-R one more shot tomorrow. | |||
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Danner Radical 452's are light yet offer a lot of support. Go try a pair on. http://www.danner.com/product/radical+452+brown+gtx+hik...ice&asc=false&page=3 | |||
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I picked up a pair of Altama Exospeeds a while back they are state of the art milspec desert warfare boot....very good for covering serious ground...light and tough. Do a search online and see the reviews they get. | |||
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Upon further review those courteney boots look like a dress shoes, and they are pretty pricey! my only concern is the soles look very thin, and that they might wear faster than others. | |||
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I've never seen the Altama Exospeeds before. They actually look pretty interesting. Of course, they're seriously backlogged from military orders. _______________________________ | |||
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For Africa, a good pair of tennis shoe type shoes are good enough IMO...and they dry faster when you have to wade...I also like the Wrangler horse shoes, they are really comfortable...I have never seen the need for a heavy boot in Africa. I have used the courtneys but they have less arch support and basically are nothing more than a leather cover over the foot, but they are certainly a status symbol to many... Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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i guess all the PH's i have seen wearing them are more into status symbols than comfort. i know for a fact that mine have been comfortable from day one and have held up through 7 safaris with absolutely no problems. if you check the consensus here it is, the clear winner is Courtney's with Russell's as the best way to get blisters. Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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I can't hardly wear my Courtenays. As Ray said, no arch support and they look like Ronald McDonald's shoes. They are very uncomfortable for me. It's just game skins on top of car tire tread. No big deal. _______________________________ | |||
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www.gordonfootwear.co.za is a good place to look for African boots - incl Courtneys and Rogues. Despite what the site indicates, they do Courtneys in half sizes too. Courtneys get my vote for most dry, hot weather weather where the ground is not too uneven. Don't worry about the sole being soft, you'll work hard to wear them out. Vellies without socks is another classic African look..... | |||
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Ouch.....literally  Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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Does anyone on here know where I can buy those short Gaiters, here in the U.S.? ...You know the ones the PH's wear in Africa. Can't find them in Alaska or Wyoming....Or is there a way to fabricate some? | |||
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Several places on the internet carry gaiters. Check Long Grass and Texas hunt Company for examples. "Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult." | |||
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