Hey guys,
I have a pair a Courteney Selous boots. I love them, but they turned out to be too small, so I'll be selling. But spending that much again, I'm thinking about Russell Moc's PH.

Suggestions anyone?

Custom boots are a great way to spend a lot of money for something with a 50% chance of being not quite right. Never understood how factory boots and shoes can fit well so consistently but custom boots always seem to get jacked up somehow. Unless you have a rather severe problem with your feet, I would not go the custom route.

JMHO

I have both and while they are both great, I prefer the Courtney.

Courteney get my vote. A tuffer shoe does not exist and they comfortable

I think neither is a good choice. The Russells fall apart and rarely fit right and the Courtneys give you zero arch support. I wore a pair of Brooks running shoes on my last hunt and was very satisfied. Not sure how they would hold up for daily use though.

I've had both and prefer Courtney. My Courtneys are the most comfortable hunting boots I own.

have the courtney. There is enough room in mine that I put a small arch support insole in them and they are good to go. Used them hard last year and wore them around here a lot and they are still in great condition.

I own a pair of Courteney boots and purchased a pair for my daughter a few years ago. My daughters boots are holding up just fine. My boots are another story as I have had to re-glue the soles on multiple occasions. Very annoying for a product with such a hefty price tag. With all that said, I am considering buying another pair as they are very comfortable and quiet when stalking.

have both prefer Courtney.
Ditto other posts on Russells fit and build issues.
Also added insoles to my Courtneys.

Courteney hands down. They ARE Africa, don't need break in time as they are so soft and flexible. True, no support but a good insole solves that problem. Cost? Buy them in Zim. I get a measured 1000 miles from them (I walk 6-10 miles per day and keep the log on the calendar). I have noticed the soles of the Courteney become unglued at the front. To reglue does not last so I have them stitched.
Cal

Mwindaji,

I have not bought the Courtneys because of the arch support issues othere have mentioned. I have had 2 pairs of Russells with one being great and the other terrible. If I was buying a new pair of safari boots/shoes I would just go to Cabelas, REI etc and try on a few pairs of their lightweight hiking boots.

Mark

Wow, 10 replies and at least half have complaints about fit, arch support, longevity of the soles etc. Sounds like a serious crap shoot if buying a pair of either brand. I know it may be considered sacreligious but I (like most people) have had great success with simply going to a local store and buying a pair of quality boots that fit right and have good arch/ankle support right from the start. I bought a pair of above the ankle waterproof Merrels at REI fo $129 wore them EVERY day for a year, took them to Zim last fall and am still wearing them nearly daily. Not bad I would say!

I have a pair of Russells and have had no problems at all, but I've only worn them for breaking in, on two safaris, and a bit around the house.

My Safari PH Russell's have been on 2 safaris with no fit or discomfort problems. I also have a pair of their dress mocs, a pair of oxfords, and 2 pairs of Art Carter Chukkas, one of which is about to be resoled for the 2nd time. My wife has had 2 pairs of the Judy's boots on 2 safaris with no breakin or fit problems.

I have both and wore my Russell's on my last safari to Mozambique where they performed well. Very quiet when stalking. That said, the best pair of boots I have hunted in are a pair of Danner GTX's. Love em! Great mix of support, comfort and durability. Not too mention half the cost of the others mentioned. And I bought my last pair of Courtney's in Bulawayo and still paid close to $300...

I have no experience with Russell, but had Courtneys bulit for me. Never again, gave them away and figured it was a less poorly bought.

I have five pair of Courtneys and I am still wearing the original pair that has been to Africa on over 8 safaris. I have hunted with them in Mexico and here in the States as well. As to the arch support problem, I bought a pair of Soles insoles and they give me all of the support in the Courtneys that I need. I walked an average of over 15 kms a day on this last hunt with them in my Selous, and I had absolutely no discomfort, and that was with my torn meniscus. Rather, it was a pleasure. I also own two pairs of Russells and the comments on the problems with fit are true. Stick with the Courtneys and get you a pair of Soles insoles and you will be just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by JCS271:
Wow, 10 replies and at least half have complaints about fit, arch support, longevity of the soles etc. Sounds like a serious crap shoot if buying a pair of either brand. I know it may be considered sacreligious but I (like most people) have had great success with simply going to a local store and buying a pair of quality boots that fit right and have good arch/ankle support right from the start.

I have hunted Namibia in Converse Chuck Taylor high tops. Worked really well as they are nearly silent to stalk in. I think some guys would just rather spend more to feel more confident in their purchases as though knowing you spent $800 or more for a pair of boots ensures that they are "good". There was a recent thread about custom western boots in the same vein and again I have a tough time understanding why a guy might spend thousands on a pair when I get a decade or more out of elephant hide Tony Lamas bought off the shelf.

I have Courtneys, Russells, Lowas and Asolos. It depends on the terrain as to which ones I wear. All have their place, all are good.

Thanks for all the replies. I really like the Courteney's , the only issue is that they aren't the best fit. I put Superfeet insoles and that fixed the support though.

I was mostly wondering about going custom since I have a pair of White's cowboy boots that are the most comfortable shoes I own.

I HAVE BOTH COURTNEYS SELOUS AND RUSSELL PH BOOTS. THEY ARE BOTH GOOD AND I USUALLY ROTATE THEM ABOUT EVERY TWO DAYS ON SAFARI!
MARK

SORRY THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN MY FIRST RESPONSE. I ORDERED THE RUSSELL BOOTS CUSTOM AND THEY FIT TERRIBLY. I RETURNED THEM AND LATER ORDERED A PAIR OF THE SHELF IN MY SIZE AND THEY FIT PERFECT?
MARK

I have a pair of courtney bushveld and love them but they don't have muc in the way of traction, more of a kick-around type shoe. I love Hi Tec boots, the inexpensive Altitude IV's are well-built and have lasted for about 8 years. I have 2 pairs and rotate them and they are just great. They also come in a real wide width for people like me with boxes on the ends of their legs. If I were to go High-end I would look for a good hiking book Meindl, Asolo etc etc. After all, most hunting is hiking first, no matter where you are. When you consider how many Ph's use and have used Converse Chuck TAylors it kind of makes the specialized, custom fit boot conversation look overblown.

I love my Courteney boots. I bought a pair from the Powder Keg in RSA via email. We ran out of time to stop in person. They were a little big, but inserts helped. I had them shipped back with my trophies in 2009. I think it was back when $1=10R and they cost me $135 or so.

I saw some Foreign Legion boots on sale for not much at Orvis (http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=2L05 ) and thought they would be great. However, I wore them dove huntingthis year and a mesquite thorn went straight through the sole. Ouch. They are still a nice lightweight boot, though.

I have read too many fit horror stories about Russell. I almost bought a pair of Courtneys, but didn't at the last minute. Their reviews seem more favorable compared to Russell.

I hunt in a pair of Merrells and really like them.

I like these too
http://www.palladiumboots.com/...r/pampa-hi-5535.html

Not a ton of support, but very quiet.

Plus the bit of Kudu blood forever stained on my left one is a great memory.

I love my Courteneys.

Go to a shoe store that will fit you and try on a variety of shoes that they have...I went to a store that my Dr. recommended i use for foot issue that i have...high arches and instep. If your Dr. gives you a prescription for the footwear, you will receive a discount at the store...usually...

I use Merrells shoes, that i have replaced the insoles. for better support...

On Courteney's i add a 3/4 support insole, i like the gel ones...

I take both on safari, the Courteneys are a bit on the wide side and i wear wide shoes...so i double sock them...

I always travel with some mole skin and tape just in case i develop blisters...never have so i leave the items in camp for the PH to use with other clients...

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:
.

I like these too
http://www.palladiumboots.com/...r/pampa-hi-5535.html

Not a ton of support, but very quiet.

Plus the bit of Kudu blood forever stained on my left one is a great memory.

Duck, those are the boots I referenced in my post. As I said, I like them but that thorn scared me. I think they'd be great for water crossings and would dry quickly.

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:
.

I like these too
http://www.palladiumboots.com/...r/pampa-hi-5535.html

Not a ton of support, but very quiet.

Plus the bit of Kudu blood forever stained on my left one is a great memory.

Duck, those are the boots I referenced in my post. As I said, I like them but that thorn scared me. I think they'd be great for water crossings and would dry quickly.

Ouch!
I certainly understand your misgivings.

Has anyone used Meindl boots ? They are very popular among tahr hunters here in NZ http://meindl.co.nz/technology. Full replacement warranty too!

BTW - I googled and found Courtney Boots in South Africa and a Courtney custom boots in the US. The US ones start at $1,800!

Courteney all the way.

Naki: Courtney custom boots ain"t the Courtney boots that we all wear in Africa. It's some woman by the name of Terri
Courtney who designs custom cowboy boots for mostly women. Will might wear them! LOL!

I think the issue with the lack of arch support on the Courntey boots is by design for African hunting on mostly flat and sandy terrain. As I understand it, the lack of arch support is supposed to give you a feeling similar to walking barefoot, thereby allowing you to better "feel" the ground. They certainly worked that way for me on my last hunt.

I have another pair of semi high top hikers that I purchased from Cabelas a few years ago. They have great arch support. But I'm constantly twisting and rolling rocks under them and breaking twigs without feeling them while wearing those boots. I find the Courtney's to be much quieter for stalking.

For most of the African hunting I've done, the Courtney's are perfect for me. Mountain hunting such as Elk, Tahr, etc., I prefer Meindls.

i bought a pair of elephant hide Courtneys in Vic Falls 10 years ago for $175. 8 safaris and a lot of miles later they are still going strong, although the sole is finally getting worn down. i never really "broke them in"- just wore them around town a bit, then took off hunting the next year. no blisters, hot spots. i guess i have a flat foot as arch support has never been an issue. i was wearing them last month when i killed my first elephant- full circle....

I've had very good luck with my Russell's. Got the Mountain PH, even though I eschew mountains. They are not a mountain boot.

Been thinking about the Courtneys. I have no arch, so lack of arch support is actually a plus for me.

Frankly, I bought a pair of canvas "boots" from a French company -- can't recall the name, but it starts with a P -- that are basically a pair of old Converse high-tops, but with some traction on the sole. They are very comfortable, and cost a bit over $50. Haven't hunted in them yet, but they are my new spares. They make leather too. Haven't tried them.

Look into these: http://www.redwingheritage.com...ukka-boot-oro-russet

Or other Redwings, I have had good luck with them.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
I've had very good luck with my Russell's. Got the Mountain PH, even though I eschew mountains. They are not a mountain boot.

Been thinking about the Courtneys. I have no arch, so lack of arch support is actually a plus for me.

Frankly, I bought a pair of canvas "boots" from a French company -- can't recall the name, but it starts with a P -- that are basically a pair of old Converse high-tops, but with some traction on the sole. They are very comfortable, and cost a bit over $50. Haven't hunted in them yet, but they are my new spares. They make leather too. Haven't tried them.

Lavaca,

I think you have Palladium boots. If so, those are the same duckear and I have referenced.

Does anyone know if it's legal to bring elephant skin Courteneys into the US?

I have a pair of Russel boots. I do have rather large feet and they fit me well but I'm not happy with the quality of their construction. Shortly after I bought them, stitching came loose; I sent them back to the Russel Mocasin Company for repair.

I've now used them for 2 South African safaris and one hunting trip to Wyoming and not much else. Stitching is coming loose again and and the liners in the bottom of the shoe became loose so I had to remove them. Meanwhile, the Redwing boots I bought for about a quarter of the price back around 1994 that I have used a LOT have just developed a small hole in the side. No stitching on the Redwings has come loose and the liners are still securly in place.

I won't be buying any more Russel Mocassin anything.

quote:

Does anyone know if it's legal to bring elephant skin Courteneys into the US?

It is not legal unless you killed the elephant under a CITIES permit and then used the leather to make the boots... then you have to PROVE that to the USF&WS

I also think you then have to have the boots listed as a curio under the regs to get them in with the rest of your shipment. You can't claim the boots as a trophy. Convoluted to be sure... our Government in action!