Not everybody that reads this will be able to reply. But for those in the know, give me your best shot.

My problem is that I have arthritic feet. It started out as plantar faschitis[sp], and I got custom made orthotics for the shoes I currently wear. My Dr. said after looking at the X rays, my feet were full of arthritis, and since my arches had started breaking down, my major nerve going to my feet, is somewhat pinched, and that was the reason for my numb/tingling sensation in my toes and the ball of my foot. When I start out in the AM, my feet are fresh. However, by mid PM, my feet hurt/burn/ are tired.

So, my question is what brand of boot has the maximum cushioning to wear on safari. I'm looking for a 6-8" boot, with mostly leather, rather than cordura, to resist thorns. I want it lightweight, goretex optional, or forget it altogether. I'm currently wearing a set of wolverines that are 8" high that do a decent job, but too much cordura, wouldn't do a good job of stopping thorns.

So, what do you guys reccomend. I'm having a helluva time finding anything that does a good job of cushioning my entire foot, including my frontal area right behind my toes. Any advice appreciated. Again, cushioning and ankle support are my 2 priorities.

Thanks!

Mad Dog

Mad Dog,

Cordura on the sides of the boot are not a problem. You won't find thorns on the sides an issue. Thorns through the sole or the front are an issue though. But not too big an issue, recall that many PH hunt in open toed sandals, and I have too in the flat areas.

As useful as Goretex is here, it is an abomination for hunts in the Zambezi Valley or anywhere in Zim. Wet feet are soft feet. The wet feet you get will be from persperation though there can be some dew some mornings early or mid season.

That said, I have been unable to find Goretex free boots that I like.

Good arch support and good ankle support are important for me in the hills since my ankles are shot and my feet get tired without the arch support. I find 6" fairly stiff (in the sole and the foot and shank) hikers best for me. They offer good arch support and good ankle support, but are noisy if you don't pay attention. Thankfully, you only need to pay attention for the brief periods you are near game.

I would suggest looking toward the better brands of light to medium hiking boots. I like Danners, but there are others.

Here is a potentially suitable Danner boot for sale a Cablelas:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas...cat602415&hasJS=true

Hope thgis helps,

JPK

You might also consider a set of gel cushioned insoles for the boots that you like best. Take a look at www.footsmart.com for a number of possibilities.

MD,

You might consider contacting Russell Boots and tell them your situation. They probably could do something custom for you. They definitely could add their Kevlar fabricate to the sole to resist thorns. I have it in my boots and it adds no weight or stiffness.

Mark

Mark,

Not looking to argue or anything, but in my experience, Russell is the direct opposite direction for Mad Dog to head.

For a fellow with damaged feet, stiff is good. The boots get the workout and not the feet. They can be loud of course, but that is a factor only when you've gotten close to game. First you gotta get there...

BTW, I had Russell make me a couple pairs of boots with enhanced arch support and ankle support - and their "turtle skin" thorn gaurd. Nice boots, PH Rich Tabor loved them! But nowhere near enough arch or ankle support for me. Hot on the bottoms of the feet too for some reason. Very quiet though.

JPK

JPK,

My only point was that there would be no reason not to add the Kevlar if Russell could make MD some boots to fit his unique situation as it would make no difference in the boots utility.

Mark

That is true. The turtle skin added no negatives and weighs "nothing".

Mad Dog

What about a pair of Courteney Selous boots or the Patrol version.

Mike

Fit is critical, especially with your orthotics. Whatever you buy, you need to try on first (you can always order, but try it on with the orthotics first and foremost). Crepe or cushioned soles are a must in your case and there are several out there. Most of my trips to Africa I wore Merrill's in a hunting shoe (a cross between hunting and running). My reason is I have wide feet that ache a lot. I found them most comfortable, but I tried many pairs before I found my comfort zone.

Good luck!

My experience with Russell has been totally negative. I ordered a pair of the Thula Thulas at the SCI Convention in January and paid for them by credit card. They were not cheap-$340 USD. They were to be delivered to me by May 13th. Nothing arrived by the 15th. I called them to inquire as to my paid-for order and they hadn't even Q'd them up! I finally got them the middle of June and they were marked 9 1/2, but I wear a size 10 and they were at least 1 inch too long. I called and left a number of messages, sent a detailed e-mail and asked them to contact me, and nothing. I wouldn't order a pair of Russells in anything again if they were the last shoe manufacturer on the earth. Their customer service is either non-existent or totally useless.

Thanks for the replies guys. I won't order any boots, anymore, without first trying them on. I wonder about Clark boots with crepe soles? I can build my own arch supports in the boots with my custom orthotics, but have noticed I have to go to a wider shoe to accomodate the orthotics.

Keep the ideas coming. Thanks.

Mad dog

I can't say enough good things about the Ecco Track II boots I wore two months ago on safari.

As many have said, quiet and thorn resistant. I wore the Filson chuker boot as well as a pair of Merrill 8" hiking boots. On each hunt I wore the Merrill my PH, always just in front of me, gave me several of "those glances" as we tracked animals. After that I stuck with the Filson that did very well. PH and trackers all wore the Zim made Courtney's.

If you find running shoes to be comfortable, then I might suggest a pair of the Merril Moab Hikers. They are basically a pair of high top running shoes/hiking boot. I found mine to be pretty quiet and ultra comfortable in Zimbabwe heat. They can be had without Goretex and have lots of breathable mesh to help keep your feet cool. The only downside I found was every other day or so I had to pick out those nasty little grass seeds that penetrate like porcupine quills. It took them a while but eventually they worked thru the mesh to my foot.

As far as I was concerned it was a good tradeoff versus a leather boot that makes my feet sweat like crazy.
If you don't find running shoes comfortable, and need a stiffer boot as JPK suggested then these are not the gear for you.
Good Luck

I have a pair of custom Russell HigCountry Sheephunters that I had made some 8 or 10 years ago and they have served me admirably and my arches have fallen from high to beyond flat. Last safari I put in a pair of top grade orthotics and they felt terrific for that trip. I have gro-cord soles on mine and while not quiet I have had no thorn problems. They are 9" boots and are pretty hot after the season heats up in spring. I wear Courtneys mostly at home and find them very comfortable. I have a couple of pairs of unlined Elephant I really like to wear. My feet sweat profusely but I have found RightGuard to help in that case.

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:
I can't say enough good things about the Ecco Track II boots I wore two months ago on safari.

Me too, I have worn these on numerous safaris. Excellent boot.

TAKE A LOOK AT LOWA HIKING/HUNTING BOOTS. THE PAIR I BOUGHT 2 YEARS AGO HAVE GREAT ANKLE SUPPORT, ALL LEATHER, NON GORTEX, GREAT FOOT SUPPORT. THEY ARE COMPLETLY LEATHER LINED. I DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME, BUT THEY ARE ARE ON THE UPPER END OF THEIR LINE. HAVE ALSO USED RUSSELL BOOTS WITH COMPLETE SATISFACTION.

quote:

Originally posted by impala#03:
TAKE A LOOK AT LOWA HIKING/HUNTING BOOTS. THE PAIR I BOUGHT 2 YEARS AGO HAVE GREAT ANKLE SUPPORT, ALL LEATHER, NON GORTEX, GREAT FOOT SUPPORT. THEY ARE COMPLETLY LEATHER LINED. I DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME, BUT THEY ARE ARE ON THE UPPER END OF THEIR LINE. HAVE ALSO USED RUSSELL BOOTS WITH COMPLETE SATISFACTION.

I'm taking Lowa's Renegade boots next month; however, the sole cushioning is not much different from other boots. The soft soles help a lot but a replacement gel foot bed with my orthotics on top of that works very well.

I think the answer is custom made boots plus orthotics.

I hunted Cameroon in 2004 and there was a 79 y/o gentleman in camp with serious foot issues. He had custom boots and orthotics and he could walk all day long. He was amazing for his age, but he said he would be in the bed with his feet up but for the boots and orthodic inserts.

For what it's worth, he walked his way to a 49 inch eland and a top 10 savannah buffalo.

Maybe that helps some.

I'm going to offer a third vote for the Ecco Track II. I really considered Russells but it seemed hit or miss with them. If you get the Eccos you can put it your orthotics too.

BTW I am going to Cruiser Safaris in two months and really enjoyed the hunt report you posted!

Check out Mephisto, they are built with a great support system and cushioning. They run a bit under $500. My feet were so bad I couldn't walk 1/2 mile about 10 years ago but a Dr friend suggested I try them and now I can walk miles and can now wear other shoes but still wear their boot for hunting. I know $500 seems a bit much for boots but when taking in the cost of you hunt it ain't all that much.

The only boot that compares to them is Ecco and for me the arch in the Ecco is to high.

I do not know how many boots I have owned and once in a while you find a pair that work for you. Like JPk said if you have ankle problems like he and I it is difficult to find a quiet boot that provides support as well. I have a pair of old Vasque 9" uninsulated all leather boots that are as important part of my hunting gear as anything.
As far as the plantars issue. A suggestion; pitch the orthodics! I had the problem as well. A pediatrist suggested them. They were marginal at best. I had shoulder surgery done 10 years ago by a very renowned surgeon. He and I became friends. We were talking one day and this subject came up. He suggested every morning before getting out of bed to stretch my toes back towards my torso like trying to relieve a calf cramp. Before you take one step out of bed. Stretch for about 3-4 minutes. In a week my problem was gone! Six months of misery gone! Try it! I told my shoulder surgeon the results; he laughed, he said some things are so easily solved.

EZ

Second the ECCO Track II boot. Mine are very comfortable, great support, light and seem real durable for an all leather boot. I did need to put about 30 miles on them before the fit came in. Not a right out of the box, ten miler, but most good, supportive boots need a breakin period.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:
I can't say enough good things about the Ecco Track II boots I wore two months ago on safari.

I too had a real problem with Russell boots (PH II). And I went to their shop and got 'fitted'! After a couple hunts and sending them back a couple times I ended up pitching them out.

Mad Dog, I suggest you go to a functioning 'Red Wing' shoe store and try on some of their work boots. While they might be a bit heavy compared to some of the 'exotic' hunting boots I think you will find they are built for everyday support and quality. I have a pair of such Red Wing boots that I've hunted in several times and they are first rate.

I love boots with lots of cushion, and am always searching. Needless to say, I own many.

My favorite is the Merrill Safari; got them from kevinscatalog.com

My favorite is Vasque Zephyr. Good boot and they last well also.

Mad Dog,

I have found Converse 8" desert boots to be the most comfortable boot that I've worn. Its sole is made for soldiers carrying heavy packs so the boot takes the beating making them easy on the feet and they have adequate arch support. The boots' weakness for Africa is it is not a heavy boot so not as much thorn protection as a work boot but, again, it is much lighter. I've only been to South Africa twice, but they served me well there and here in Wyoming for moderate hiking. I had no thorns penetrate the sides or sole in RSA or hunting in Arizona or in Mexico but have seen many thorns long enough to do so.

Best,

jpj3.

Boots are very personal. What one swears by, another swears at, so you may have to try several to get what you are looking for.

I'm with Matt Norman here. Try your local Red Wing shop, and you might be surprised. There are specialty boots in my closet for every type of hunting, and most are Vasque. However, my two favorite boots for long walking are a pair of Irish Setters and another by Timberland. Both are all-leather 6 inch low tops, in a moccasin style toe. Very soft leather, and stretches to form fit to your foot. Those will be in my bag for Zimbabwe trip in 14 days.

They also carry Keens, which make some great new styles, and are extra comfortable..

I have old feet that have taken a pounding over the years and I really like the pair of Russell boots I got this year. Wear them everyday, a bit heavy, but support is what I needed.

I was a Courteney boot skeptic. They didn't appear to be worth the money. But, had my PH pick up a pair of Selous in Bulawayo last month hoping to save money, but only saved $55 over ordering them from WR here in US. Put them on first day of the hunt and lived in them for the next 14 days chasing Buff and Ele. BEST and Most Comfortable boot I have ever owned. No break in necessary, no blisters, soft yet rugged. I have finally found the boot I have been looking for. My closet is full of experiments. They will all be given away next trip to Africa. My foot is slightly wider than a medium, the fit was perfect.

Just reinforcong Charles Helm's comment that boots are very personal, I tried both Russell's and Courtney's and couldn't stand either. PH had Courtney's but when I put the Russell's up for grabs he tried them and loved them and gave his Courteney's to one of his trackers whose own boots were on their last leg.

BTW, a boot some may want to look at is the Cabela's 7" uninsulated but Goretex equiped kangaroo. Light, pretty tough, but too bad they have Goretex. Decent arch support, some but not a huge amount of ankle support, more than Russell's. Pretty quiet. I like them for around here, where its pretty flat. I need more ankle support on the hills.

JPK

JPK,

You are right, a very personal thing. My PH had a pair of Russells made for him while here in US and he was very disappointed with them. He went back to Courteneys. Personally, I have never liked Russell style boots.

Yea. I read these boot threads and pitch in my 2 cents, but I'm always interested in reading what works for others since I'm still looking for the "perfect" boots for safari. Hopefully someday someone will make a suggestion that leads me to safari boot hapiness.

Found the "perfect boots" for other activities, but the safari boots have been a bit elusive.

JPK

Hey MD. Hope you'll trust me and just try on a pair. I'm an old career runner (5 marathons) with hardly any pads left on my foot bottoms. I've hunted Africa twice with JJHack in ankle high Doc Martens. The ankle highs with padded collars are wonderfully soft inside and heavy leather outside-- a dream shoe for me. They are out there on the net and easy to get--about $100.00 +/- and wear like iron. FWIW, there are lots of Russell people out there, but there is a reason they have such a big used/return market. JCross

Tevas

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Tevas

They're great - when its flat!

Don't cut it for ma in the hills though.

Maddog,

I and my wife have bought our sneakers from a jogging shop... They specialize in running shoes... When one enters the store they analize your walking on a treadmill... Then they gave me a insert aetrex for walkers and runners...
Try www.aetrex.com They have the Dr. School inserts beat hands down...

Mike

quote:

ECCO Track II boot

Another word on the Ecco Track boot.

I was given a pair back in the late 90's and thought, "I will wear them because they are free."

Came to love that boot. In fact twice,I have bought a pair the day before leaving on safari and not had one single issue with them.

They fit me. If they "fit" you, you will likely love them. I have never heard anyone complain about them.

The only bad thing is I have to go to Nieman Marcus to get them!

I have a pair of Courtneys in the mail now. Will see how they compare.

Forget the $300 courtenay and Russell custom boots.

For years before I ever went to Africa, I went to our local hiking and outdoor store and bought boots that fit well, generally Vasque ones with Goretex. I wore them for hiking all around here in the Summer. No breakin was needed. I took them to RSA and Zim and they worked fine for ele and buff tracking for hours on end. My feet did not get wet from dew or perspiration. I believe you can get extra cushions to insert, just as you can with running shoes.