This seems as good a place as any to discuss this topic. Im not at all new to hunting (2 and 4 legged animals); but my first safari in Afrika will be in 2012. Ive been reviewing my gear (already starting to pack), and I think Im probably gonna need new boots. My current pair are getting to that age, where Im not sure I wanna risk taking them. Theyre still good; but Im not sure theyll make it another year in the field.

Soooooo, Im thinking now is the time to start breaking in a new pair. My initial reaction was another pair of ankle height "hikers" and add gaiters if necessary. Then I started flipping through some of the old books and realized more than a few of the pics show guys wearing almost knee high boots (as in riding boots). Some are the typical riding boots, others have lacing at the instep, and some others are full lace up to the top.

Well that started me thinking about how cool that would be, to wear a pair of those on my safari. So I checked a few places and even found a custom boot maker that will make a pair to my measurements for less than a car payment. I used to wear Frey boots all the time, then I traded them in for Uncle Sam's issue and Corcoran Jump boots. After the Army, I went into the Police Department and continued to wear lace up boots, so its been awhile since Ive worn "slip on" boots. I keep thinking about them.

If I get a pair, Ive got enough time to break them in before the safari by using them on hunts here in the US. I know I need to keep my packing list to a minimum; but a extra pair of "hikers" just in case wont take up too much room and Id be willing to fore-go camp shoes if necessary.

Lets hear what you have to say.

I would not wear such a long boot as I find them too hot.

I prefer ankle height boots and gaiters myself, but then I also hunt is shorts. Africa get's warm.... and the further you walk the warmer you get!

Boots need to fit properly / snugly around the foot to prevent blisters. If you are walking a lot I doubt a slip on design will do that easily unless it has some form of lacing as well.

I have walked miles in the bush with my Blundstone 500's. They have never needed a break in and are very comfortable but not ideal. When I discover a better boot I will buy it.

Im not a shorts kinda guy even in the hottest weather; but that doesnt mean Im not hot; just that I cant "pull off" shorts any better than a muscle shirt. They just arent my style.

The lace at the instep type is and option (kinda like police mounted boots); but I was thinking full slip ons, so you might have a point.

A good set of Courtney style ankle boots will be fine, add a set of the small gaiters that stop the grass seeds from getting into your socks and you will be set.

It depense on the ground.

In Namibia I use this boot.
Very soft, light and high (against crass, insekts, Mamba :-)) and very comfortable.
They come from Meindel (Germany).

This is kinda what Im thinking:

http://caboots.zoovy.com/produ...UN-BOOTS-CUSTOM.html

or these

http://caboots.zoovy.com/produ...E-PATROL-BOOTS.html#

I think theire ar enot practical in Africa for hunting.

Theres always these:

http://shop.kitbash.co.uk/WebR.../1116/8D18/BOOTS.JPG

They were used in North Afrika.

It depends on where you are going...... Different terrain calls for different footwear....I just completed 2 weeks in the Zim. lowveldt and wore New Balance 642 walking shoes and Jeff Wemmer's gaiters,
Had my old pair of Courtney's along and wore them only once while my NB were drying out...

Choose carefully, your hunt's sucess may well depend more on your footwear than your rifle selection...

I agree that it depends where one hunts and the time of the year and wonder if one would really be happy with knee highs.

Here is my favorite African footwear:



Jokes aside, I reckon that good shoes need three factors:

a. comfort
b. support/protection
c. quietness

In my experience, I've found that comfort comes with lots of use. I wear what I'm taking to Africa year round (except, maybe to court). If the shoe/boot is well designed to begin with, a few hundred miles will usually make wearing them for ten miles of following game, a non-issue.

Support/protection... I find footwear with which I can feel the ground more safe (for me, anyway) than aggressive soles and stiff ankle support. Mountains would be a different issue, of course. I do like closed toes if wearing sandals.

Quietness.... I usually am hunting elephants in Africa. Of all the features of my footwear, since getting within feet (instead of yards) is the goal and elephants have the biggest ears in the world, this, of the tree virtues, is most important to me.

After I was properly diagnosed a couple of years ago with a correctable hearing (loss from flying in the military), now with proper hearing aids,I finally "heard" how loud my hiking boots were (leather/Cordura and aggressive lugged soles). Now I know why my P.H.'s used to turn around and grimace during stalks. Also, and I'll probably get some comments for this, nothing is as quiet as your own skin. Thorns eat my legs up in Africa, but they don't make half as much noise doing so as most any kind of long britches... So, I wear shorts and bleed.

For the last few safaris, I have been very happy with the below pairs, using the sandals for really hot weather or for hunting where you'll dunk your feet often (along Lake Kariba or during the rainy season, for example). They have closed toes which helps out some avoiding a thorn in the big toe... at least so far.

I find both pair very quiet and one can really feel whats on the ground with either. After using them, I'll leave my conventional hiking boots for weekend trips with my sweetie and the mountains.

My favorite sandals for Africa. Sketcher Safaris (which you can find for less than $40:



Merrell World Guide (available in both waterproof and... my choice... uninsulated. I found them to give good support and are very quiet. I did change the leather laces to synthetic to make lacing easier. I think I paid $116 for mine:

judge has got it

Yes, the Judge does have it.

Shorts are not a matter of style. They are a matter of quiet. Your skin makes no noise when it rips from thorns and cloth does. You'll find that after a few days in which your legs start to look like red railroad tracks that you begin to evade the thorn automatically. Must say I can be slow at this process, but three weeks later you'd never know how badly you were ripped up

As for boots, up to you, but lightweight and fairly low with gaiters for most of southern Africa will work.

Regards

Hi-Tec V-Lite Leathers
Done and dusted. Go for bloody miles and miles in comfort, well supported and yet to suffer from blisters or such.

Boots made for cavalry in the Civil War or boots made for riding a motorcycle aren't going to be very good boots for walking on a sand river in Africa, or walking up and down rocky ridges.

Lowa Zephyr Desert...lightweight, minimal break in, quiet and most of all comfortable. Reasonably priced as well.

Holy smokes! You are going to look like Elton John's younger brother if you show up in camp wearing those boots. Liberace's ghost might show up and demand a return.

Please no.

I saw a group with boots like that on a hunt in Africa...when the Village People decided to try safari hunting!!!

OK I deserved all that: but they did look cool on TR. Of course he also had a pith helmet.......hey now how cool would that be?????

I just wear nike running shoes. It strikes me that most of the PH's and trackers I've seen wear what looks like low cut chucks.

I have only hunted in Zimbabwe but in all the areas of that country. I can only tell you what I wore for those hunts. I had a pair of Sheep Hunters made by Russell and found them to be the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. You will not find that to be the popular concensus on this forum. My reccomendation is to wear what is most comfortable for YOU and forget about what others wear. I do believe your foot comfort is the next most important item after your rifle to be considered. Only you know what is comfortable to you.

quote:

Merrell World Guide

On sale at REI for @ $67.00. Merrill World Guide Boots

I'm partial to the New Balance 955 and have used them on two safaris including one in Zim in 115 degree heat. Comfortable, and very quiet. These plus a pair of Russell PHs are all I'll ever need.

Last time I went I wore Justin chukka's. Very quiet soles.

You are thinking way too much about this. Go to Big 5 and buy the ankle boot that fits and is on sale. Most of the PH's use tennis shoos

i was wondering about those justin Chucas. They sure are comfortable.

Comfy, quiet, cool.

Enough leather or other tough material to deter thorns, stickers, etc.

Gaiters on the top.

Well these will keep out the thorns and the snakes-

http://caboots.zoovy.com/produ.../ROSARITA-BOOTS.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...TF8&m=A11715TRNMSGSL

but now Im searching for an ascot to go with my pith helmet.

http://www.reocities.com/RainForest/3745/tr_tent.jpg

http://lockkeeper.com/short/roosevelt/tr.gif

Edelweiss,

Forget those silly-looking high boots. Your PH will think you're a moron and you'll get hot and blistered.

I wear Lowa walking boots which come just below my ankles, gaiters, and short pants.

Wear what you'd wear for strenuous exercise in the sun at 85 degrees F, because that's what you'll be doing. That means no ascot and no pith helmet.

I wore my Irish Setter Upland boots for 14 days and they were fine. The reason they performed well is they fit well, had been worn for a year already, and I had good socks on. I walked up and down kopjes and stayed on my 25 y.o. PH's butt the entire time (I'm 63). I hope that you break in your boots well, do a lot of walking now and get in shape long before you get on your plane. And wear good socks. Oh, I just picked up my new orthotics today, I destroyed mine in Africa.

quote:

That means no ascot and no pith helmet.

My God man, have you no style? It is le Afrique after all...

You can just hear the camp staff telling the story of the big boots for years to come, and if the big boots make a few other cock-ups to go with, the tears will run with the laughter.
An absolute must is a PITH HELMET and a silk cravat in modern camo chic.

If you must wear tall boots then the Meindel's that Dr FM uses would be a good option.

quote:

Originally posted by Scriptus:
You can just hear the camp staff telling the story of the big boots for years to come, and if the big boots make a few other cock-ups to go with, the tears will run with the laughter.

As Im quite sure there will be more then a few "cock-ups", then it sounds like a plan! Hmmmmm now for the ascot, silk or cotton? nothing too bright......

Don't be silly or overthink this.

Russell's Birdshooters worked for Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas throughout the USA and for me in Africa. They are great and last forever. Mine are going on 25 years. You might add insoles. I like the Birkenstock ones.

BTW, better think about 110 degree weather.

All you guys telling Edelweiss to "not be silly" are showing how up tight you are. Don't you realize at this point, he is having a bit of fun at your expense? Loosen up man. No need to be "Stuffy"!!

If you insist on high pull ons then buy a good one. Buy Gokey Botte Sauvage snake proof ones. They are soft leather and comfortable and would also offer some semblance of protection from the thorns and such. Not cheap by any means.

OK I found the perfect set:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com.../cb/cb.aspx?a=792479

and for days when a brown pair are necessary:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...TF8&m=A11715TRNMSGSL


Actually you guys did give me some good ideas, and to be quite honest I was longing for the days of TR.....come on you gotta admit its kinda cool and no doubt not soon forgotten

I think the German Parade Boots might be a little heavy and clunky. You be stylin in the Equestrian Boots though.

In Zambia next week I'll be wearing Courtneys or Lowa Baniffs. Both all leather, those nasty seeds and twigs and thorns go through cordura pretty easy.