I do not like the heavy lug design of their soles.IMO,you want a mostly flat sole to get the most rubber on the ground for best traction.Big,spaced apart lugs are for walking in mud or snow.I have seen trackers slipping on the trail with these boots.I know a thing or two about traction because I do alot of driving and jogging on icy surfaces.

I have five pairs and have worn the original pair on nine safaris and they are still going strong. I bought some inserts for them from Insole in 2012 and it made all the difference in arch support and increased the comfort of wearing them.

I've got 3 pair of vellies that I wear regularly (daily) for 12 years and a pair of selous for hunting. I heave a lower arch/flatter foot and they are the most comfortable shoe I own.

The whole subject of what are proper shoes and boots is about as idiosyncratic as it gets.

But put me down as a naysayer on the Courteneys. IMHO, there are much better boots out there, and for much less money, too.

I had a pair of Courteney Selous's that I tried on various hunts. Bought them at Westley Richards in BZM, MT. Pricey for sure. I did not like them and gave them to a tracker at the end of the safari. He was happy to get an upgrade and I was happy to get rid of them. A good looking boot but they did not fit well and had little support. On the flip side, my wife swears by hers for safari and has 2 pairs. For most African hunting I like an uninsulted 8 inch Redwing with a soft non-agressive tread. Used with long pants, they are high enough so that gaitors are not necessary. I think they are a model EH.$200 for a pair. Russell's custom fits are also really hard to beat.

Very instructional thread. I do agree that fit is important in relation to how far you will walk. 300 yards on a flat trail into a lion blind, not important. Probably get by with tennis shoes, no problem. Day after Day long cross country hiking for LD Eland, very important.
I use Clark's Desert Boots for every traditional dry bush moderate walking hunt like Buffalo, elephant, plains game type. Very quiet, and for me very comfortable. Also a fraction of the price.

I've had a pair that lasted me 6 years with no issues....

Then again, as member of SABHA (South African Bakkie Hunters Association) I don't do all that much walking while hunting...

On a serious note, I love my Courtney's and they've served me very well over the years.