Quiet but comfortable Africa hunting shoes/boots

11 August 2025, 05:33

In my life, I have never been particular about my footwear…whatever boots I was working in…just wore them hunting. I stand and walk all day when I work…often times 10 hours a day.

Times are changing for me however and when I go on long city walking escapes…I enjoy my Hoka joggers.

I am in the market for a comfortable but quiet pair shoes/boots for a long walking elephant hunt. They don’t have to last forever…just want them to be comfortable and quiet.

Am thinking about some sneaker like shoes…maybe even some Hoka hikers.

Any thoughts or recommendations out there?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.

11 August 2025, 05:43

swm

I have spent many years following bird dogs. Non insulated Rocky Outbacks have been a favorite in the moderate price range and have worked well for me on safari. Lightweight and break in very easily.

11 August 2025, 05:51

CCMDoc

Lane,
If they don’t need to be lace up, I practically I’ve in Merrell Mocs. They also have lace-ups but I’ve never personally used them.

11 August 2025, 06:18

ledvm

Hi Paul,
Good to see posting on here regularly again! Hope all is well with you, the dogs, and all.

I will give those a look. Thank you.

11 August 2025, 06:19

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by swm:
I have spent many years following bird dogs. Non insulated Rocky Outbacks have been a favorite in the moderate price range and have worked well for me on safari. Lightweight and break in very easily.

Will give the Rockies a look. Thank you.

11 August 2025, 07:58

Saeed

I have a problem with shoes .

I have funny feet and not many shoes fit properly.

I need wide shoes with a high arc.

Had a set last month in Sweden.

Walked about 120 kilometers

Got two black nails.

One on each foot.

It is the one next to the big toe.

The nails are going to fall off.

I am on the way to the Swiss Alps. Where there is no flat area.

Only up or down.

The road to our house has a 27 degree rise!

Got new boots from Timberlake.

Will see how they work as I am training them for next month’s Selous Safari.

11 August 2025, 08:08

rnovi

quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I have a problem with shoes .

I have funny feet and not many shoes fit properly.

I need wide shoes with a high arc.

Had a set last month in Sweden.

Walked about 120 kilometers

Got two black nails.

One on each foot.

It is the one next to the big toe.

The nails are going to fall off.

I am on the way to the Swiss Alps. Where there is no flat area.

Only up or down.

The road to our house has a 27 degree rise!

Got new boots from Timberlake.

Will see how they work as I am training them for next month’s Selous Safari.

As a child, I always had shoes I “thought” didn’t fit. I;d lose huge tracts of foot to blisters. Entire soles - heel and forefoot pads, blistered and lost…in just a few miles. 5 miles meant blisters between toes…10 miles was a guarantee of hee blisters…15…yeah, well, I’ve walked on bloody stumps.

Turns out, I have high arches and narrow feet that spread in the toes. So yeah, make my life easy.

Cutting to the chase: Superfeet made the difference for me. Preventing the arch from collapsing also meant the forefoot didn’t spread and then…wait, no blisters???

So, short story: every shoe may/maynot have a different last that changes how they fit. Consider changing the footbed.

For me, it was truly life changing.

11 August 2025, 09:12

lavaca

Lane,

I always take two different brands/styles of boots on every hunt because if you develop a hot spot, it's nice to change boots. I have several favorites, some you may like, some you may not.

I have a couple of pair of Courtney Selous boots that I dearly love and I've hunted in them extensively, but I have totally flat feet and if you need arch support, you won't like them unless you have insoles. Mine are totally broken in as I wear them nearly every day and they look like hell.

I have a pair of Russel's I think the Mountain PH model? It's a nice boot and while mine fit perfectly, I've heard that everyone's experience is not the same.

I also have a pair of Merrills that I think is the best first choice. They are quiet, fit well and have become my first choice.

Making decisions on my next trip now and the Merrill's are definitely going, still deciding whether the backup pair is the Russells or the Courtneys.

11 August 2025, 15:39

Odin

Hoka works. I spent 150 kms on them in Zim last year. Thorns wil puncture but not go all through. The normal ones took some beating and most of the safari I used some Hoka atr gore tex. Low models.

11 August 2025, 17:22

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by lavaca:
Lane,

I always take two different brands/styles of boots on every hunt because if you develop a hot spot, it's nice to change boots. I have several favorites, some you may like, some you may not.

I have a couple of pair of Courtney Selous boots that I dearly love and I've hunted in them extensively, but I have totally flat feet and if you need arch support, you won't like them unless you have insoles. Mine are totally broken in as I wear them nearly every day and they look like hell.

I have a pair of Russel's I think the Mountain PH model? It's a nice boot and while mine fit perfectly, I've heard that everyone's experience is not the same.

I also have a pair of Merrills that I think is the best first choice. They are quiet, fit well and have become my first choice.

Making decisions on my next trip now and the Merrill's are definitely going, still deciding whether the backup pair is the Russells or the Courtneys.

Hi David,
Which specific Merrill do use?

11 August 2025, 17:28

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by Odin:
Hoka works. I spent 150 kms on them in Zim last year. Thorns wil puncture but not go all through. The normal ones took some beating and most of the safari I used some Hoka atr gore tex. Low models.

Hi Odin,
I have become fond of Hoka.

I am looking at the Kaha 3 GTX.
https://www.hoka.com/en/us/men...ar_1162530_color=WYS

What do you think?

I am worried about the sole thickness letting feel twigs and stuff and making me more stumble prone.

11 August 2025, 17:31

ledvm

Milan suggested these Härkila boots to me. Right now they are ranking as my number one choice.
https://harkila.com/en-us/shop...r-gtx-10679#size=468

11 August 2025, 18:03

Odin

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
quote:
Originally posted by Odin:
Hoka works. I spent 150 kms on them in Zim last year. Thorns wil puncture but not go all through. The normal ones took some beating and most of the safari I used some Hoka atr gore tex. Low models.

Hi Odin,
I have become fond of Hoka.

I am looking at the Kaha 3 GTX.
https://www.hoka.com/en/us/men...ar_1162530_color=WYS

What do you think?

I am worried about the sole thickness letting feel twigs and stuff and making me more stumble prone.

Sir, I bet they will do fine. My best pair is the Challenger 7 GTX. Actually have them on my feet now at the shop. Still full of thorns. The stability on these are a bit better than the Cliftons and such. For me Hoka was a new way of enjoying the outdoors. Wellies or Hokas from -40 c to +35 here in the north.

11 August 2025, 19:31

bwanajay

Doc,

I walk 4-5 miles a day through the South Texas brush in my Hokas and have worn them on several elephant safaris with zero problems. I also wear sketchers a lot and they are by far the quietest shoes I've worn in Africa. I wouldn't advise wearing either in rocky or hilly terrain. My son and I are leaving next Monday for an Ele/Buff hunt with Buzz and I'll be wearing Hokas or sketchers.

11 August 2025, 22:47

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
In my life, I have never been particular about my footwear…whatever boots I was working in…just wore them hunting. I stand and walk all day when I work…often times 10 hours a day.

Times are changing for me however and when I go on long city walking escapes…I enjoy my Hoka joggers.

I am in the market for a comfortable but quiet pair shoes/boots for a long walking elephant hunt. They don’t have to last forever…just want them to be comfortable and quiet.

Am thinking about some sneaker like shoes…maybe even some Hoka hikers.

Any thoughts or recommendations out there?

Wear your Hokas. I walk in Adidas sneakers and fold my socks over the top and laces.

12 August 2025, 01:27

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by bwanajay:
Doc,

I walk 4-5 miles a day through the South Texas brush in my Hokas and have worn them on several elephant safaris with zero problems. I also wear sketchers a lot and they are by far the quietest shoes I've worn in Africa. I wouldn't advise wearing either in rocky or hilly terrain. My son and I are leaving next Monday for an Ele/Buff hunt with Buzz and I'll be wearing Hokas or sketchers.

Howdy sir,
Could you please share the model of Hokas that you hunt in.

12 August 2025, 02:34

bwanajay

quote:
Howdy sir,
Could you please share the model of Hokas that you hunt in.

ANACAPA 2 with the Vibram sole. They also make these in a high top.

12 August 2025, 06:54

lavaca

Lane,

I can't find any identifying marks on the boots to say which model they are, but did note I misspelled Merrell. It's an ankle high boot with a combo of suede leather and synthetic breathable looking material. The sole looks like you'd see on a trail running shoe. Send me a PM with an email or cell and I'll send you a photo.

12 August 2025, 07:34

BaxterB

quote:
Originally posted by lavaca:
Lane,

I can't find any identifying marks on the boots to say which model they are, but did note I misspelled Merrell. It's an ankle high boot with a combo of suede leather and synthetic breathable looking material. The sole looks like you'd see on a trail running shoe. Send me a PM with an email or cell and I'll send you a photo.

Very possibly the Moab or Moab adventure

I have a pair of low-top Moabs and the mistake I made was getting the waterproof version. My feet sweat to death in them...be sure you really need that feature

12 August 2025, 08:02

Paddles10

Lowa Innox Mids. At least 4 pair 5 hunts in Africa, numerous years of Idaho deer and Elk hunts, hiking the continental divide. They work about everywhere except lava.

12 August 2025, 16:50

MLindsay

I am not a fan of boots with the nylon inserts, which supposedly allow the boots to breath. In Namibia and Bots I had some thorns penetrate the nylon.
I now have used the Jim Green 8 inch tall all leather boots for 3 safaris, love them. I choose the Ranger bottom for them and they are quiet

12 August 2025, 17:32

Saeed

First time trying my Timberlake hiking shoes.

Walked 17 kilometers hiking in the Swiss Alps.

Very comfortable and being breaking in for the Selous next month.

13 August 2025, 17:16

ledvm

For you Hoka experts, I have narrowed it down to these two. Help me decide.

Kaha 3 GTX

Anacapa 2 mid GTX

I like top one as it has more solid coverage over the toe to repel thorns and higher ankle support. But it has what are called “plush” midsoles meaning they are thicker, taller, and less feely.

The bottom one has “balanced” midsoles making them a likely better compromise of comfort and performance as a stalker.

What do the Hoka guys think?

13 August 2025, 18:21

Saeed

Best way is try them in the shop.

13 August 2025, 20:09

DLS

The Hoka’s really aren’t as quiet as you’d think. I wore a pair of Hoka Kaha 2’s on my Lord Derby hunt in Cameroon and Alan Vincent asked me why I’d brought them since they’re not a very quiet boot. I didn’t have any other boots so really appreciated what he said by the end of that hunt. Fact is, most of the highly cushioned sole shoes and boots really are not quiet.

I finally wised up and bought the same footwear Alan mostly uses, which are Palladium ‘Pampa Hi’ canvas boots. They’re lightweight, breathe well and about the quietest footwear I’ve hunted in. I love them https://palladiumboots.com/products/02352-221-m

13 August 2025, 22:35

Steve Ahrenberg

quote:
Originally posted by fairgame:
quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
In my life, I have never been particular about my footwear…whatever boots I was working in…just wore them hunting. I stand and walk all day when I work…often times 10 hours a day.

Times are changing for me however and when I go on long city walking escapes…I enjoy my Hoka joggers.

I am in the market for a comfortable but quiet pair shoes/boots for a long walking elephant hunt. They don’t have to last forever…just want them to be comfortable and quiet.

Am thinking about some sneaker like shoes…maybe even some Hoka hikers.

Any thoughts or recommendations out there?

Wear your Hokas. I walk in Adidas sneakers and fold my socks over the top and laces.

Same here. I wear what I wear every day of my life, New Balance tennis shoes.(black)

I've never labored to walk in Africa. It's mostly all flat, dry ground. It's not that hard. Sure, I'll get stickers and such in my laces and socks sometimes, but it really isn't even a consideration.

In CAR, we walked an absolute TON. Lots of walking through water and mud in the Bako's. I simply had two pair of sneakers, alternate pair while one sits and dries in camp.

14 August 2025, 10:14

Saeed

I am quite happy with my new Timberlake.

Yesterday went up a 3330 meter mountain by lift.

We were not allowed to walked down because of glaciers.

Took the left down one stop.

Then walked several hours down to the village.

All downhill and certain places very steep.

Total distance walked 17 kilometers.

Very comfortable shoes.

14 August 2025, 16:58

ledvm

on Cloudrock Mid

Anyone ever try these for hunting? When I am coaching baseball on’s cloud 6 tennis shoes are my go to shoes.

18 August 2025, 11:15

Saeed

Might have overdone it yesterday.

Walked nonstop practically day.

And as usual, no flat areas at all.

Only ups and downs.

Met with herds of cows and herds of goats.

Feet felt a bit uncomfortable by the end.

Discovered a few blisters, which I prick to get the liquid out.

I found this helps seal them, and stops the pain.

I have done 77 kilometers so far.

Another long hike is planned today, and I am hoping it is not going to be with discomfort.