THE ACCURATERELOADING.COM AFRICAN HUNTING FORUM

Accuratereloading.com    The Accurate Reloading Forums    THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS  Hop To Forum Categories  Hunting  Hop To Forums  African Big Game Hunting    Quiet but comfortable Africa hunting shoes/boots

Moderators: Saeed
Go
New
Find
Notify
Tools
Reply
  
Quiet but comfortable Africa hunting shoes/boots
 Login/Join
 
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 119 | Registered: 17 April 2023Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of CCMDoc
posted Hide Post
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.


NRA Lifer; DSC Lifer; SCI member; DRSS; AR member since November 9 2003

Don't Save the best for last, the smile for later or the "Thanks" for tomorow
 
Posts: 3483 | Location: In the Shadow of Griffin&Howe | Registered: 24 November 2007Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
Administrator
posted Hide Post
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.


www.accuratereloading.com
Instagram : ganyana2000
 
Posts: 72144 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of rnovi
posted Hide Post
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.


Regards,

Robert

******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
 
Posts: 2343 | Location: Greater Nashville, TN | Registered: 23 June 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 11029 | Location: Houston, Texas | Registered: 26 December 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 196 | Location: Near the arctic circle, Norway | Registered: 14 October 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 196 | Location: Near the arctic circle, Norway | Registered: 14 October 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 1884 | Location: Sinton, Texas | Registered: 08 November 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of fairgame
posted Hide Post
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.


ROYAL KAFUE LTD
Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com
Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144
Instagram - kafueroyal
 
Posts: 10197 | Location: Zambia | Registered: 10 April 2009Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 1884 | Location: Sinton, Texas | Registered: 08 November 2006Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 11029 | Location: Houston, Texas | Registered: 26 December 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of BaxterB
posted Hide Post
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
 
Posts: 7913 | Registered: 31 January 2005Reply With Quote
One of Us
posted Hide Post
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.
 
Posts: 125 | Location: Idaho | Registered: 12 November 2011Reply With Quote
one of us
posted Hide Post
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
 
Posts: 1912 | Location: Prairieville,Louisiana, USA | Registered: 09 October 2001Reply With Quote
Administrator
posted Hide Post
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.


www.accuratereloading.com
Instagram : ganyana2000
 
Posts: 72144 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post
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?


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
Administrator
posted Hide Post
Best way is try them in the shop.


www.accuratereloading.com
Instagram : ganyana2000
 
Posts: 72144 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of DLS
posted Hide Post
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
 
Posts: 4139 | Location: California | Registered: 01 January 2009Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of Steve Ahrenberg
posted Hide Post
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.


Formerly "Nganga"
 
Posts: 4122 | Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Registered: 26 April 2010Reply With Quote
Administrator
posted Hide Post
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.


www.accuratereloading.com
Instagram : ganyana2000
 
Posts: 72144 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
One of Us
Picture of ledvm
posted Hide Post

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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
 
Posts: 39684 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
Administrator
posted Hide Post
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.


www.accuratereloading.com
Instagram : ganyana2000
 
Posts: 72144 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
  Powered by Social Strata  
 

Accuratereloading.com    The Accurate Reloading Forums    THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS  Hop To Forum Categories  Hunting  Hop To Forums  African Big Game Hunting    Quiet but comfortable Africa hunting shoes/boots

Copyright December 1997-2025 Accuratereloading.com


Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia