Last week, I received a pair of Russell's fairly new "Mountain Safari PH" boots that I had ordered a few months ago as per my usual, on-file personal specs. These boots were designed for Russell by Hans Vermaak of Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, and that experience really shows in the superb design and construction of these boots.

After wearing them for the last week, even on cross-training runs, I have to say that they are the very best-designed, best-fitting boots that I've ever received from Russell, and they are a superior boot to the standard "Safari PH" boots by a country mile, and they are much better-built, more supportive, and better fitting than Courtney's as well.

Standard height is 7" in 'weather-tuff' leather (several colors are available) with canvas sides and Vibram Sierra soles. Price is $295. I ordered mine in all leather (an extra $10), with lacing studs ($6.50 extra). Everything else I left according to Russell's formula.

I'm convinced that these will prove to be the ultimate safari boots. If you want the very best, look no further........

www.russellmoccasin.com

AD

I wore a pair to RSA in May. Russell has always made boots that fit me to a "T."

For the purpose these worked out beautifully!

With any kind of luck at all ... they'll get a second go at the dark continent in the next couple of years.

Allen,
Did you go with the 7" height?

lawndart

Yes, I did. I like that height very much.

AD

I have had a pair of these for about four months. They have been excellent. The boots have been excellent for stalking; I opted for the Vibram air bob soles. These soles have been much quieter than a "regular" hunting boot, and have better feel with regard to sticks, twigs, etc.

These boots look good enough that you can wear them in the morning when hunting then hose them off for wear with jeans or slacks. I went with 2" taller upper.

I was a big fan of the old style green canvas jungle boot as issued to light infantry troops in the 80's. These are hard to find as everything has gone to black nylon. The Mountain PH boots fit the bill nicely.

Douglas Mays

I had my PH's made with a heel counter like the Mtn. PH and believe it improves the boot considerably. I forgot my sneakers and wore those boots every day for 2 weeks whenever I wasn't asleep, never got my moneys worth like that out of another pair of shoes.

Interesting that you posted this report, Allen... thank you. Lately, I've been looking at the ones you got and the new MBOGO boots. I'm kind of leaning toward the latter, but I'm not sure yet. Figured I'd drive up for a personal fitting sometime this Spring.

Russ

I have considered ordering a pair of these boots for my upcoming hunt in Namibia. Over the last few years I have found it hard to find boats that fit me correctly. My right foot seems to have grown but my left hasn't. Custom made boots seem like the answer. My only problem with Russell is the delivery time. I would like to have the boots a couple months before I leave and I'm afraid they might not make it to me in time. I think they do have an expidite charge that would get them a little quicker so I may look into that.

quote:

Over the last few years I have found it hard to find boats that fit me correctly.

Wyattd,
What size do you wear anyway?

PS Samples and over runs can be found here http://www.russellmoccasin.com/sale_items.html

SBT, I'm in the 13 wide range of size. Most shoes that I try on feel great on the left and just snug enough on the right to bug me. I'm beginning to think it's all mental. I talked to Russell yesterday and if I pay an extra $34 they can get me the boots in 6 weeks which would be in plenty of time for my hunt. Now, if I can just convince myself that a pair of boots is worth $350!!

And here I thoughts "boats" was a typo.

Actually it was a typo, but as it is, it's pretty funny!

There is no doubt about it when it comes to long delivery times from Russell. I went to their factory for a special fitting for a pair of custom mocassins, and received them exactly 6 months to the day after placing the order.

But I have never had a pair of shoes that fit as well as they do.

So I would agree, if you need them in a hurry, pay the extra money.