John,

Thanks for that kind offer - I'm sure I'll take you up on it.

I'd recommend the thin "hunting sole" for most of Africa or anywhere else that has a loose sandy(ish) soil and flattish or rolling hills terrains. This sole has an opposing Vee grip which gives some grip going up and down hills.

The heavier "4x4" sole is only really needed for more mountainous terrains such as might be found in the Burigi area of Tanzania on the Rwanda border or the mountains of KZN with all that loose shale....or of course for walking the dog in colder climates and muddier areas.

I also have very wide feet which is a bloody nuisance - but these boots have a removeable inner sole which if removed gives more space for people like us with gorilla feet!....As I said I've put a lot of thought and a lot of testing into this design! I tend to take the inner sole out if I'm wearing thicker hunting socks and put it back in if I'm wearing thinner cotton socks.

The Buff boots are obviously not as soft as the antelope version but they are more waterproof and offer more support. As you probably know antelope skin absorbes moisture fairly easily. IMO the Buff boot with the impala skin lining and thin sole is the very best boot for most of Africa......and I guess the same would go for Australia.

If you do find the buff a little stiff it will easily soften with a few applications of saddle soap or dubbin.