When I arrived in Nairobi for my first hunt, I was promptly hustled over to the Indian tailor, who whipped out his tape and went through the measuring routine. I went off to Tsavo National Park for a week to get acclimatized, and by the time I was back and ready to strike out, there was my outfit.

However, I had to settle for "birdshooters" off the shelf, with crepe soles. Next trip, I knew better, and brought along my Marine "boondockers" with their Munson last. Never a blister nor a sore foot after that. No thorn penetration either.