Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Best Boots for Africa

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Hunting >> Hunting in Africa & hunting dangerous game
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | >> (show all)
AlaskanPH
.224 member


Reged: 31/03/04
Posts: 32
Loc: Alaska
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Phil_in_the_UK]
      #15538 - 05/06/04 03:46 AM

I am a firm supporter of the Courteney boots, having walked many, many miles during my seven weeks in Zimbabwe (over the course of two diferent hunts). I also noticed that most of the PH's I have hunted with and seen in Zimbabwe wear Courteney's and thus when in Rome, do as the ROmans do.

The boots I have worn to date are the Courteney Safari model (and they are still in excellent condition and going strong) but so that I could have a second pair of boots for my next hunt in Tanzania in 2006 I just ordered a pair of the Courteney Selous boots from Westley Richards here in the US and they should be arriving today. Westley Richards main office is in the UK ( sales@westleyrichards.co.uk )and they have an agency here in Missouri ( sales@westleyrichards.com ).

The boots range in price from US$199 to US$269 and though that may seem expensive, these boots are hand made in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe out of cape buffalo and impala hides and are simply fantastic in my humble opinion. I have already recommended them to a number of my friends and clients that are headed to Africa.

If you are planning to wear shorts while in Africa, then a pair of short gaiters is a MUST! I purchased mine from Cabela's and they were made by Boyt.

All the best,
Alaskan PH

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Phil_in_the_UK]
      #15570 - 05/06/04 04:11 PM

The UPS guy just delivered a pair of Cabela's uninsulated premier upland boots today. They are 10 1/2 inches high, fashioned from very soft Pitard leather, and fitted with a piece of sharkskin over the toe and moc area for extra abrasion resistance. The sole is the Vibram Gumlite-shallow tread, soft and quiet. The boots were very comfortable out of the box, but they do seem to run just the slightest bit shorter and narrower than normal. They fit my 12 EEs just fine though.

Edited by mikeh416Rigby (07/06/04 11:34 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Mark_in_SC
.224 member


Reged: 06/06/04
Posts: 13
Loc: South Carolina Low Country, US...
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #15582 - 06/06/04 05:44 AM

I wear Russell PH II's in flat bushvelt areas and desert areas. We were in Namibia last month and they worked great in the Kalahari. The flat, crepe rubber soles provided sufficient traction in the sand, but also gave great "flotation" over the sandy surface. Cleated soles dig into the sand and make walking much harder.

I wear Russell High Country Hunters in rough, rocky terrain, they did very well climbing around in the Erongo Mountains of Namibia this year and mountainous areas of Spain last year.

Many other companies make similar styles of boots that will work just as well, but I like the quality of the Russell products.



--------------------

NRA, GOA, & SCI Life Member
Protect our Hunting Heritage and 2nd Amendment rights!

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
9.3x57
.450 member


Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5504
Loc: United States
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Bigfive]
      #84072 - 15/08/07 12:47 PM

Quote:

The best boot for Africa???

Easy!!!!!!

Any soft leather boot with a flat sole.Rugged soles tend to make a lot of noise.I hunt with a very old style ankle high boot called a Bull Brand.Also have a pair of Caterpillar hiking shoe wich is very comfortable but hot.
My Bull Brands I wear without socks.They are very lite and the outersole is hard enough to keep that nasty Sicklebush thorns out.




I do believe I had a pair of these myself years ago or at least a pair of same make. I liked them a lot. Are they the ones vaguely like vellies with a slightly thicker sole? No socks also for the seed reasons. As I remember they had sort of a wavy sole, not 100% flat.

IIRC I got them at Trappers and Traders in Maritzburg c. 1988 or 89. Can't remember when they wore out.

The bit about lug soles being loud is true. I mentally gyrate over that issue every year but usually wind up wearing my heavy White's anyway. The stuff a guy wears in Africa falls apart in the country we hunt in here at home.

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
zimhunter
.333 member


Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 388
Loc: Southern Arizona
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: 9.3x57]
      #84107 - 16/08/07 09:19 AM

When I was preparing for my first (of 8) safari in Zimbabwe I had a pair of Russel High Country Hunters custom made. Have worn them for each safari I been on to Zimbabwe. Very happy with them. I know there are many who DON'T like them but I really do. I also like Courtney boots and at present time have 5 pairs of various styles. I wear them almost exclisively here in States I like the fit so much. Can't actually say I wouldn't like another boot better in Africa but since I have never worn anything but the Russels there and have never had one blister or sore foot in probably 32 weeks in the field in Zimbabwe over 8 years. I'm in my 70's and am 6'1" and have usually weighed around 240lbs when in good shape which I am no longer in. In preperation for hunting I walked 5 miles per day for 6 days per week and 10 miles on weekends. I started this regimen after I retired and it continued for about 5 years. I have seen every conceviable type of footwear used on Safari with good success and even have PH friends there who actually prefer to hunt barefooted or wear sandals. Probably have seen PH's in sandals more than any other single type of footwear. I just say wear what you like that gives you no foot discomfort.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
driftwood
.224 member


Reged: 31/12/06
Posts: 20
Loc: Utah, United States
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: zimhunter]
      #84111 - 16/08/07 01:03 PM

I had ordered some Russells but they were not ready when I went on my hunt to South Africa in July. My PH took me to a shoe store in Pretoria where I purchased a couple of pairs of Courtney boots. I wore them for the two weeks I hunted and walked many miles in both pairs and had never a problem. Found them very comfortable. I have a wide short foot with a high arch and need arch supports. I just put my orthopedics in the boots and away I went. I have worn Russells and like them also. Have found them comfortable. In either type I don't get blisters and my feet feel fine after a long day of walking. I enjoyed the way the Courtneys flat sole felt in the areas I was hunting.

--------------------
oleson

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: driftwood]
      #84115 - 16/08/07 09:22 PM

I Have Russell's along with several others as well. I have a very flat foot and ust custom orthotics in all my shoes--but of the ones I have worn so far on Safari--the Russels are very very quiet--

IF blisters are a problem--wearing a wicking liner along with a wool outer sock has really worked for a friend of mine who's feet really sweat.. I have used this combo for the past 15 plus years--and it seems to only get better with time as they come up with more advanced materials..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
9.3x57
.450 member


Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5504
Loc: United States
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Ripp]
      #84119 - 16/08/07 10:55 PM

If the safari means long walking, this is a good topic to really work through. Obviously it is less important for the guy who basically road hunts and bails out of the rig every now and then to knock off a critter.

I myself cannot wear just any old shoe anymore. I do not have "foot problems" at all, but one of my legs is 1-inch shorter than the other and over the years I developed severe back problems until I altered all my shoes. All my shoes require a lift in them which I make for some types while others, as in the case of all my many pairs of White's, are custom built for each foot. Any inserts, orthotics, etc obviously must fit shoes that might be purchased overseas. Something to think hard about for those who need add-ons.

I walk many miles each week here but almost every mile is in one of my Whites. They are dead heavy but at the end of the day there is no foot pain at all. I've hiked or hunted in a lot of differing African terrain and 27 years ago I had a pair of lugsole Chippewa ankle boots I really liked in the fairly rough and uneven terrain in Congo. They weren't too heavy but on the fairly rough ground provided good support and grip. That time I did a lot of running and those boots helped a lot.

Really knowing what the terrain is going to be like will help a guy make the right decision. I've never heard of typical tourist hunting terrain in Africa that is as demanding as what I have here at home where just about every make and model mentioned so far would have a pretty short life expectancy. The generally flat or undulating ground hunted over there shows in the general choices listed in the thread. Having said that, there may indeed be special circumstances where classic no-sock velskoens would be hunt-wreckers. I know that where I lived in the Karkloof mountains north of Maritzburg a real-live boot helped a lot, and areas in the Drakensberg would be demanding on footwear, but most of the common destinations don't tax a boot or shoe much.

I think I have a special neurosis for footwear. I grew up without any decent shoes and I remember the years wearing my cowboy boots jammed with newspaper to keep the snow out. If misery sometimes breeds insanity, the Whites company has made a good therapist...

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ozhunter
.400 member


Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: 9.3x57]
      #84213 - 18/08/07 06:45 PM

Although I have had blisters wearing Courteney "Safaris" and "Hunters" I still haven't found better footwear for African type conditions.
I am keen to try out the new Courteney "Warrior".


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
zimhunter
.333 member


Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 388
Loc: Southern Arizona
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ozhunter]
      #84236 - 19/08/07 04:34 AM

Only additional comment I can make about boot choice is I can't emphasize the importance of 'no blisters'. Being diabetic it's one of the things I am most careful of. Just having a blister and spoiling a hunt in no way ranks with having a blister and the possible infection and losing a foot as can easily happen in a diabetic. I'll still stick with my Russell's.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: zimhunter]
      #84238 - 19/08/07 06:50 AM

A trick I have used for years to prevent blisters is to place a piece of adhesive tape over an area where I'm prone to get a blister. I place a piece on my right heel, and wrap another piece around the 4th toe of my left foot. Ever since I started using the tape (before a blister starts), I've been blister free. I believe the principal behind this is that the sock will move smoothly over the tape, instead of rubbing the skin directly. Just my $.02.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ALAN_MCKENZIE
.400 member


Reged: 24/03/04
Posts: 1214
Loc: Western Australia
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #84249 - 19/08/07 01:08 PM

There are a lot of good boots out there ,however I have found that your choice of socks plays a big part in how comfortable and serviceable your choice of footwear is.

So does anyone have a sock that they would recomend that doesnt strangle your leg at the top of the sock ?

Al

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ozhunter
.400 member


Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
      #84252 - 19/08/07 01:43 PM

A good quality light weight cotton sock is the Australian made all cotton from LAFITTE Clothing company.
Standard size UK6 to 10 for around $13 from work clothing shops.
These are great for hot conditions.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
      #84258 - 19/08/07 05:07 PM

Quote:

There are a lot of good boots out there ,however I have found that your choice of socks plays a big part in how comfortable and serviceable your choice of footwear is.

So does anyone have a sock that they would recomend that doesnt strangle your leg at the top of the sock ?

Al



I've been pleased with Smartwool socks ( www.smartwool.com ) both in hot and cold conditions. They make some lightweight and ultra lightweight stuff that works well in the heat of Africa. IMO wool works better than cotton socks when it comes to keeping my feet cool and dry.

Erik

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ozhunter
.400 member


Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #84259 - 19/08/07 05:30 PM

Eric,
I use Smartwool socks for mountain hunting.
What model do you recommend for hot condition hunting such as in Zim?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ozhunter]
      #84264 - 19/08/07 09:48 PM

I don't recall the name of the models I've used, but they have been the running shoe and bicycling shoe thickness. In other words, very light, but with good wicking properties since they are wool (+ a little synthetic).

Erik

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
taw1126
.333 member


Reged: 24/07/07
Posts: 290
Loc: Texas
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #84275 - 20/08/07 02:44 AM

Quote:

IMO wool works better than cotton socks when it comes to keeping my feet cool and dry.

Erik



When I enlisted, Uncle Sugar issued some lightweight wool socks that I couldn't stand. I figured it was some government cost savings issue, so I went down to Clothing Sales and bought some OD green all-cotton socks similar to the quality athletic socks I was used to wearing. After a few months of living in the cotton socks I found my feet starting to rot away from being constantly wet, and to this day my feet are rough and calloused to the point that they'll never be "right" (also partly due to wearing my jungle boots without socks at all for quite awhile in Georgia swamps and mid-east deserts).

Unfortunately I was too uninformed to realize the good qualities of wool socks at the time (wicking and odor control being a couple of the best features). Now all I wear when I hunt is wool and if I had realized then that the wool socks were a good thing, my feet would probably be in better shape.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
9.3x57
.450 member


Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5504
Loc: United States
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
      #84297 - 20/08/07 10:57 AM

HEAD socks.

Best. A wool blend, so rest assured we are supporting the Australian economy!

They are fine socks, last a long time and fit the foot and ankle well.

They fit the ankle and foot snugly and comfortably but I still use rubberbands around my ankles to keep them from slipping down to my toes when I am wearing {...living in from December-May...} my pull-on muck boots/gummistiefeln/Wellington/gummistøveler.

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
NE450No2
.375 member


Reged: 10/01/03
Posts: 942
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: 9.3x57]
      #84308 - 20/08/07 02:45 PM

I have hunted Zim 3 times, a 21 day hunt, a 30 day and a 35 day. All hunts involved a lot of walking.

I have used Russell PH's.
I have 2 pair, one all leather and one canvas and leather.

They have been very comfortable.

The all leather pair were treated with Filson "boot juice" and have never leaked. On my first trip we walked in rivers quite a bit, on my second it rained quite a bit. Never leaked.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: NE450No2]
      #84346 - 21/08/07 12:48 PM

I to recommend the Smartwool socks--however I wear a poly under sock and then the smartwool over them.. I have worn them on 3 hunts in Africa, wear them all year around in Montana--whether it is 20 below zero or 60 above zero--they work great and I have never had a blister..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ALAN_MCKENZIE
.400 member


Reged: 24/03/04
Posts: 1214
Loc: Western Australia
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: taw1126]
      #84367 - 21/08/07 09:25 PM

I guess we have all suffered from the proverbial "toe jam footrot" and "smelly feet" or know someone that has.

The solution to the problem is as simple as making a cup of black tea or in this case a bucket full.

Simply make a brew of black tea(2 gallons)

Allow to cool (No sugar required)lol

Soak your feet in the brew for 20-30 minutes on 3-5 sucessive days and your problems should be over.

Remember to clean and wash your footwear before using them again.

My father was a POW on the Burma Railway and he told me about how they used tea leaves in ulcerated feet and legs to heal them,which is what gave me the idea.

Al

--------------------
"Dogs always bark at their master"
Sir Seretse Khama.25th June 1949

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
allenday
.333 member


Reged: 18/04/04
Posts: 318
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: ALAN_MCKENZIE]
      #84645 - 26/08/07 01:05 AM

My favorite boot for African hunting is Russell's 'Mountain Safari PH', which is by far and away the best boot I've ever worn in Africa. I take a light set of Russell's standard 'Safari PH' for a backup pair, but the Mountain PH is my day-to-day boot of choice.........

AD

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: allenday]
      #84693 - 27/08/07 01:36 AM

This is a great thread. I hope we get some more input here. Thanks to all who've contributed so far.

Just an FYI for the U.S. members here, I've been looking for the Smartwool sock which several members here have mentioned, and found them at Dick's Sporting Goods which have locations all around the country.

Edited by mikeh416Rigby (27/08/07 01:38 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
larcher
.416 member


Reged: 11/01/05
Posts: 2655
Loc: Saverne, Alsace, France
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Will]
      #84899 - 30/08/07 03:04 AM

I am just back from 3 weeks hunting in Zimbabwe. I was crippled last year and 4 days before leaving France my hips and knees were so sick I wondered if I wouldn't send my son hunting at my place.
I have opted for very cushionned running shoes made by Salomon (Adidas).

Salomon trail pro 2

The result : I never suffered from tiredness or other ailments, I felt perfectly fit for a guy my age. I never regreted to use such low shoes even when climbing steep rocky hills. My opinion is that cushionned shoes help a lot protecting joints and the vertebreas, and they are light, so one can hunt all day long without feeling tired by heavy boots.

--------------------
"I don't want to create an encyclopedic atmosphere here when we might be having a beer instead" P H Capstick in "Safari the last adventure."

Edited by larcher (30/08/07 03:07 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Best Boots for Africa [Re: Will]
      #87139 - 15/10/07 04:31 AM

As I've gotten older, my feet seem to have changed quite a bit. I'm having a very difficult time finding a pair of boots, off the shelf, that fit me well. So this past week I gave in, and ordered a pair of custom made boots from Russell Moccasin. They're the Mbogo PH Model, made from Cape Buffalo Hide, leather lined in the foot area, with a Vibram Huez Sole, arch support, and heel counters. I have an older pair of the Russell PH IIs, but they no longer fit me properly. For 10 years or so, they fit me properly, so I can't complain about the wear I got out of them. Here's hoping that this next pair works out as well, and lasts as long.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | >> (show all)


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 29 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:   

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 25198

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved