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Hunting >> Hunting in Africa & hunting dangerous game
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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Hunting Boots for Africa
      #29216 - 09/04/05 09:39 PM

OK folks,

As many of you will know - a few weeks ago I posted a poll asking for opinions and preferences on hunting boots…..and I’d like to thank you all for you’re input on that! The idea started because I was sick to death of always having to wear hunting boots that were never quite right……and I wanted to try to develop what I considered the perfect African hunting boot………..It’s taken me 25 years – but I now think I’ve done it!

I’ve had the various prototypes made and given them plenty of hard trialling and after more than a few alterations I’m now very happy indeed with the product.

As many of you will know my original idea was just to offer our own clients the option of having a set of hunting boots made out of the back-skin of their own Buffalo but I’ve had such an incredible amount of interest from other hunters/agents/outfitters as well we’ve decided to offer a basic design of this top quality hand made hunting boot which each individual hunter can then customise for themselves by selecting their own choices of leathers (outer & lining) and soles. We can either supply the leathers for you or if you prefer to have them made out of skins from your own trophies we can do that also.

I’d rather not post full details here as it will take uo too much room - and I'm hopeless at posting pictures - but if anyone would like to know more about this range of boots please feel free to send me an e-mail and I’ll be delighted to send you full details.

Incidentally, as a spin off of this we can now also make individual hunting related leather items to order.


--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



Edited by shakari (09/04/05 09:41 PM)

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mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #29229 - 10/04/05 12:40 AM

Steve, I sent you an email. I'm very interested.

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #29231 - 10/04/05 12:50 AM

Mike,

The info's on it's way to you now......please let me know if you have any questions.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39680
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #29246 - 10/04/05 05:37 AM

Info on Steve's "Shakari" boots is downloadable here. The downloadable files are in MS Word format.

The "Shakari" Hunting Boot

Design of the "Shakari" Hunting Boot


Steve

They look good. I may need a pair myself.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: NitroX]
      #29249 - 10/04/05 06:34 AM

John,

Thanks for your help on this. I should think the same boots wold be suitable for Aussie hunting as well.....you have much the same conditions and terrains as we have here.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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500grains
.416 member


Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: NitroX]
      #29252 - 10/04/05 09:42 AM

That is a very good price.

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: 500grains]
      #29276 - 10/04/05 03:43 PM

We kept the price down as much as we could - but there was no way I was going to compromise my/the standards. I was absolutely determined to end with exactly what I wanted whatever the price.......and I think we've ended up with a great boot at a fair price.

It seems that a lot of people agree as we're getting a lot of interest.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39680
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #29283 - 11/04/05 12:35 AM

Steve

Please feel free to use those online files where you like.

What do you recommend for the soles? The heavy 4x4 tyre type sole of the thinner one? For African hunting and if different, which terrains?

I am definitely interested in buying and trying a pair. I need a wider boot BTW. How soft is the leather?

Thanks.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: NitroX]
      #29285 - 11/04/05 01:20 AM

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.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



Edited by shakari (11/04/05 01:25 AM)

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39680
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #29546 - 15/04/05 12:52 PM

Steve

I think I will take up your offer and get a pair of boots made. From buffalo leather. My main concern is that they fit well as one can not try them on. Maybe an outline of my feet would be useful with the order ? I am a little confused by which US, European or British (etc) size range we use in Oz. Certainly not Nipponese.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: NitroX]
      #29554 - 15/04/05 04:45 PM

In reply to:

Maybe an outline of my feet would be useful with the order ?



FWIW, If you do make an outline of your feet, be warned that you then have to send it in the mail and not by a fax machine.

If you send it as a fax, the size will change when it is printed out of the receiving fax machine. I know this from doing an outline for a pair of Swedish boots once, where the company told me that had been a problem until they realized what was happening.

Erik

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #29604 - 16/04/05 05:33 PM

Sorry John,

I missed this - I'll send you an e-mail with a scaled document. If you draw the outline of your SOCKED feet then scan and return them I can go from there.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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AussieMike
.300 member


Reged: 01/09/04
Posts: 236
Loc: Southern Tablelands, NSW, Aust...
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #29792 - 20/04/05 02:18 PM

Nitrox,

Why not just scan your feet?

mike

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #32124 - 27/05/05 07:41 AM

I received a pair of Steves boots a short while ago, and have now been wearing them daily for a week. My pair is in antilope skin with impala lining inside, and with the thinner "tracking soles".

Thus far, I've been very pleased with them, and they are probably the softest, comfiest boots I've had on from the start. They kind of felt right the second I put them on. Due to the smooth impala lining, the possibility of a blister is also next to zero, and they have needed virtually no breaking in. They are undoubtably better feeling for my feet than the simular Courtney Boots I've tried (and didn't like that much), and offer a bit more arch support too. I am going to try a pair of of Sole Custom Footbeds that I have in another pair of shoes to see how that works too. It might add a bit more cushioning when walking in hard surfaces.

So all in all, Steves boots get a definate thumbs up for a quality product!

And for those who are wondering, no, I have not been paid by Steve to say these things!

Erik

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mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #32351 - 30/05/05 10:05 AM

Steve, is it possible (for a fee of course), to get the boot made in an 8" high version? I've had my left ankle reconstructed, and need higher boots for the support, less I turn it badly and tear out the screws in the leg and ankle.

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: mikeh416Rigby]
      #32427 - 31/05/05 03:27 AM

Erik,

Glad you liked them. I recently wore a pair fresh from the factory on a hunt in Botswana where we had lots of walking. They didn't need any breaking in and I was perfectly comfortable for the whole hunt - Actually, I've also worn them pretty much every day since.

Mike,

We make a higher pair which are slightly cut away at the back. These measure 6 inches from the heel bed to the top at the front and 4 1/4 inches from the heel bed to the top at the back.....if that makes sense!!

As each pair is hand made we can usually accommodate special orders. If you know exactly what you need please feel free to send me an e-mail with the exact specification and I'll see what I can do for you.

As to additional cost- I doubt they'll be any at all and if there is, it won't be much.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



Edited by shakari (31/05/05 03:29 AM)

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500grains
.416 member


Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #35158 - 28/07/05 12:14 PM

Are these on sale in the USA yet?

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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #36711 - 01/09/05 05:19 PM



Steve,

The boots worked out very well in Zim this summer. They were probably the quietest boots I've used, and comfortable as I mentioned before from day one. The only (slight) problem I had was that the leather innersole were a little uneven inside, and gave me a small blister on my right heal after a very long day of hard tracking, but I just switched the innersole the next day with a pair from my Timberland hiking shoes. Problem solved.

I give a big thumbs up for these boots!

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #36813 - 03/09/05 03:37 PM

500grains

We don't have a US agent planned as each pair is hand made so for now it's direct order only I'm afraid.....

Erik,

glad you liked them. I've just worn a pair for 42 days hunting in Tanzania where we did a shed load of walking and they were just sooooo comfortable. By the way, how did your hunt go?

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #36815 - 03/09/05 04:25 PM

Steve,

Have a look at:
Ele hunt report

Erik

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shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #36820 - 03/09/05 05:40 PM

Erik,

Looks like a great trip - congratulations, now all you have to do is get over the PSD!!!!

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



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EricD
.416 member


Reged: 27/02/04
Posts: 4636
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: shakari]
      #36821 - 03/09/05 06:27 PM

Steve,

Sent you an e-mail regarding making gunslips from the ele hide.

Erik

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bulldog563
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Reged: 21/10/05
Posts: 1153
Loc: California
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: EricD]
      #39641 - 24/10/05 07:48 AM

Does anyone know where I could get a set of the boot top covers in the Zim picture posted by ErikD. I have been trying to find them but since I don't know what they are called internet searches have been unproductive.

--------------------
Join the National Rifle Association:
https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp

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mikeh416Rigby
.450 member


Reged: 24/02/03
Posts: 6051
Loc: The beautiful Oley Valley, PA....
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: bulldog563]
      #39647 - 24/10/05 08:15 AM

They're called gaters, and I believe Cabela's, and also Boyds sell them.

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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Hunting Boots for Africa [Re: bulldog563]
      #39652 - 24/10/05 10:18 AM

bulldog563

If you can't find a pair PM me and we'll get a set sent over
from Australia.

They are very common here. Generally 3 types,

Cotton one's - good across the board, quiet but the occasional seed
gets stuck in them but that's not a major problem.

Waxed Cotton - good for wetter areas / wet grass in the morning
I don't use these at all.

Canvas - 3 sizes depending on size of calf muscles and feet.
Also, 3 Styles
- Full length up to bottom of knee cap
- Boot length
- Normal as per ones in photo

I have all 3 and use whichever depending on where I am going
and how many snakes their are !!!

I like the Normal as per ones in photo as they have an addional tab
at the front that cover the laces and so stop grass seeds etc getting
caught in the boot laces and under the leather.

I never go out in the bush without one set on my feet, even if I wear
lng trousers and it just stops seeds getting in - which if you have spent
time out bush they get in everywhere.

Anyway, PM me if you want more info.

500 Nitro

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