Boots-different brands

[Bill J H]

Interesting how perceptions are different. Red Leg and I are polar opposites on this. He may be a better foot weight and noise judge than me.
I notice the difference when I’m walking on harder surfaces (rocks or hard packed soil) or on surfaces like small, gravelly rocks. In grass or sand they seem the same to me. My quietest are the JG Barefoot A Rangers; they are almost like moccasins, but with the slightest sole.
Now, I’m gonna have to actually weigh them to see which are lighter.

 

[grand veneur]

 

[wiyofa]

For Courteney’s, I have a pair of the slip on Nduna from 2024 (From Sporting Creations), a pair of 2023 Safari from Rigby, a pair of 2021 Selous from Rigby, and a pair of 2008 Hunter’s with a seam around the toe from Westley Richard’s. Reason I put the date they were made is there is a difference in sizing. The Hunters I got from WR back in late 2008 or early 2009 are 12.5’s and fit me wonderfully. I wear a 13 in most everything. Typically I wish I could get a 13.5, but 14’s are usually too big, especially in the heel. I like a wider toe box, but I don’t have the thickest (High volume) feet I think.

Skip forward to last couple years and when I got the newer pairs, they are all size 11.5 and could honestly have gone to an 11 I think in each except maybe the Safari. The exterior sole lenth on all 4 pairs match, the 2008 size 12.5 is spot on with the newer size 11.5’s. All of them have just about 1/4” of space in front of the size 13 green superfeet insoles I put in them. And the Nduna’s are honestly too big, the volume is too large and will slide around if not wearing super thick socks. I wish they were 11’s. All the others fit great and comfortable for however long I wear or hike in them check Work safety direct. The Selous are comfortable enough that I don’t just wear for time in Africa, I wear them through the airport and flight. They are just plain comfy.

Just be careful on sizing. They don’t just run big, they run BIG. Westley Richard’s you can return to their US folks if sizing is off, and Africa Sporting Creations works with folks on sizing and returns.

The Safari does run a bit larger than the Selous. For soles, the ripple is more cushioned for daily wear, while the cleat offers a better grip. Jim Green boots are a solid alternative, worth considering.

 

[towserthemouser]

Let me present my stupidity to our forum please. I have tried three pair of Courtney boots all pinched my small toe or the e width was too wide. So knowing I was coming to Zim I reached out to Courtney directly. I asked them to please make me a Hunter Brand boot wider than a D width but less than an E width and I would pick them up in Zim. Next here is where the stupid part comes in. I did not realize the “polish” that comes with the boots is saddle soap. My PH Lou Hallamore then told me to coat and rub in the soap until I had used the entire container which I have done. I also had ordered before I came over high arch support orthotics. OMG they are now the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. Lou told me to use Kwiki shoe polish when I get home and they will last a lifetime

Are you saying that the massive dose of saddle soap was what has made them so comfortable? Obviously you solved a fit problem which must have helped also......