Boots for sandy soil

jpr9954

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I'll be heading to the Northern Cape for a hunt on the edge of the Kalahari next year. This has gotten me to thinking about my boots and more importantly their soles. I hunted in Limpopo this past August and walking in the sandy soil on the roads I felt like my lug soles were digging in too much.

Is a boot with a flatter tread pattern like on Thorogood or Redwing boots better for walking on sandy soil?

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My James Leddy safari boots have a Vibram half sole similar to the tread pattern in the picture below.

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If it just doesn't matter, tell me and I can stop worrying about it.
 
I don’t think the tread pattern matters, however I’d tell you wider is better in sand. I used a pair of Namibian vellies this year that were wider than my foot. They help stop you from sinking into sand. Jim Green Rangers are a very similar width.
 
I'll be heading to the Northern Cape for a hunt on the edge of the Kalahari next year. This has gotten me to thinking about my boots and more importantly their soles. I hunted in Limpopo this past August and walking in the sandy soil on the roads I felt like my lug soles were digging in too much.

Is a boot with a flatter tread pattern like on Thorogood or Redwing boots better for walking on sandy soil? My James Leddy safari boots have a Vibram half sole similar to the tread pattern in the picture below.

View attachment 669431

If it just doesn't matter, tell me and I can stop worrying about it.
Big and flat soles are most quit. I wore Keen low hikers last fall. It was impossible to be as quit as the PH & Trackers in those (I'm sure some of that was just me too). Now I'm breaking in some Jim Green African Rangers for my next safari. They have big flat bottoms as the shoes you picture. It's what my PH & Trackers wore.

Image 3.jpeg
 
I don’t think the tread pattern matters, however I’d tell you wider is better in sand. I used a pair of Namibian vellies this year that were wider than my foot. They help stop you from sinking into sand. Jim Green Rangers are a very similar width.
I tried on the African Rangers at the DSC Convention. I would have loved a pair of them if I could have gotten a pair that fit my feet. I had heel lift with a 10 and a 9.5 was too tight. I still would have needed to have the leather stretched in a spot or two. Neuropathy in your feet sucks!
 
The Courtney boots/vellies sure have gotten expensive. I like mine, but I don't think I'd spend $400 on the boots if I had to do it over. It's likely some sort of sacrilege to say this but Chuck Taylors or some Salomons are hard to beat in sand and elsewhere.
 
The Courtney boots/vellies sure have gotten expensive. I like mine, but I don't think I'd spend $400 on the boots if I had to do it over. It's likely some sort of sacrilege to say this but Chuck Taylors or some Salomons are hard to beat in sand and elsewhere.
Amen! I have posted pics before, but Chuck’s with puncture proof/resistant insoles are my go to. Unless really cold or terrible thorns, I cannot think of better ( for me anyways).
 

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Amen! I have posted pics before, but Chuck’s with puncture proof/resistant insoles are my go to.
I've never heard of puncture proof insoles for them. That's an aftermarket add on, right? I've got to get a pair.
 
I've never heard of puncture proof insoles for them. That's an aftermarket add on, right? I've got to get a pair.
Yes sir. Think I bought mine on Amazon. I really like the Chuck’s in the boulders too. I hate getting into the big rocks, but did better with Chuck’s than stiff boots.
 
Don’t forget your short gaiters to keep that sand out! If it gets in you mars we’ll have sand paper as an insole!
Light weight, Fit and flexible for the boots.
 
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Haven’t worn them on a hunt yet but got these recently. Been wearing them on local hikes and working outside etc. they are super comfortable and I think will fit the bill for a lot of things.

 
I wear blue steel work boots in sandy areas, which is half my farm, and half the neighbours where I also work, if they are comfortable enough to wear all day working, then they should go ok to hunt in. And I do wear them hunting
Gumpy
 

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