Boots - recommendations?

[DMHolliday]

Danner Mountain 600, models are available insulated/non insulated and Gore-Tex and non Gore-Tex. I took two pair to RSA last August, they worked well. A couple of models are currently on sale 30-40% discounted.

Best boots I've ever worn

 

[ftrovato]

Danner Mountain 600, models are available insulated/non insulated and Gore-Tex and non Gore-Tex. I took two pair to RSA last August, they worked well. A couple of models are currently on sale 30-40% discounted.

Best boots I've ever worn

I have several different Danners. I've worn Danner for 40 years. All simply excellent!

 

[Tundra Tiger]

We all speak from our own experiences...

I had Lowa Renegades my first trip to Africa. They did not seem heavy to me, and I think they were/are Gore-Tex.

Second trip I had GoRuck MacV-2s. Almost half the freaking weight of the Lowas - if weight is a prime consideration, I can't imagine better. Not waterproof, but frankly? If it's just an Africa thing, I can't say in my two trips that waterproof was a consideration. Maybe others who have gone more often have had a different experience?

My favorites for Alaska - when it's not Mucks or flat-out waders - are the old style Danner Jackals. Very lightweight. I like them for spring bear hunting along the coast up here. I can still find them on eBay when I decide I need a pair. Here's a picture of the old style.

 

[rookhawk]

Right folks, I know the main points are:

-Something that fits the individual/you

-Wear the boot in before you go.


Now I don’t know if I’m being ambitious but I’m looking for something lightweight and waterproof.

I’ve got big, heavy, shin height boots for stalking in heather in the uk. But the rest of the time, I just need something for a hike on a weekend or that I can put gaitors over to achieve the same thing with less weight.

I’ve got 8 days in KZN in May.
I’ve got a few weeks,(non hunting) in NZ in their summer.


Is there anything lightweight and waterproof that would cover both? I’d have thought waterproof would still be an advantage for Africa as well?


Thanks!

I'd want the very opposite of your waterproof requirement. You need breathable leather to not swelter and get trench foot on a long safari. Add to that, two pairs so you can rotate them every day to avoid them going rotten from sweat.

I'd recommend a courteney selous, safari, or jamieson.

Just my suggestion after many safaris, YMMV.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I guess it depends where and when hunting Africa. I'm on the East Cape, RSA at the end of August. Some mornings there's frost on the ground.

 

[RR 314]

I have tried a lot of boots and my go to now for Africa are Converse All-Stars with thornproof inserts. They do not provide any protection on top or the sides, but are cool, quiet and comfortable.

 

[JimP]

I have started wearing nice comfortable light weight boots for 99% of the hunting that I now do. I don't hunt in the snow if I can avoid it and most of my hunting is in the early fall where I don't need insulation. Sounds a lot like Africa.

To fit this bill I purchased a pair of Crispi Colorado's. They are no longer made but were replaced by the Colorado II. My original Crispi Colorado's are still going strong but I have been thinking of purchasing a backup pair in the near future. The Colorado's that I have now are going on 3 years and a number of hunts. They have a 8" top and weigh less than 2 lbs.

 

[Tra3]

Merrill wilderness boots. I have had 2 pairs since 1994 to today. 20 years with one sole change on the first pair. They are reasonably waterproof and good from about 20 degrees up to 60 degrees.

Courtney boots are good for about 30 degrees up to 105 degrees (hottest I have hunted in)

Colder than 20, I usually wear Schenees pack boots. I hunted at -12 wind chill last weekend in wisconsin.

Boots should last 5+ years or much more. It is less money to get a really good pair that lasts 2x or 3x as long as a cheap pair.

Running shoes work well for long, hot hunts, but are not great for carrying weight or thorns.

I’ve hunted in sandals, barefoot and with running shoes in the caprivi. If you are knee deep or waist deep in water and mud, a running shoe works just fine, and you can leave it behind when you go home.

I’ve also hunted in allbird wool shoes. Those are stealth level quiet because the sole is so flexible.

I agree with @rookhawk, if it is at all warm, you don’t want waterproof boots. Your feet will sweat, then blister.

@RR 314 is smart, quiet flexible shoes are better than stiff sole boots. A good pair of Courtney leather ankle gators turns a pair of soccer shoes into a functional hunting shoe.

 

[DMHolliday]

We all speak from our own experiences...

I had Lowa Renegades my first trip to Africa. They did not seem heavy to me, and I think they were/are Gore-Tex.

Second trip I had GoRuck MacV-2s. Almost half the freaking weight of the Lowas - if weight is a prime consideration, I can't imagine better. Not waterproof, but frankly? If it's just an Africa thing, I can't say in my two trips that waterproof was a consideration. Maybe others who have gone more often have had a different experience?

My favorites for Alaska - when it's not Mucks or flat-out waders - are the old style Danner Jackals. Very lightweight. I like them for spring bear hunting along the coast up here. I can still find them on eBay when I decide I need a pair. Here's a picture of the old style.

View attachment 650839

Wow, I haven't seen these boots in a long time. I wore out several pair, great boots, I also donated a pair to US govt at Dulles airport after my first Africa hunt many years ago. I made the mistake of wearing them on the return flight home and the AG inspector went over them with a magnifying glass looking for invasive grasses, seeds and whatever else.

I was worried about making my connection and the inspector was taking her sweet time, so I left the boots and walked thru Dulles in socks. Still missed the damn flight home. I haven't encountered or seen an AG inspector in an airport since that encounter.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Amazon.com

 

[wesheltonj]

I like Merrill Boots, good and cheap hiking boots. However, they are junk for an alpine hunt, I found out the hard way.

 

[steve white]

It's really ridiculous the number of boots I've invested in just to pamper my footsies. Lowa, Asolo, Salomon--I am testing now, not ready to report on them. Also Danner Ft. Lewis and other Danner, GoRuck, Kennetrek, Courtney, Rocky, custom Russells, Red Wing 400gm airbob and Redwing green bird boots (not kangaroo), Cabela's kangaroo and knockoffs, plus others. Most times the round toed boots were a bit tight on TOP of my toes. Hoka One One boots were a bit soft. But after uncounted miles, the ones where my feet still felt great at the end of the day plus great year after year? The Redwings with moccasin toe box and some kind of sole that was a knockoff of a work boot my brothers swore by--Durashocks, I think. I literally wore the toe caps off those boots and they never let me down. Just not good for sloped terrain. Redwing airbob sole have been great. For slopes if you can stand the weight--Kenetreks! Shnee's may be a lighter version of Kenetrek technology. Danner Ft. Lewis are flawless, but heavy. I cut two inches off the top of them. Rockys were the first to put a smile on my face back in the day, and would have been Africa comfortable, but not necessarily thorn friendly....
I have discovered that too much Cush can give you something akin to "bone spurs" You need the right kind of support. I am big believer in orthotics especially if a boot is less than perfect.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

For Africa Courteneys of course. Ripple sole and the box toe version. They are just the part. Get one size up and fit correct insoles made for you. The very best of all worlds.

 

[CZDiesel]

I use Danner for the Rockies but I’m taking my Keens for Africa…

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

These (Timberland) are what I wear for most of my hunting: Africa, Mexico, Canada, US, and I wear them for work too. I have a wide foot and they come in wide and are waterproof. Lightweight and Durable. Great tread and wear well. I don’t wear them in true steep mountain condition wear sturdy mountain boot would do better. I walk 5-10 miles a day in them without issue. They also accommodate my custom orthotic insoles.

 

[DieJager]

These (Timberland) are what I wear for most of my hunting: Africa, Mexico, Canada, US, and I wear them for work too. I have a wide foot and they come in wide and are waterproof. Lightweight and Durable. Great tread and wear well. I don’t wear them in true steep mountain condition wear sturdy mountain boot would do better. I walk 5-10 miles a day in them without issue. They also accommodate my custom orthotic insoles.

View attachment 650929

Used Timberland's on both safaris. First pair I used also at home and had gore Tex. But roughed them up last year and had to replace them. The pair I now use at home are from Jack Wolfskin but too warm for Africa. Last month on Namibia also used Timberland's and worked well. They were sans gore tex but no problem for where I hunted.

 

[uplander01]

If I wasn’t heavy on boots I’d be taking a hard look at the new scheme hiker that’s made in italy

 

[rookhawk]

Merrill wilderness boots. I have had 2 pairs since 1994 to today. 20 years with one sole change on the first pair. They are reasonably waterproof and good from about 20 degrees up to 60 degrees.

Courtney boots are good for about 30 degrees up to 105 degrees (hottest I have hunted in)

Colder than 20, I usually wear Schenees pack boots. I hunted at -12 wind chill last weekend in wisconsin.

Boots should last 5+ years or much more. It is less money to get a really good pair that lasts 2x or 3x as long as a cheap pair.

Running shoes work well for long, hot hunts, but are not great for carrying weight or thorns.

I’ve hunted in sandals, barefoot and with running shoes in the caprivi. If you are knee deep or waist deep in water and mud, a running shoe works just fine, and you can leave it behind when you go home.

I’ve also hunted in allbird wool shoes. Those are stealth level quiet because the sole is so flexible.

I agree with @rookhawk, if it is at all warm, you don’t want waterproof boots. Your feet will sweat, then blister.

@RR 314 is smart, quiet flexible shoes are better than stiff sole boots. A good pair of Courtney leather ankle gators turns a pair of soccer shoes into a functional hunting shoe.

Agree with your Courtney comments. Also agree with your Schnee Packer boots for sub-30F American hunting. They don't make them in my size, but they are what I got my wife for getting out the car into a slushy parking lot 4 months of the year. Her "camp shoe" is a schnee loafer, a preppy throw back to the 1980s "duck shoes". She loves those too.

I think Courteney is making a canvas version of their safari with leather heel and toe caps. That might be an excellent lightweight option for the Namib and other places where you need lighter weight and more evaporation. I don't think they'd last long in the thick jess and acacia of Zimbabwe though, thorns would puncture from the top side.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Salomon goretex
Lightish waterproof
Good support
Have hunted in 40 deg c in SA and in -15 deg c in poland in snow
Works well all over and everywhere

 

[JES Adventures]

Lowe GTX Mid