Courteney Safari boots

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

This is Jim from African Sporting Creations and we are the master distributor for Courteney in the USA. We stock 20 different styles. They are a hand-made boot and PH's over in Africa call them the 10,000 mile boot as those that wear pedometers say that is about when they give up the ghost. They use real rubber soles that they mold themselves (versus blown rubber) and that is one of the keys to their durability. The other is the thickness of the gameskin leather (buff, kudu, croc, hippo, ostrich) and how they double it up in key wear areas. If you are a small size we can usually fit you first time....if you unsure of size tell us what you typically wear (many say for example I take an 11 or and 11.5 depending on the shoe) and buy one pair,we send two and you simply send the other one back on the honor system.

The BBC just did an TV feature on them so a bit light on inventory at the moment but 200 more on the way from Zim as we speak and as long as Delta makes space for them, we should have them by end of the month.

Go to www.africansc.com if you want to take a look and send a note to info@africansc.com with size and styles of interest and will get back to you regarding availability.

Jim

Pm sent!

 

[ChrisG]

Good morning (afternoon, evening) to you all!

I was perusing the "Free Classifieds" section and came across an add for some used Courteney Safari boots which were going for around $250.00. I was impressed that a pair of used boots could command such a high price so I went over to the Courteney website where I saw entries ranging from around $300 to over $700. Now, please understand that I am in NO WAY disparaging these boots or the prices, I'm just seeking to understand what makes them worth such large sums? Do they last a very long time? Are they super comfortable without needing a high priced insert? Is it just sort of the "Nike" of the hunting world? Again, please understand that this is not me taking a dig at the boots in the slightest, I'm just in love with all things "Safari" since my last trip and I'm trying to see what the hype is about.

Thank you in advance for your replies, hope you are all having a great one!

Lol you think Courteney's are expensive... you should look at russell moccasin company or some of the "designer boots", Most of those start at $350 and go up from there to well over $1000. As to what makes them worth the money, Courtney's are entirely made of real leather, they are stitched and made properly the way that Clark's shoes used to be in the UK. (not Coincidentally, the guy who started Coureteney learned to make shoes there.) The Soles are proprietary rubber that is quiet and also durable. The stitching is high quality and done by hand (with a sewming machine for most of it, but by hand nonetheless.) They really aren't that pricey for a pair of handmade boots. I have a pair of their "Tracker Two Tone" shipping from Johannesburg this week and I think they were like $220 shipped which is peanuts for a good pair of boots. If you want a pair, order them 3 months before you think you'll need them because they have to be made and then shipped.

Look at it this way, a pair of Chippewa boots is made of inexpensive cowhide from companies like Horween. The soles are cheap rubber and they are not super comfortable. Price? $175-$250. Courteney's are made of buffalo hide (or any exotic leather you can think of), they are hand stitched, and if you take care of them, they will last your for a long long time. Plus, if they get worn, or need to be resoled, you can just send them back to courteney and they will do it for you.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Lol you think Courteney's are expensive... you should look at russell moccasin company or some of the "designer boots", Most of those start at $350 and go up from there to well over $1000. As to what makes them worth the money, Courtney's are entirely made of real leather, they are stitched and made properly the way that Clark's shoes used to be in the UK. (not Coincidentally, the guy who started Coureteney learned to make shoes there.) The Soles are proprietary rubber that is quiet and also durable. The stitching is high quality and done by hand (with a sewming machine for most of it, but by hand nonetheless.) They really aren't that pricey for a pair of handmade boots. I have a pair of their "Tracker Two Tone" shipping from Johannesburg this week and I think they were like $220 shipped which is peanuts for a good pair of boots. If you want a pair, order them 3 months before you think you'll need them because they have to be made and then shipped.

Look at it this way, a pair of Chippewa boots is made of inexpensive cowhide from companies like Horween. The soles are cheap rubber and they are not super comfortable. Price? $175-$250. Courteney's are made of buffalo hide (or any exotic leather you can think of), they are hand stitched, and if you take care of them, they will last your for a long long time. Plus, if they get worn, or need to be resoled, you can just send them back to courteney and they will do it for you.

Good morning,

All valid points! Here is a question though, not just for yourself but for anyone else reading this as well. Which soles would you go with and why? I see they have 3 kinds, ranging from the "tractor tire" sole through the...I don't know what it's called "really flat sole" I suppose. I already have a nice pair of boots with the tractor tire sole (at least they look similar) so would getting the medium to flat sole be worth it?

As always, thanks for your time!

 

[adgunner]

I have two pairs of them, a pair of shoes with very little tread on them (flat style) and a pair of boots made of ele with the lug style treads. The flat sole as a hunting boot would not work for me on most rocky terrain as there isn't enough traction. As a desert type shoe it (flat style) it fits the bill nicely.

 

[Mlibizi 8182]

As a Zimbabwe PH I have this to say about Courtney boots. They are the only boots I own or would wear. I do wear store bought quality insoles. Not the boots fault but mine. If you plan on insoles maybe go 1/2 size larger.
Note: If the toe of your sole separates from the the boot YOU ARE SITTING TO CLOSE TO THE FIRE! I know there is someone out there will disagree, but that is what Courtney's tell me everytime I bring one of my trackers boots in for free repair, always the right boot. I use R.M. William's Saddle & Leather Dressing.

 

[james cameron]

Interesting read. Have spent many miles on my feet hunting and guiding from SA to the Congo, I am willing to pay top dollar for hunting boots. Happy feet, happy hunter.

We focus so much of our discussions on rifles etc but we forget the most basic of all - if your feet aren't happy, you will not be using your fancy rifle (unless of course you intend hunting from a vehicle, which most will vehemently deny...so let's not go there).

Personally, I have only used Russell Moccasins. They are undoubtedly the best shoes I have ever owned. I am a bit of a habitual boot buyer and so have owned Rogue, Courtney and more. However, most happy miles by far covered in Russell. They are twice the price but I have owned these boots since 1995.

 

[Mlibizi 8182]

Interesting read. Have spent many miles on my feet hunting and guiding from SA to the Congo, I am willing to pay top dollar for hunting boots. Happy feet, happy hunter.

We focus so much of our discussions on rifles etc but we forget the most basic of all - if your feet aren't happy, you will not be using your fancy rifle (unless of course you intend hunting from a vehicle, which most will vehemently deny...so let's not go there).

Personally, I have only used Russell Moccasins. They are undoubtedly the best shoes I have ever owned. I am a bit of a habitual boot buyer and so have owned Rogue, Courtney and more. However, most happy miles by far covered in Russell. They are twice the price but I have owned these boots since 1995.

If it works don't change! How much do you think those Russels have cost you per kilometer?

 

[james cameron]

Ha! Good question...very cheap in that case.

 

[Mlibizi 8182]

Ha! Good question...very cheap in that case.

We rest our case!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Eventually_Africa, I have the “tractor tire” sole. Gravel constantly sticks in the tread (not enough taper in the grooves maybe). I bring gravel into the lodge, into the truck, into my home (wifey hates it on our hardwood floors!) When hunting with my old ankles they do not give enough ankle support in steep rocky country. The Patrol model may be better for that.
I have very flat thin feet, so I have to have insoles in almost all my shoes. Usually Superfeet. My toes occasionally are bothered by contacting the tops because the do not have a box toe space.
Whining aside, at two years old, they seem to be holding up quite well. They had virtually no break-in on my feet. I will probably buy another pair with the flattest sole to improve my quiet stalking.

Oh and IMO they are totally inadequate for hunting the mountains of Colorado.

 

[Dewald]

They are worth every cent. My first pair of Selous boots I got to try out for free when Safari &Outfoor was still a photography store.

They lasted 11 years of hard hunting, guiding and general abuse. I had to on two occasions glue the soles back with windscreen silicone on hunts (that fire story...), but the uppers are still great.

This year I started hunting Selous pair number 2, and the first day saw me track a wounded zebra for 18 kilometers, with no foot pain or discomfort.

Here comes the best part: Telling Gale Rice, the owner at Huntex on Thursday how pleased I am eith them, she insisted I send my old boots for a FREE resole - that is servise. I will however replace the tractor tyre with the ripple sole.

I then wanted to purchase a pair of Warriors on special for R1200, but they didn't have my size. No problem again. I was sat down, asked what Leather/ colour and sole I want, and told they will manufacture them for me within 3 weeks, and still at R1200! I was speechless. Unheard of service and pride in their product.

I own s few of their belts, gators, and a pair of their Vellies which I like so much that I got married in them... Also purchased a top notch rifle sling from them at the show now.

Needless to say, I will always support Courtney, almost irrespective of the price. Their service is worth it. The old saying comes to mind - "buy once, cry once".

 

[cagkt3]

All the PH's in the camp I hunted had Courteney's. They were actually kinda surprised I had a pair.

+1 on using @African Sporting Creations - Jim is great!

 

[tarbe]

John Sharp says Courteney boots are essential for the Safari...so there you go!

 

[Adrian]

Out of curiosity, is there anywhere in OR Tambo airport that sells these?

 

[TByrd]

You will never be let down dealing with Jim at ASC. I’m pretty sure you will be satisfied with the boots as well. I have two pair...they remind me of wearing Nike high tops back in my basketball days! They are awesome.

 

[edward]

AMEN TO THAT.

 

[spike.t]

as has been said they last and last and last.....no break in needed and never had blisters or any other issues...i have a pair of russell boots as well but much prefer my courteney selous boots...and as i have said on other threads about them on here ..i have done just about everything in mine over the years...

 

[Dewald]

Out of curiosity, is there anywhere in OR Tambo airport that sells these?

Your closest option would be Safari & Outdoor East Rand store.

 

[Adrian]

Your closest option would be Safari & Outdoor East Rand store.

Thanks Dewald but I will be in transit and not leaving the airport.

 

[ESC]

Hey guys I know I’m a bit late here. But have some Courtney questions. I recently got a pair of safaris and am really impressed with the boot. The only issue is there is not much padding in the tongue. And the lacing eyelets really dig into the top of my foot, a few miles in that’s not so great. If anyone has ran into this problem before with Courtney’s and found a solution I’m open to your advice, Thanks.

I’m pretty accustomed to wearing boots and have worn a few pairs out. But these seem a bit different.