Footwear to pack

[DLSJR]

One thing to keep in mind about Courtneys is that they’re not only heavy, there have no padding for the footbed or mid sole - at all. I like my Selous‘ (they’re on my feet as I type this) and Courtney’s are very well made, quality boots. BUT, just know that after a long day of walking your feet will be tired and sore. That said, I’ll be taking them on a hunt in the Selous this August and to Cameroon next February. But I’ll also have a lighter, softer boot with me.

I like Danner Pronghorns a lot. They fit me well and I’ve gotten good life from them. I’ll be wearing those in Cameroon more than anything else as lots of walking is expected.

Another great light weight hiking boot I’m totally in love with is Hoka. They are simply the most comfortable hiking boots I’ve ever worn. If you want the ultimate in a light hiking boot, I highly recommend Hoka.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Every night routine last year.

 

[The Engineer]

Brand is not the issue. Footwear that:

1. is 5 or 6 inch high
2. is comfortable on long hikes over uneven terrain
3, us relatively quiet
4. is reasonably light
5. is reasonably rugged
6. has been worn long enough to be full broken in and proven to meet 2 through 5

is perfect for me. The most comfortable shoe I have found is an Irish Setter that looks like the Red Wings you have. They are more comfortable than my custom fit Russels. I wear the Irish Setters constantly and they are now too worn to hunt in. Unfortunately, that particular shoe is no longer available.

 

[revturbo9967]

I’m wearing oboz mid waterproof hiking boot and I love them. I’ve been wearing them on Fridays (dress down day) as well as all weekend. Thus far I haven’t seen where I can’t have them on for 10+ hours

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I forgot to add to my other email. For many years my favorite spring brown bear boots (a lot of miles) were the older style Danner Jackals. I think they'd be a very fine boot for South Africa. Alas, they are getting harder to find.

 

[Andrew62]

I’m wearing oboz mid waterproof hiking boot and I love them. I’ve been wearing them on Fridays (dress down day) as well as all weekend. Thus far I haven’t seen where I can’t have them on for 10+ hours

I too wear Oboz, I like them so well I immediately bought a 2nd pair. I've worn them on my last 3 safaris, they work well, they especially worked well this past hunt in Cameroon on the uneven terrain. I already have them in my bag for this September's safari.

 

[pilar]

I’m thinking of going Jim Green Ranger in buffalo hide
just got to figure out what insoles to buy and if I can use sheep oil to treat the leather

 

[wvfred]

My last two trips I've used Merrill Moab mid height boots and loved them.

 

[PARA45]

1 year til the safari, but I will be hunting and working in them alot
redwing View attachment 526529

Those are great boots. What I've noticed here is most questions are about what boots to wear. I believe it is as important to have a good pair of socks as important as the boots you are wearing. So, make sure you have some good Merino Wool socks by KUIU, Smart Wool, Darn Stuff, etc. IMHO, if you are not going to be climbing mountains, those boots will serve you well.

 

[jpr9954]

Brand is not the issue. Footwear that:
1. is 5 or 6 inch high
2. is comfortable on long hikes over uneven terrain
3, us relatively quiet
4. is reasonably light
5. is reasonably rugged
6. has been worn long enough to be full broken in and proven to meet 2 through 5
is perfect for me. The most comfortable shoe I have found is an Irish Setter that looks like the Red Wings you have. They are more comfortable than my custom fit Russels. I wear the Irish Setters constantly and they are now too worn to hunt in. Unfortunately, that particular shoe is no longer available.

Irish Setter is a division of Red Wing.
I have a pair of Irish Setter Pinnacles, 7", that are pretty decent. While they have a waterproof membrane, they have a lining that is supposed to keep your feet from overheating. In the spirit of full disclosure, they were sent to me free to field test and keep.
https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hu...oots/Pinnacle/02700.html?cgid=hunt-waterproof

 

[pilar]

Those are great boots. What I've noticed here is most questions are about what boots to wear. I believe it is as important to have a good pair of socks as important as the boots you are wearing. So, make sure you have some good Merino Wool socks by KUIU, Smart Wool, Darn Stuff, etc. IMHO, if you are not going to be climbing mountains, those boots will serve you well.

IMO socks are #1 priority when working or hunting, I switched to wool bombas , morino & alpaca, couple years back, and carry a extra pair in case I need/want switch out during the day, cotton = damp = blisters & such

 

[Hunt anything]

I mostly wear my Courtney Selous and love them. I wear them almost everyday and they hold up well but are a little heavy. I have fairly flat feet so I put cushioned insoles in them and have little trouble they are 11 years old if your going somewhere that has a lot of creeks, marshes and swamps to cross (like the Zambezi delta) take a quality pair of water shoes like Keens. The last thing I want to do is carry the extra weight of soaking wet leather boots. I always carry extra socks and stick the Keens in my pack if only a few creeks and stuff to cross.

 

[Fabnosh]

It’s what fits well and feels right. I’ve worn Lowa Renegade boots for a decade and I’m still on the same pair. Boots are ultimately just a consumable. Feet change over time and the boots should align with the feet and not the other way around.
FN

 

[mdwest]

I know this topic is probably beat to death
I need some new boots for my upcoming safari and also work
help With opinions
1.Courtney selous ( very expensive and got a bad online review)
2. Bell Morgan
3. Jim Green Ranger
4. wildebees
5. Merrill 3/4 top water proof
I truly can’t deside , maybe should stick with my redwings? Add others I should consider

camp shoes are going To be some crocks
socks alpaca or wool

Drive to Abeline... go see Al at James Leddy Boots... have him make you a pair of bespoke Safari Boots..

your feet will send me love letters and Christmas gifts for the rest of your life..

James Leddy safari boots

My buff hide is about to be delivered from my 2019 hunt with @Bos en Dal Safaris .. The plan all along has been to have a matching set of cowboy boots, belt, and a holster made from the hide.. and then maybe look at a couple of rifle slings and other stuff with whatever amount of hide is left...

www.africahunting.com

 

[Arthur Morta]

I have always had numerous Courteney footwear for everyday/ work as well my hunting/ outdoor use, eversince Courteney first came out.
That said I saw a pair of "JK Boots", in their FOREFRONT make - Bison Leather, the other day. Talk about soft and supple yet pretty leather panels!

If I were to buy myself another pair of hunting boots, I sure will consider these, maybe sooner rather than later in EE Width...

 

[Berettaco]

I like my Courtneys for Africa but I did add inserts to make them more comfortable as I have fallen arches. I have the tire tread version and the flat sole with waves - much prefer the tire tread. They are also great to help stop thorns from completely penetrating through the bottom into your foot. Wore Merrell shoes on my first safari as they are super comfortable and light but they are not a good choice for thorns. Also learned to keep a Gerber multi tool on the belt to pull thorns from the sole…
the kenetreks are my go-to for mountain hunting (mainly colorado). They would be fine for Africa but I’d go with non insulated

 

[SkywalkerHD]

I’m thinking of going Jim Green Ranger in buffalo hide
just got to figure out what insoles to buy and if I can use sheep oil to treat the leather View attachment 526577

These should be great, I have the non buff version and they amazing. Also after a pair of buffalo ones.

Well priced too.

 

[pilar]

These should be great, I have the non buff version and they amazing. Also after a pair of buffalo ones.

Well priced too.

Yes they are nice , I think I get some made @ James Leddy Boots with my hides I collect
I found a place in Namibia to make sandals for the women in the family and belts & wallet also

 

[Rare Breed]

One thing to keep in mind about Courtneys is that they’re not only heavy, there have no padding for the footbed or mid sole - at all. I like my Selous‘ (they’re on my feet as I type this) and Courtney’s are very well made, quality boots. BUT, just know that after a long day of walking your feet will be tired and sore. That said, I’ll be taking them on a hunt in the Selous this August and to Cameroon next February. But I’ll also have a lighter, softer boot with me.

I like Danner Pronghorns a lot. They fit me well and I’ve gotten good life from them. I’ll be wearing those in Cameroon more than anything else as lots of walking is expected.

Another great light weight hiking boot I’m totally in love with is Hoka. They are simply the most comfortable hiking boots I’ve ever worn. If you want the ultimate in a light hiking boot, I highly recommend Hoka.

+1 on Hoka

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’ve worn several of the boots you mentioned

Merrell’s - I’ve worn and older pair of Sawtooths and Moab Mid’s. Both in South Africa and in the Middle East. The Sawtooths are my favorite boots. If they weren’t DISCO I’d buy several pairs. The Moab’s are much lighter.

Courtney Selous - I wore them in SA and Namibia last year. I tend to have wider feet so I got their wife’s and can tell you they’re way too wide. Otherwise I love them. For shorter stalks Id wear them but for tracking elephants or buffalo I’d buy a new pair that wasn’t a wide. Several of my PH’s have all worn Courtney’s

Salomon Quest GTX - these were similar in style and fit to the Sawtooths and are my current favorite hiking style boot.

Danner - I’ve worn multiple boots of theirs and liked the pronghorns the best. I haven’t taken them to Africa because they’re a little taller than I’ve found I needed and the Solomons or Merrell’s were a better fit.

Meindel’s - Great boots, took them once but found them to be a little taller than I needed. For a mountain hunt where a little more support was needed these would be great. Taking these is, why I opted not to bring Danner’s. I love these boots for October & November Elk Hunts.

Jim Green’s - have no experience but do have my eyes on them vs buying another pair of Courtney’s.

For this coming trip I’ll bring the Salomon’s and Merrell Moab’s with a pair of Crocs or Flip Flops.