New Boots

[MLindsay]

Just returned from Zim and put quite a few miles on my Jim Green 8 inch boots with ranger sole.
They are fantastic for me, ankle support and quiet sole!

 

[Nhoro]

Many of these boots are too heavy and stiff to be quiet in Africa. If you can't feel sticks under your boots then you will be making a lot of noise. Two of the comments I hear the most from PHs are the client doesn't get on the sticks and ready for a shot fast enough and clients walk too loudly. I think those 2 comments are within the ability of anyone to remedy.

I have spent many hours walking behind client hunters. Hiking boots (Danner, Lower etc) are not designed for hunting in Africa. Their stiff soles are noisy and they give many people blisters (even though clients have worn them for 'miles'). Boots are subjective but I see threads on boots regularly. Obviously American manufacturers are not producing the goods ???

I have used many different types of boots and trainers. I had Cat safari boots for years and now have Courtney's. I would advise that you buy a boot similar to Courtney's offerings.

 

[abnhog]

I’m just back from Zimbabwe and put many miles on my boots. About a year ago, I bought a pair of MACV 1 from Go Ruck. I wore then in preparation for my hunt. At first was not sure how they would hold up in Zim. They are lightweight and are not insulated or waterproof. After 130 plus klicks walked in them over very rough and sandy terrain I was very impressed. I wore the Kuiu ultra merino socks. Never had a blister during the entire trip.

Whichever boot/sock combination you choose/wear just make sure they take of your feet.

 

[Kharn]

I have spent many hours walking behind client hunters. Hiking boots (Danner, Lower etc) are not designed for hunting in Africa. Their stiff soles are noisy and they give many people blisters (even though clients have worn them for 'miles'). Boots are subjective but I see threads on boots regularly. Obviously American manufacturers are not producing the goods ???

I have used many different types of boots and trainers. I had Cat safari boots for years and now have Courtney's. I would advise that you buy a boot similar to Courtney's offerings.

It makes sense in a way.

Searching for Africa Specific Hunting gear in America is a specialist area.
The same way I would expect...
Searching for American Specific Hunting gear in Africa is a specialist area.

Did a lot of reading regarding boots in this forum. I decided to purchase Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot boots in Cape Buffalo hide. I definitely want to try Courteney's some day but these will be my boots for my fist buffalo hunt next June 2025. View attachment 614973

How much to they weigh? I've heard as much about them being light as a feather as I've heard them being as heavy as lead... I've heard the EXACT same about Courteney's.

 

[Green Chile]

Courteneys are freakin heavy with those tire soles. They are not light. They are very wear resistant.

 

[BeeMaa]

I've been wearing Rocky S2V (uninsulated, no steel toe & not waterproof) boot daily for close to seven years now. They wear out in about 1.5 - 2 years and require replacement. At one time they were used by the Air Force and were available in sage, but now all I can find is coyote at the PX.

They are quiet, offer some ankle support, a little water resistance (when new) and they are light. One of their best features is whatever material they use for their laces is super durable and makes speed lacing easy. My feet also tend to run a little hot but these are well ventilated to help with that.

They are not perfect for everything, but they are really good in most circumstances.

These ones are nearing end of life and I'll have to get a new set broken in before our trip next year.