Russell or Courteney - Safari Boots...

[Kharn]

I’ve got about six pairs of custom Russell boots. Been buying them long before I ever thought of going to Africa. My PH’s have been through Europe, China, Central America and, yes, Africa. Buy what you like and don’t worry about what others think.

I'm tryin' but Russell Boots don't want to respond and been very dismissive/unhelpful in my polite questions, they just don't want to do it.

 

[Kharn]

Well Russell finally responded and if I wasn't so in love with their boots I'd of gone else where.

I'm getting a pair of custom Kangaroo, Gator, Ostrich Full Quill (edit: fully lined with snake protective turtle skin) PH boots made.

Will post pics on here when they're done, would of loved Hippo but they don't work with Hippo any more.

 

[WAB]

I e worn out two pairs of Russell’s. Good boots but they aren’t as tough as I would like. I’m going to take a pair of Russell’s and a pair of Courteney’a on a one month safari this year. I’ll see which hold up the best.

 

[Kharn]

I e worn out two pairs of Russell’s. Good boots but they aren’t as tough as I would like. I’m going to take a pair of Russell’s and a pair of Courteney’a on a one month safari this year. I’ll see which hold up the best.

What type of hides were used? Kangaroo is tough as nails!

 

[WAB]

What type of hides were used? Kangaroo is tough as nails!

Standard cowhide on the Russell’s. The Courtney’s are kudu.

 

[Kharn]

Standard cowhide on the Russell’s. The Courtney’s are kudu.

Kangaroo is one of if not the strongest and half as thick as cow hide.

 

[Michael Dean]

Picked up my first pair of Russell boots, Kangaroo leather. This is the first pair of boots I've owned that require no break in. The leather is buttery soft and form to your feet. The size is perfect; a pair of heavy socks and I'm all set. I've worn them for three days now and they feel like they've been worn for years. At least I know I'll be comfortable for this October's safari. I know I can walk all day without an issue. I just need to get more heavy socks to wear with them.

 

[Jason Miller]

If these things last as long as people say they do I cant imagine ever buying anything else for a general hunting boot. I am way impressed.

As far as lasting long. Well believe it or not, I just returned from three weeks in Africa and wore my Courtney boots that I purchased WAY back in 1998 in Bulawayo. They are elephant skin and have had some repairs over the years but being 21 years old well worth the cost. Whats the record ownership of Courtney boots?

 

[Kharn]

Socks I got for my Kangaroo PH Russells incoming, these are knee high water proof as I'm having some custom exotic leather knee high gaiters made.

 

[gizmo]

As far as lasting long. Well believe it or not, I just returned from three weeks in Africa and wore my Courtney boots that I purchased WAY back in 1998 in Bulawayo. They are elephant skin and have had some repairs over the years but being 21 years old well worth the cost. Whats the record ownership of Courtney boots?View attachment 284463

I hope I have the opportunity to visit the factory in Bulawayo one day.

 

[CBH Australia]

The boots you ordered sound exotic, I understand that you like the leathers and many hunters do. These might be a bit flash for hunting but it’s your money.
I’ll be waiting for pics to.
I will look into the socks as I am walking more often now.
The Courteney Boot Company Australia certainly are helpful but if they can’t do what you want then that doesn’t help.
Good luck I look forward to the pics.

 

[Kharn]

The boots you ordered sound exotic, I understand that you like the leathers and many hunters do. These might be a bit flash for hunting but it’s your money.
I’ll be waiting for pics to.
I will look into the socks as I am walking more often now.
The Courteney Boot Company Australia certainly are helpful but if they can’t do what you want then that doesn’t help.
Good luck I look forward to the pics.

Not exotic enough for my taste & desires but until I find alternatives they shall serve.

I'll post pics when they arrive.

But the boots are only the tip of the iceberg as far as items containing exotic animal game hides.

For example: Zebra hide & Giraffe hide sunglasses neck strap I'm currently having made.

 

[Gsxrmike]

I was measured for a pair of Russell’s at DSC. when they arrived they were so small I could not even get my foot into them. I then bought a pair of Courteney Selous boots. They were beautiful, well made and seemed to fit perfectly. Unfortunately, when getting in shape for my safari I found that they rubbed my lateral malleolus ( the bone on the outside of the ankle) so badly I could not walk in them at all. I tried various pads but after a mile or two I was in agony. So I put them away.
I finally went to REI and bought a pair of Lowa boots that fit me.
They were perfect. I walked five miles a day for several months without any issues. Upon return from my safari I bought a second pair to save in case they ever stop making them!

 

[Fastrig]

I was measured for a pair of Russell’s at DSC. when they arrived they were so small I could not even get my foot into them. I then bought a pair of Courteney Selous boots. They were beautiful, well made and seemed to fit perfectly. Unfortunately, when getting in shape for my safari I found that they rubbed my lateral malleolus ( the bone on the outside of the ankle) so badly I could not walk in them at all. I tried various pads but after a mile or two I was in agony. So I put them away.
I finally went to REI and bought a pair of Lowa boots that fit me.
They were perfect. I walked five miles a day for several months without any issues. Upon return from my safari I bought a second pair to save in case they ever stop making them!

Looking for boots right now. If you remember, which model Lowa's did you buy? Looking at their Ranger III's.

 

[Ernie Shipman]

I have used Meindl boots on 2 safaris. I also wear them most days at work. On my feet about 1/2 a day and walk 2-5 miles every day. I got them at Cabelas. Super comfy, high quality, long lasting. $200....

 

[CBH Australia]

I have used Meindl boots on 2 safaris. I also wear them most days at work. On my feet about 1/2 a day and walk 2-5 miles every day. I got them at Cabelas. Super comfy, high quality, long lasting. $200....

I have some Cabelas branded boots by Meindl. First high cut boot i had except work provided fire boot. Yes very comfy. Being an Aussie i only walk 2 to 5 km not miles. Thais for a quick stroll up the creek with a rifle after work, when Im motivated.

Yes, My Cabela branded by Meindl are great. Gun Emporium I think in Australia were the agent. i got them online. researched at Time and these Meindl are German design outsourced. But Germans do seem to have high design standards on many things

I just fell into the trap of looking at what is out there and decided i wanted something nicer. I had seen Rigby branded Courteney for more money. I like my Courteney boots but they were tight at first but being leather i can stretch them and they last apparently.

I also bought some Ecco at a shoe store. Hiking boot. I turned then down in one store being too dear. Could find them anything else , tried them in another store and brought them. Similar to Courteney about $400 Aussie $. pricey on my income but ive worn them in town and walked for miles at at time. fantastic. just not sure they are for hunting/or serious bush hiking. I dont know how they would stand up. But they are smart casual and have arch support. maybe actually better for feet than Courteney but not as solid or heavy. i wear then for office days and casual wear

Dare I say it are Courteney and Russell overpriced? are we paying a premium for buying a handmade boot just because of the name and history?

Yes, ive paid out, and figure my feet wont grow so i will use them all but on an average Aussie income they are expensive . I also have a s permanent accommodation at work location so i leave spares either place or i could not justify extra pair

 

[bruce moulds]

one word comes to mind when thinking boots, and that is "scarpa".
bruce.

 

[NTO]

I have had both and my honest opinion is that there are better boots out there a lot less.
I had had 2 pairs of Courtney back when I wanted to look the part had to buy them a size big so you can put some insoles inside them for support neither pair held up to the abuse of being wore most everyday and the soles would split after about 6 months.
Tried the Russels and they are lightweight and quite walking but again no support whatsoever.
Sold them to a buddy after a month.
Having been in many safari camps don’t see many seasoned PHs wearing either most use a common hiking shoe or even tennis shoes.
That’s my 2 cents.

 

[Eric Anderson]

I wear a pair of Justin all leather boots. 760 style. The tongue is stitched high enough that no water gets in up to your ankles. Non insulated, but all leather so they breath some. What I really like about them is they are extremely thorn and sharp rock resistant.

I wore jungle and ICB for years courtesy of Uncle Sam though, so my feet are used to it.

 

[Fastrig]

I have had both and my honest opinion is that there are better boots out there a lot less.
I had had 2 pairs of Courtney back when I wanted to look the part had to buy them a size big so you can put some insoles inside them for support neither pair held up to the abuse of being wore most everyday and the soles would split after about 6 months.
Tried the Russels and they are lightweight and quite walking but again no support whatsoever.
Sold them to a buddy after a month.
Having been in many safari camps don’t see many seasoned PHs wearing either most use a common hiking shoe or even tennis shoes.
That’s my 2 cents.

Have a pair of Eddie Bauer leather hiking boots I hunt in. $79 on sale, tons of support, very comfortable, heavy duty soles, but light. Asked my PH and he said broken in hiking boots are perfect so the old soles are going to the Eastern Cape in February.