These boots are made for walking

[laststand]

I have tried all brands: Courtneys, Russell, Danner, Merrell, Vasque, etc. On my last trip to Cameroon, my ph had a pair of Lowa. He swore by them. I bought the Z6s in desert color and non gortex. They are the most comfortable boot I have ever wore. I have since bought same boot in gortex. I usually wear them every day except Sunday. Planning to purchase a 8 inch pair also.

 

[nztimb]

No african experience but I have to agree with laststand on the Lowa as the most comfortable boot I have had on my feet. I tried various boots over the years from Merrils to Meindles but the Lowa is hands down the very best of them for me. On my second pair now after getting near 15 years from the first pair before the sole was worn enough to loose its surefootedness on the steep stuff.
The Tibet boot was my first pair
http://lowa.co.nz/product/tibet-gtx-wide-100004.htmx

I dont do as much of the hard work as I used to so have a pair of the rangers now. They will see me out I expect.
http://lowa.co.nz/product/ranger-iii-gtx-wide-100052.htmx

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

Lowa are the only boots I'll ever wear.

I can wear them right out of the box without fear of blisters.

They give my feet the support I need, especially when side-hilling or walking on dried, sun-hardened buffalo tracks (when even the PH complained about the "ankle-twisting" ground).

I have a pair of Lowas that are more than ten years old and have many, many miles on them, and they're still fully functional. I wore them last June in SA and Zambia.

 

[billc]

What model lowa boots have you guys used. They have me looking at them pretty hard as I need a new boot for this elk season. They look like they have some hiking models that would work for hunting to.

 

[Pheroze]

What model lowa boots have you guys used. They have me looking at them pretty hard as I need a new boot for this elk season. They look like they have some hiking models that would work for hunting to.

Check out the Schnees too. I got a pair of Granite for backpacking and moose camp. I also have a goat hunt on my bucket list. I like the firm ankle support on the crazy terrain where we hunt. I have used them for two seasons now and they are very comfortable.

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

I like the Lowa hiking boots. Their high-top hunter boot doesn't fit me as well.

The most recent pair of Lowas I bought were the Ranger II Goretex. I wear only Goretex boots these days because I live in Alaska and really hate getting my feet wet. And, so long as you don't go in over the top, Lowa boots will keep your feet dry.

 

[cpr0312]

Anyone know the USD amount to purchase a pair of Courtney's in Zim right now?

 

[Philip Glass]

Russell Moccasin custom made and fit well.
Philip

 

[RolandtheHeadless]

The label on my old pair of Lowas is too faded to read, but that model has probably been discontinued.

I sometimes see a good deal on Lowas on sierratrading.com . (Also a good place to find seconds of Smartwool socks.) That's where I got the Ranger II last fall. Otherwise, Lowas are pretty pricey.

 

[nztimb]

That's where I got the Ranger II last fall. Otherwise, Lowas are pretty pricey.

I dont think they are pricey when you divide the cost into the years of service they offer. From memory I paid about NZ$500 for the Tibet boot when I bought them and after 15 years of mostly 5 days a week wear they worked out to about NZ$33 a year and that is only about US$23 a year or less than a buck a week.
The Ranger was about the same when I got them a couple of years back and for light hill work and general wear thay cant be beat in my opinion.
I believe that our feet are about as important a part of our hunting gear as the rifle or knife. If you cant stay on your feet or stand a decent walk for length or difficulty then the rest of your equipment is just so much dead weight.
Buy the best boot you can get and they will pay for themselves time and again with comfortable feet, stable walking and assurance thay will not let you down regardelss of the conditions.
For hard use and rough hil work the Tibet is about the best I found but for less strenuous hunting the Ranger is an excellent boot.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Anyone know the USD amount to purchase a pair of Courtney's in Zim right now?

From Courtney's website: https://www.courteneyboot.com/product-category/mens-range/mens_safari_boots/mens-courteney-selous/

When I hunted in Zim in 2015, I was hoping to go by the Courtney's store, especially since I was hunting with John Sharp who is featured in most of Courtney's advertisements. BTW, John and all his trackers, drivers, etc wears Courteney boots. My departure from Bulawayo was on a Sunday and the boot store wasn't open.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

What model lowa boots have you guys used. They have me looking at them pretty hard as I need a new boot for this elk season. They look like they have some hiking models that would work for hunting to.

The Lowa boots cited here do look like great mountain boots............much too much boot for most of Africa applications in my opinion. But since you are looking for a pair for elk hunting, the Lowa looks like a great option. I elk hunt a lot and have used Meindl (German, very stiff mountain boot) and Kenetrek (Italian made) Hardscrabble boots. Both are non insulated. I used the Kenetreks on my Yukon Dall sheep hunt and they were great. For late season, when there's a bit of snow and cold, I go to the 10 inch Danner Canadian insulated model.

 

[David Johnston]

Have to agree, Courteney Selous best boots for Africa, superb for the bush

.https://www.courteneyboot.com/product-category/mens-range/mens_safari_boots/

 

[Adrian]

Another vote for Lowa. I wear Lowa boots at work (I'm a patrol dog handler so do some miles on them) and also at home.
I wear the Lowa Munro boots in Africa, non goretex, leather lined and very comfortable.
I wear Lowas straight from the box and never had any blisters.
Choosing a decent sock is also important......

 

[billc]

Thanks everyone some great info. Has everyone seen the better boots run the same size wise as what there regular shoe's run or do you need to order a bigger size.

 

[cpr0312]

From Courtney's website: https://www.courteneyboot.com/product-category/mens-range/mens_safari_boots/mens-courteney-selous/

When I hunted in Zim in 2015, I was hoping to go by the Courtney's store, especially since I was hunting with John Sharp who is featured in most of Courtney's advertisements. BTW, John and all his trackers, drivers, etc wears Courteney boots. My departure from Bulawayo was on a Sunday and the boot store wasn't open.

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Thanks @375 Ruger Fan,

I was hoping for a little less than that but maybe I'll stop by the store in a few weeks when I'm there

 

[fourfive8]

375 Ruger Fan,
We may have crossed paths in 2015? IIRC, at least part of the time, John Sharp was hunting out of Fimbiri Camp at BVC that year.
And reedy0312, hope you can stop by the store when there. The only downside is you'll have limited time so no chance for custom build or special order- you'll have to take what's available at the time. But the cost there is about 1/2 US cost if you shop at the downtown outlet- safari supply store. Of course USD cash works in Zim and no tax or shipping. Can't remember the name of the store in downtown Bulawayo. And good luck on your trip!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

375 Ruger Fan,
We may have crossed paths in 2015? IIRC, at least part of the time, John Sharp was hunting out of Fimbiri Camp at BVC that year.
And reedy0312, hope you can stop by the store when there. The only downside is you'll have limited time so no chance for custom build or special order- you'll have to take what's available at the time. But the cost there is about 1/2 US cost if you shop at the downtown outlet- safari supply store. Of course USD cash works in Zim and no tax or shipping. Can't remember the name of the store in downtown Bulawayo. And good luck on your trip!

fourfive8:

I hunted in late May 2015 with John Sharp and we were in Chamalaya Camp. This is a link to my hunt report:
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/zimbabwe-john-sharp-safaris.22880/

Dave

 

[Rob404]

I needed a boot with a wide Toe Box and the one that fit the best was Keen built by New Balance, They required very little break in, I left them in Africa as a gift to the Tracker but bought another pair for my next trip,,price wise about a 125.00 in leather

 

[fourfive8]

Makes sense and thanks- always good to refresh memories of an Africa trip! I was there in August and I think John had moved up to Fimbiri. At least his exercise machine and his Jack's bed were there I now remember reading your write up about BVC. Yes, great place!! Some of the best staff and game scouts in the business work there. When I was there I think Hein, Sharp, Langley, Fick and Buffee and one or two others?? had hunts in progress. We went by Chamalaya, visited the staff and had some refreshments but no hunters there at the time.