Anyone wear Russell Moccasin Boots

[crossfire3006]

To all AH forum members, I have a curiosity question I'd like to ask. How many members here on the forum wear Russell Moccasin Boots. This question is geared towards any type of wear, not just hunting. I recently had a pair of Russell Moccasin Gustin Bird Shooter Boots made and I'm not liking them much. Although a beautiful boot, I'm just not that crazy about them. I had them built with Walnut Timberjack Leather and Vibram Montagna soles in 10.5D. I tried them on in my home and walked around on carpet, but just didn't like the way they felt on me. If you wear Russell Moccasin Boots, what model do you wear?

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[Altitude sickness]

I have had several pairs. I think I’ve got a pair of ankle high. I like them. But never had them with Vibram soles.

I’m not a fan of the rubber used on vibram

 

[318AE]

I’ve got two pairs with vibram soles and like them. They are very comfortable, but not a mountain boot or particularly cold weather boot. I got my wife a pair, custom made, that never would fit quite right - always slipped in the heel. I hope your work out for you - you can often wait a long time for them, and they can be very expensive.

 

[Doug3006]

I have a pair that don’t get worn much. Their sizing is crazy large. I ordered my normal boot size (US11) and although that’s what I got, they fit like a size 12. So I only wear them in the winter with thick socks.

 

[Dawg2019]

I was looking at getting a pair of their Zephyr boots just this month. The price has really gone up on them, needless to say, I have not pulled the trigger.

 

[Hedge774]

I like these boots and have looked at them before. I went with a pair of Jim Green "Miander" in Buffalo hide and I am very pleased. They were on sale 2 weeks ago! May still be!

 

[Ryan]

I have a pair of Thula Thula minimalist safari shoes I bought way back in 2012. I Love 'em. Wore them on 4 trips in southern Africa and other trips in between those and since. But things have changed a lot with them and I'm not sure what I'd use in their line up now.

 

[Green Chile]

I have 2 pairs of Russells that are my main boots for Africa. The older PH and the PH 2 I think? The older pair is 20 years old and haven't worn out. I just got back Monday from Africa had either the Russells or crocs on for almost 3 weeks. I have narrow feet and like the way they fit me. They are also very quiet with the soles I spec'd...can't recall the product name. On the other hand, I've tried Courtenay's and can't stand them. They fit terrible...heavy....LOUD...and look like clown shoes...but most of the PHs like them.

 

[375er]

I have a pair of PH 2's that I bought over 25 years ago. I had to do some grinding on the sole because what I received was done shoddily. They have lasted a long time but I would not buy another pair. Too many other options out there for much less money and frankly better quality.

 

[dhughes66]

I am on my third pair of the standard PH boot. I love the way they feel. Very quiet shoes and light weight. I haven't been to Africa so all I can speak to is just wearing them daily during the spring, summer, and fall. They are not winter boots but that is why I love them. The only thing that has worn out on them is the canvas sides. Got holes in them. I sent one pair back for repair on the canvas. They were not able to match the canvas correctly and ended up making the boots worse than when I sent them to them so they made me a completely new pair for the $100 I paid to have my pair repaired. Their boots are very expensive but they have great customer service!

 

[crossfire3006]

Thank you for the insight, everyone! I’ve given it some thought and decided to just part with them and use the proceeds for my daughter‘s education.

 

[Striger]

I have had two pair of the south forty birdshooters, The first pair I had rebuilt after a few years. The rebuild was not worth getting done. Maybe I waited too long. However both pair fit great and have been good boots, I think I am on year five of the second pair and they are still going strong. I also had a pair of Hikers that were great. I heard that they are under new ownership last year and they phased out the custom fit boots so hopefully the customer complaints of the last few years will decrease.

 

[Ray B]

I have 7 or 8 pairs of Russell shoes and boots. My foot is rather wide and square, so any shoes that get need to be custom made. Russell was fine until a few years ago Ralph sold out to some bean counter and they limited their production to two lasts- both were "conventional" foot shapes. which means Russell no longer makes shoes/boots to fit me. I'm not sure what I'll do when my supply are no longer repairable.

 

[Camdog]

Two pair of PH and a number of other Russell products. I love them all.

The first PH is 20 years old and been to Africa 4 times. It is my go to for walking around hunting. This particular boot has held up and is now in for a new sole and canvas.

I wear 11.5 B in Allen Edmonds dress shoes and the Russell’s feel great.

 

[sureshot375]

I’ve got a pair and I love them. I picked them up as a backup for a trip. They ended up becoming my everyday boot. I even were them to court with my suit sometimes when I’m being lazy.

I think I have the PH.

 

[WAB]

I’ve gone through two pairs of the PH’s. Although a good boot, I simply can’t keep the soles on. I’ve twice had soles come
Completely off during a hunt. Luckily I had backups. After repeatedly shipping them back to Russell, I’ve finally given up on them and settled on Courteney’s.

On a month long safari I took a pair of Courteney’s and a pair of Russell’s. I alternated daily for the first week or so to get a good comparison. Although heavier, the Courteney’s were quieter and more comfortable. I stopped alternating and stuck to the Courteney’s.

 

[Xpraetor]

I have 7 or 8 pairs of Russell shoes and boots. My foot is rather wide and square, so any shoes that get need to be custom made. Russell was fine until a few years ago Ralph sold out to some bean counter and they limited their production to two lasts- both were "conventional" foot shapes. which means Russell no longer makes shoes/boots to fit me. I'm not sure what I'll do when my supply are no longer repairable.

I have an issue with sizing of mass produced footwear, my everyday work boots are made by White's Boots. There is a "boot last" formula made specifically to my foot. I got my first pair of White's Boots back in the early '90s , I've had my Packer Boot rebuilt twice in that time, and my Smoke Jumper/Logger rebuilt once. As for a non-structured hunting boot, I have the Courteney Boots .....

 

[Steve-O]

I see that the OP has made a decision, but I wanted to add my experience for others. I have a pair of custom measured Russell Mocsasin hunting boots in the now discontinued TLC model that I purchased almost 20 years ago. I like them, but it took me forever to break them in. I was initially disappointed with how they felt, but I read that this type of boot takes a long time to break in.
It honestly took me almost 3 to 4 years of wearing these boots on and off to finally break them in and get that comfortable “conformed” feel. I still use them for some activities, especially winter hunting, but usually opt for more of a day-hiker style boot (Lowa, Meindl) for more active hunting and hiking. Just FYI, as this was my experience.

 

[Xpraetor]

To all AH forum members, I have a curiosity question I'd like to ask. How many members here on the forum wear Russell Moccasin Boots. This question is geared towards any type of wear, not just hunting. I recently had a pair of Russell Moccasin Gustin Bird Shooter Boots made and I'm not liking them much. Although a beautiful boot, I'm just not that crazy about them. I had them built with Walnut Timberjack Leather and Vibram Montagna soles in 10.5D. I tried them on in my home and walked around on carpet, but just didn't like the way they felt on me. If you wear Russell Moccasin Boots, what model do you wear?

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Have you given Gokey a look? I've not worn the full leather boots, but I wore the "Safari Boot" , before switching to the Courteney Boot. The fit was good , and break in time was minimal.

 

[Dublinpiper90]

Nice looking boots, I wear Courteney boots 95% of the time, however I have looked into a pair of Russels, let me know if you decide to move them along.