Boots?

[Bill J H]

I wore out a few pair of the green jungle boots. In those days the insert was a plastic/rubber affair that said “Do Not Boil”. I alway got a kick out of that

 

[Altitude sickness]

That’s all I wore for years were UDT shorts and jungle boots with the hard rubber soles. If I remember right, those liners were for puncture resistance.

 

[fourfive8]

The obligatory caveat…. boots that work for me may not work for anyone else. For hot dry weather, I like all leather. I have three pairs of ankle to mid-height Courtney’s (Selous and Safari models) that work for me for most Africa conditions. They’ve averaged about 200.00 a pair. When on sale or for sale at discount, I grab them. They should last the of my hunting life. They are also ideal, IMO, for much of the area and climate where I live. In dry, grass seed infested areas of Africa, I also use thin impala leather gaiters. I don’t wear shorts for any outdoor activity.

One issue either overlooked or purposefully ignored by those in search of outdoor boots or those recommending them, is an inconvenient fact… there is no boot or footwear that can make up for poor physical ability or poor physical condition. If you can’t walk a mile over normal terrain in regular, cheap canvas tennis shoes, a boot design that can allow you walk that mile over even slightly rougher terrain does not exist. Stiff-ankled thick leather or synthetic blend boots will not make up for poor physical conditioning. Such designs tend to only wear you out. A more flexible, well fitting, all leather boots or shoes with large, flat sole work better for me for most all hot, dry, sandy or rocky, Africa-like conditions.

Pic of well broken-in Courteney Safaris with miles. Simple, thin impala leather gaiters. My choice for most hot, dry African-like hunting.

 

[joker2400]

My LEMS Boulder Boot Mids have served me well on several hunts now. Most recently Botswana elephant.

 

[Hyde]

In my 20's I hunted in whatever Uncle Sam gave me due to the budget. I bought my first pair of "real" hunting boots (Rocky) in the late 80's and wore them many years until they literally fell apart. Growing up in Oregon, Danners were always a favorite and I switched to them once I found the Seconds store at the factory in Portland. I still have a pair of Ft Lewis boots that I wore in uniform in the late 80's. Once they started manufacturing most everything in China, I was done with Danner. When I was researching for my first trip to Africa, I kept reading about thorns and how normal boots wouldn't cut it there. I bought a pair of Courtneys and wore them around the neighborhood for a few months while trying to prep for my first safari. I even wore them on the plane to Africa and every day I wore them I liked them more. After 10 days in Africa I can honestly say these are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. I never had that "can't wait to get these boots off" moment wearing them. I probably wouldn't wear them in elk country in November, but they were perfect for Africa.

 

[Surgeon1]

Have always taken a pair of Kenetrek Safari boot on every trip to Africa, they don’t have waterproof
Liner so much cooler. At home in Wyoming I wear their Mountain Extreme both 400 & no insulation models as well as their Bridger both High & Low models 9+ months a year. Have tried to convince
Jim at Kenetrek to make a Safari model Bridger. Always take a second pair of boots to trade off as needed and everything I’ve tried has never lived up to what I had expected. I’ve tried a couple African made boots and several others for backup. Zim has some wicked thorns and as I understand some of SA does too. The Gorucks are not a bad option with the right insole! Always use canvas gaiters and wool or Smart Wool socks.

 

[MS 9x56]

I didn't mention the cool - cold - sub-zero weather boots. I have too many of lots of things - starting with guns and knives.

There is no such thing as too many guns or knives. Or so I keep having to tell my wife.

 

[LRich]

I've been twice and can't remember which boots I took. I leave in 3 weeks for an Eastern Cape PG hunt. I'll be wearing long pants and ankle gaiters. My question is should I take my Meindl hiking boots, my Vaque hiking boots or Vasque mid hiking books. The standard Vasque are slightly lower than the Meindl but definitely lighter and with mesh and leather uppers, they would be cooler. The Vasque mid are much lighter and about 1 1/2 inches lower with leather and mesh upper. The Meindl are very sturdy; lots of support; all leather; definitely would be hotter.

What's your opinion?

I’ve worn Courtney’s on 3 safaris. Love the comfort. Have always sealed the seams with Snow Seal. I did have an issue in South Africa this past May. The soles separated from the uppers. I had been propping my feet/boots up by the fire every night and I believe the heat may have melted the glue. I also hadn’t worn them in 4 years and it’s possible that contributed to the glue drying out.
Always carry duct tape!

 

[ftrovato]

I wore Keen Voyageur's with canvas gaiters last year. They worked well but I could not walk near as quietly as the PH's and Trackers.

Next year I'm going to use Jim Greens African Rangers that I'm breaking in now.
Hopefully with the large soul I'll have a better chance of not making so much noise!

​

 

[camperx]

The Danner Pronghorns (uninsulated) have been a killer boot for me. Just ordered a pair of the new LaCrosse Ursa MS, and am excited to give those a go.

 

[Mountainshadows]

Salamon XA Forces Jungle boot. Wore them for 2 years in Indonesia and they have done just fine on two hunts in Northwest Province SA. Lightweight, flexible soles, and no insulation at all.

 

[Mountainshadows]

That’s all I wore for years were UDT shorts and jungle boots with the hard rubber soles. If I remember right, those liners were for puncture resistance.

In the old jungle boots the puncture resistance was a thin plate of steel. If I recall correctly you took the liners out and then undid the stitching in the topside of the footbed (interior) and then pulled that piece of steel out. It was responsible for making hot feet. I wore a pair modified this way when I went to selection.

 

[PARA45]

I do and wore them when the Air Force switched from the OD Green uniform to the BDU. Boy, now I feel old.

 

[PARA45]

On my last safari (2025) in the Eastern Cape, I used Crispi Attiva boots and had no issues whatsoever. They are light enough with enough support and traction to tackle the diverse terrain found in the Eastern Cape. I was very happy with their performance and used Crispi and KUIU Merino Wool Socks to protect my feet and my feet had no issues at all.