Clark's Desert boots

[Hyde Hunter]

I remember many, to many years ago wearing these boots and they were very comfortable and then kind of got away from them. now looking at getting a pair for my next trip in Sept, they have either a flat sole or a shot heel and a soft flat sole that should be quite when walking. anybody been using them?

 

[Luvthunt]

I wore them in the past as well as Wallabes. Still remember my trip to Namibia in the 90s my PH was a big man and he was wearing Wallabies and we did some walking. His comment was the Ws were the only shoe that gave him comfort and held up.

 

[Hedge774]

I had a pair of Desert Boots that I loved. Some evil person stole them. I hope they really needed them!

 

[FrogFan]

I dove hunt in mine regularly. My one complaint would be mesquite thorns going through the soft crepe soles. Check out the Desert Trek or Desert Hunter they have a thicker solid sole and are still very comfortable. The Desert Hunter even has a added layer of rubber tread.

 

[TSIBINDI]

I hunted in Zim a lot and most of the time I wore the "Poor Man's" Clark's Desert Boots. These were velies and manufactured in Zim by BATA. I would purchase them in Bulawayo prior to beginning my hunt. As I recall the cost was about $8 dollars US a pair (1988.) I'd spend $16 for two pair and when I packed for home I'd leave them with staff members.

They were not waterproof, nor water resistant, but having two pair I would rotate them daily. The velies soles were crepe and were not thorn proof. Inserting a light insole was adequate protection for the majority of thorns. Inexpensive, comfortable and quiet in the bush.

FWIW,
Tsibindi

 

[dchum]

I love hunting in my wallabes - Ive used them for west Texas aoudad hunts. The true gum sole is great for gripping rocks on steep grade. I’ve only worn the Clark’s “desert boot” as more of a dress shoe.

Just make sure you get the true original gum soles. Clark’s offersmuch cheaper versions that are lower quality but looks the same. Must be the “original”

Cheers

 

[grand veneur]

I remember many, to many years ago wearing these boots and they were very comfortable and then kind of got away from them. now looking at getting a pair for my next trip in Sept, they have either a flat sole or a shot heel and a soft flat sole that should be quite when walking. anybody been using them?

I also wore these Indian shoes in the seventies, and they were perfectly wearable as long as it was not raining. I think that perhaps this type of shoe could be used in Africa for hunting in very dry terrain, but in a slightly better version than the ones I had back in my youth. After all, these type of shoes were initially worn by the British Army in India in the 19th century.

 

[steve white]

Clarks also makes a slip on type with elastic in the middle that has the gum rubber soles.

 

[grand veneur]

https://www.commeuncamion.com/2013/03/20/lhistoire-de-la-desert-boot/

 

[grand veneur]

Normally you wear this type of shoes with a Jodhpur breeches and gaiters for playing Polo, not for hunting. Nevertheless, we should revive these shoes for an use in the field. We have worn Courteney Selous boots long enough; fashion needs to change. The Africa hunter of the 21st-century wears from now on Clark's DESERT BOOTS.

 

[Woodcarver]

I dove hunt in mine regularly. My one complaint would be mesquite thorns going through the soft crepe soles. Check out the Desert Trek or Desert Hunter they have a thicker solid sole and are still very comfortable. The Desert Hunter even has a added layer of rubber tread.

These should keep those pesky mesquite thorns at bay AND make a fashion statement at the same time as @grand veneur suggests!

 

[Woodcarver]

For the dedicated leopard hunter...

 

[Woodcarver]

I remember many, to many years ago wearing these boots and they were very comfortable and then kind of got away from them. now looking at getting a pair for my next trip in Sept, they have either a flat sole or a shot heel and a soft flat sole that should be quite when walking. anybody been using them?

All kidding aside, I do appreciate this post, as I could not remember the name of these boots. Wore them years ago in AZ and the crepe sole was great in the desert. All the crepe soles I seen in recent times were harder, and reviews referenced cracking in relatively short time frames.
Question for anyone that has bought a pair more recently; do these tend to run narrow, normal, or wide (as I understand Courtneys do)? And do the soles stay pliable?

 

[coreydb]

If you can't try them on, just be prepared for returns. Great shoes.

 

[Est.1970]

Normally you wear this type of shoes with a Jodhpur breeches and gaiters for playing Polo, not for hunting. Nevertheless, we should revive these shoes for a use in the field. We have worn Courteney Selous boots long enough; fashion needs to change. The Africa hunter of the 21st-century wears from now on Clark's DESERT BOOTS.

So long as they had narrow feet they’ll be able to pull that off. Lol.