Crispi boots overkill?

[RLXFXR]

Hey all, headed to the Hoedspruit area of SA next month to hunt kudu and gemsbok. Are my Crispi non-insulated Legend boots too heavy and overkill? Where can I buy the short, canvas gaiters I see everyone wearing in pictures? Thanks!

 

[JimP]

I've quit wearing my heaver high top type of boots since most of my hunting is now done in the fall of the year and the Crispi non insulated Colorado II's work quite well. However a high top boot will never go out of style for a lot of reasons and you should have no problem wearing them on your hunt.

As for the gaiters, I only wear them when in the deep snow to try and keep my pant legs dry, A totally different type of circumstance.

 

[Altitude sickness]

If you are sitting in a blind those boots are fine. No need to buy more boots.

But Those are more height, ankle support and sole stiffness than needed for SA PG hunt.

If stalking; you will sound like a pregnant yak walking in those.

 

[Andrew62]

While those will work, don't be shocked if your guide is wearing sandals, seriously, wear whatever you have that is comfortable. I personally wear Oboz brand boots from Sportsmans Warehouse.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

These and others are available on the Courteney website:

 

[DAK]

Hey man, welcome to the site! I have worn my crispi lapponia IIIs for all three of my African hunts but it’s a much softer sole, basically the same as a tennis shoe. Agreed with the above that your boot is very stiff so while stalking it’s probably gonna make a lot of noise.

 

[Nosler guy]

Hunted that area a few years back. Tracker was wearing cheap Walmart sneakers, PH had lighter weight ankle high Merrell hikers. My Daughter and I had all leather Keen ankle high hikers - they were about perfect. We hunted pretty much all spot and stalk. Don't really need a heavy boot around there unless you have Klipspringer or a semi mountainus species on the list

 

[Doug3006]

I’ve never hunted in the Hoedspruit area, but I’m pretty sure that your Crispi boots are heavier than necessary. A good pair of hiking trail shoes or boots is all you’ll need.

 

[45-70guy]

I used my Crispi Laponnia 3 boots all day every day. In camp , on the plane , and in the bush walking miles everyday. No issues
Back home I use the taller Guides because I have a bad right foot and need good support.
I was afraid the smaller Lapponia wouldn’t hold up to keep my foot from getting sore but it was fine. Perfect boot for me

 

[samson7x]

Yes, those Nevadas are overkill, have a much stiffer sole than necessary.

Try Boyt gaiters for canvas, they’re great.

 

[grand veneur]

Don't worry too much. The African bush is a very easy terrain that requires no special equipment. Any standard trekking boots are suitable for it.

 

[coreydb]

Your boots aren't overkill at all. I wear the same style but they're Kenetrek. The reason is ankle protection and the height keeps out low brush and dirt. I wear pants; not shorts in the bush.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

You will be there in the middle of winter. The second day of first safari my PH shows up for breakfast in shorts and gaitors. "What's up with the shorts? There's frost on the windshield." Apparently the other PHs were teasing him the night before for not looking the part. I told him I was paying the bill, not them. And I go to Africa to hunt, not to put on a style show. Didn't expect any less from my guide. He smiled, gave me a thumb's up, and changed back to pants.

The most comfortable boots I have yet owned are a pair of modestly priced Georgia Boot "Eagle Trail." Like slipping on moccasins. They have a bit of insulation and are genuinely waterproof (for more than one season too!). Fairly lightweight and not too tall or too stiff. Just right. The leather uppers held up till I wore out the soles which is more than I can get out of most boots that cost a lot more. Because these boots are softer and more flexible, they are relatively quiet. I came on them by accident when a pair of new Rocky boots blew out (both boots!) after three days bird hunting. The store took them back and told me to pick something else of reasonably same value. Their paracord laces were crap (all paracord is crap) and I tossed them immediately. I hunt VERY hard and usually lucky if I can get a pair of boots to last into third hunting season. I think these lasted five years before I literally wore the soles through. The rest of the boot was still holding up fine. Another plus is they come in half sizes which is rare these days, especially for a boot under $200.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

If they are comfortable, broke in, and you like them, then wear them. If you have a lighter alternative that you like, then bring those.

I wear my Zamberlan boots several days a week and walk the dogs with them on. They provide a level of comfort and support I don’t get in other boots. My podiatrist recommended it…

 

[375Fox]

You will be there in the middle of winter. The second day of first safari my PH shows up for breakfast in shorts and gaitors. "What's up with the shorts? There's frost on the windshield." Apparently the other PHs were teasing him the night before for not looking the part. I told him I was paying the bill, not them. And I go to Africa to hunt, not to put on a style show. Didn't expect any less from my guide. He smiled, gave me a thumb's up, and changed back to pants.

The most comfortable boots I have yet owned are a pair of modestly priced Georgia Boot "Eagle Trail." Like slipping on moccasins. They have a bit of insulation and are genuinely waterproof (for more than one season too!). Fairly lightweight and not too tall or too stiff. Just right. The leather uppers held up till I wore out the soles which is more than I can get out of most boots that cost a lot more. Because these boots are softer and more flexible, they are relatively quiet. I came on them by accident when a pair of new Rocky boots blew out (both boots!) after three days bird hunting. The store took them back and told me to pick something else of reasonably same value. Their paracord laces were crap (all paracord is crap) and I tossed them immediately. I hunt VERY hard and usually lucky if I can get a pair of boots to last into third hunting season. I think these lasted five years before I literally wore the soles through. The rest of the boot was still holding up fine. Another plus is they come in half sizes which is rare these days, especially for a boot under $200.
View attachment 764946

Hoedspruit is low elevation next to Kruger park. There won’t be frost on the windshield.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Hoedspruit is low elevation next to Kruger park. There won’t be frost on the windshield.

Last time I hunted RSA the lodge owner's wife showed me photos of snow on elephants. I presume it was someplace near there as I don't believe there are any elephants in the Eastern Cape.

 

[375Fox]

Last time I hunted RSA the lodge owner's wife showed me photos of snow on elephants. I presume it was someplace near there as I don't believe there are any elephants in the Eastern Cape.

Addo Park

 

[DLSJR]

That’s a lot more boot than you need and as others have mentioned they’ll be noisy. Light weight hiking boots are fine but my favorite footwear for prett much everywhere I’ve hunted in Africa is the Palladium Pampa boot. It’s canvas, so light weight, cool and dries fast. A relatively soft rubber lug sole makes it very quiet & comfortable. You’ll find a lot of PH’s & trackers wearing similar footwear.

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[Ontario Hunter]

Addo Park

That was likely it.