What boots are PH's wearing these days?

Boots and breeches, the clothing of a traditional PH.

IMG_0002 (10).jpeg
 
Whole thread on Jim Greens.... and many others on boots to wear.....:E Shrug:
I have read plenty of the threads on boots. My question is specifically on what PH's prefer and if there was a strong preference towards one shoe in particular.
 
When we stopped at Safari Outdoor in Pretoria after our hunt, our PH showed me the Jim Green barefoot African Rangers and said they would be his next boot. They were incredibly flexible.
 
@spike.t says all the Takeri guys wear these..

Image1730336787.973908.jpg


:D :D :D
 
Was curious about the Jim Green's. Thank you for the reply. How do they hold up compared to the Courteney's? Assuming you have the African Rangers? Like the price point of the Jim Greens, but have heard they don't wear as well.
Yes, I have the African Rangers
Personally I like them just as much as my Courteney's, they wear just as good.
 
At the end of the day, the ideal African hunting boot should have the following attributes.
1. Comfortable and well broken in.
I knew this after 3 safaris.

And on my safari no 4, I made exactly that (beginners) mistake. New shoes, not broken in.

On Arrival to airport, PH immediately noticed my brand new shoes and said: New shoes, ha? You might get few blisters!

He got me thinking! (my salvage and comforting thought on that comment was if things get to this level, I will be walking in crocs slippers, which I took for camp use!

But it all turned out well.
I used brand new 5.11 boots, and they proved comfortable even when new, with a lot of walking and tracking buffalo for miles.
When I came back home after 2 week hunt, they were well broken in!

A testament of quality to 5.11!
 
I think everyone will have a different opinion. For me in the Kalahari, I like Wildebees Spoorloos Footwear. For the rocky parts of the country I would prefer the Merrell Hiking boots, something like the Moab 3. I know in the swamp areas like Caprivi some people like crocs because they don't get damaged in the water. Only my opinion but those two up top is good options.
 
I wear gortex running trail shoes, feet are way happier, better gait, and clean up as needed, especially if go mudding. And now I am faster then the slowest guy, if that becomes an issue, LOL!
 
I wear hunt with Merrels and Rogues..... both have given me years of service
 
I wear salomon quest 4 goretex
My PHs wear blundstones or similar type chelsea boot
I wont go near a coutney they have zero support
Had various phs wear from crocs to vellies etc
 
I wear salomon quest 4 goretex
My PHs wear blundstones or similar type chelsea boot
I wont go near a coutney they have zero support
Had various phs wear from crocs to vellies etc


I love the Salomon quest 4 goretex. Best uninsulated hunting boot I've ever owned.

However, I did find out that wearing it on pavement and in buildings for days is a bad idea. I've heard this before about some shoes/boots made for trails and rough terrain, but I had not experienced it until this year.

I had a very well broken in pair of these Salomon boots that were always comfortable. I wore them for two days of travel to save space and make sure they arrived with me. My feet were killing me to the point I was worried about using them on the hunt and was getting hot spots like I've never had before.

I ended up wearing them on the hunt and they were once again incredibly comfortable. Hiked a ton of miles over about two weeks and they never once felt bad when on the hunt.
 
I find Courtneys very heavy. Have had the same pair for probably 7 years, and they will probably last another 15. This is the boot with the "mud-terrain" sole. Don't wear them in the wet. You will be carrying 20Lb boots for the rest of the day.
 
Yeah dave thanks for going to that " special " shop to supply them for us.... ;)

It was a difficult acquisition... those ladies really didnt want to give them up.. no matter how many dollars I slipped them... :D

1730381344312.png
 

Forum statistics

Threads
62,998
Messages
1,383,830
Members
121,921
Latest member
machinegunmethod
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

SCmackey wrote on SBW1975's profile.
I have a Chapuis 450-400 double that looks brand new and shoots well, never been hunted from what I can tell. I am willing to part with it as I have a 375 H&H Sodia on it's way from Dorleac & Dorleac. I am looking for $9,250 for it and if you are interested, I am happy to send you some pictures. Regards,
Steve
SCmackey wrote on buckstix's profile.
Hi There, I saw the pics of the VC 470 NE, what is the asking price? Thanks, Steve
Available dates for the 2026 seasons

March is open
April is open
1-14 May is open
24-31 May is open
11-19 June is open
24-30 June is open
1-19 July is open
August-October is open!

book early! get your spot I will update them as we go!
 
Top