Africa beckons...what boots?

[Stalker62]

At the risk of hexing it.

Our C19 cancelled Safari from 2019 seems to be reviving.

If all the stars line up, we should be on our way at the back end of October, for a couple of weeks in the Jungle.

We have been there before, and it is hard 'old school' hunting. We will once again, 'do the hard miles'.

The last time I had my Courteney boots - truth to tell, I did not rate them and sacked them off after just one day in favour of a pair of British desert boots I had with me.

Those desert boots have long ago, gone to the big cobbler in the sky.

So, what is everyone's experience and or recommendations?

 

[bally]

Any nice comfy boots but a good set of short gaiters are a must,

 

[Safari Hunter]

Never had a problem with Courteney boots to be honest but I also have a pair of Rogue boots I use as they are slightly higher above the ankle.

 

[Stalker62]

Any nice comfy boots but a good set of short gaiters are a must,

Yes, I have a set of Rogue gaiters.

Re: post #3, I did not know they did boots.

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Veldschoens,no socks. Grass seeds don't drive you nuts then as there's nothing to get stuck in. Baseball boots, I think my grandkids call them converse, again no socks.
Google Troopie, statue at Hatfield House,Herts. He's in standard attire for a scurry in the bush.

 

[Stalker62]

Never had a problem with Courteney boots to be honest but I also have a pair of Rogue boots I use as they are slightly higher above the ankle.

Mine have done sterling service and I do not recall having any issues with them in South Africa: Mozambique was the drama.

I note your Avatar and your job - you will have some small experience.

I will have a look at the Rogue boots.

 

[Stalker62]

Veldschoens,no socks.

Thank you, will have a look at them.

Speaking of 'no socks', it took me a couple of days to get my head around it, but 'no pants' increased my (ahem) comfort no end...

 

[bally]

Yes, I have a set of Rogue gaiters.

Re: post #3, I did not know they did boots.

The PH will be after them if your using one, Not rogue ones but the ones I used ended up a gift too PH, After he told me how much he needed them ha ha

 

[zambezi]

couple of weeks in the Jungle

My choice would be dictated by terrain, if known in advance. Soggy jungle or typical African savannah?

In the UK I wear heavy leather ankle boots and calf gaiters if boggy.

In Africa I wear lightweight part-synthetic boots [fast drying] and leather ankle gaiters to prevent thorn ingestion past the socks.

The lightweight African boots are comfortable whilst walking in 40℃ heat. My heavier leather boots tend to par boil my plates in most of the African settings in which I have tried them.

Comfort is personal, but I would definitely seek out one feature: significant toe rand. When stalking, I find having good toe protection gives me confidence to look forward more than downwards.

 

[Andyquadra]

@Stalker1962 whatever boots you get, break them in well before you go

 

[Stalker62]

The PH will be after them if your using one, Not rogue ones but the ones I used ended up a gift too PH, After he told me how much he needed them ha ha

When we left camp last time, not all of the kit we came with made it back to the UK.

Absolutely no problem with seeing it go to good use, by the folk that are doing it every day.

The alternative is that kit comes home and sits in a draw for another three or four years.

 

[bowji john]

Desert boots get thumbs up

However most 3 season walking boots just fine for me

Comfort, fit, arch support and perhaps some calf protection (snakes and grass seeds)

2 pairs of cotton socks

Choice for me would be no different to walking in the UK as far as I’m concerned

 

[Stalker62]

@Stalker1962 whatever boots you get, break them in well before you go

Yes.

Not even I am daft enough to rock up with new boots in their original packaging...

Part of the reason for posting so early.

Get the boots, walk up and down the garden for ten minutes. Jobs a good 'un.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Yes.

No even I am daft enough to rock up with new boots in their original packaging...

Part of the reason for posting so early.

Get the boots, walk up and down the garden for ten minutes. Jobs a good 'un.

My son in laws Bundeswehr national service strongest memory was, they were all told by the NCO to soak their newly issued boots in a bucket of their own urine for a day. Took a few days to manage that one I would think. Discuss

 

[Jagdmatch]

Lowa zephyr. Tall or short. No breaking in required

 

[bowji john]

Ps

Don’t take advice from @Rhodesianjess

He will have spent most of his life bare foot in the bush

 

[Stalker62]

My son in laws Bundeswehr national service strongest memory was, they were all told by the NCO to soak their newly issued boots in a bucket of their own urine for a day.

My told pretty much the same thing in the UK - a thousand years ago...

 

[takbok]

Keen sandals for me!

 

[Rhodesianjess]

Ps

Don’t take advice from @Rhodesianjess

He will have spent most of his life bare foot in the bush

You know us plaas jarpe,shoes go with safari suits for posh town visits.

 

[stevec]

At the risk of hexing it.

Our C19 cancelled Safari from 2019 seems to be reviving.

If all the stars line up, we should be on our way at the back end of October, for a couple of weeks in the Jungle.

We have been there before, and it is hard 'old school' hunting. We will once again, 'do the hard miles'.

The last time I had my Courteney boots - truth to tell, I did not rate them and sacked them off after just one day in favour of a pair of British desert boots I had with me.

Those desert boots have long ago, gone to the big cobbler in the sky.

So, what is everyone's experience and or recommendations?

I am planning the same thing at the same time. I am also looking at boots. I have a pair of now 10 year old Rogue Boots. They are comfortable, but mine are the low ones and are by no means waterproof. They are also very wide, but competitively priced.

I have been told to bring two pairs with me, preferably Courteney. Did you have a specific problem with them?

I like the look of the narrow fittings, but need to find the time to drive down to Birmingham and try a pair. I had a look on a South African based shooting forum and there were a few mentions of Jim Green boots - they also seem good value. I have just had a few experiences of ordering boots that don't fit online then it not being worth sending them back overseas.

I have a friend who's father spends a lot of time in East Africa and he has been using the same Teesav shirts and shorts / trousers (Bushwear – Teesav) for 40+years. I got some online last year. Took 4 months to arrive. Very cheap, even with customs charges but seem to fit small. They are very thick but surprisingly cool. My friend is a forester and he wears the traditional long sleeve bush shirts most days.