Boots for Africa

[sy247]

I am going to Eastern Cape in June. It is my first trip to Africa and I am wondering what sort of boots to take.

I wear Oboz for hiking:

Men's Bridger Mid Waterproof

From thru hikes to day hikes, our flagship hiker will get you to the summit and beyond. The Bridger Mid have long been serious hikers’ favorite boots. They have a short break-in period, are amazingly comfortable in part thanks to its O-FIT insole, and are super durable. No matter the length of...

obozfootwear.co.uk

They are comfortable and lightweight. They have got a 'breathable' membrane but can be a bit sweaty in hot weather. Would I be better off with a traditional leather safari boot, like a Courteney, Jim Green or Rogue?

Or something else?

 

[RH Somerset]

Im sure those will be absolutely fine.

It isn’t hot in June. I was there in June this year and temps started at about 5 degrees in the morning and very slowly rose to low twenties later in the day.

 

[sy247]

Im sure those will be absolutely fine.

It isn’t hot in June. I was there in June this year and temps started at about 5 degrees in the morning and very slowly rose to low twenties later in the day.

Thanks, that's good to know.

 

[Jon P]

Personally I prefer leather boots as the acacia thorns don’t mess around- the boots in this photo were new 10 days before this photo was taken. We did cover a fair bit of ground though

 

[tusker]

I have some Jack Pyke Tundra boots, on my second pair. 5 Africa trips and I find them very comfortable. this year I bow hunted, walk and stalk covered miles over very tough ground. They are not waterproof but at the time of year you will be there that wont be a problem the soles are very grippy on rocks and boulders.
Tusker

 

[Selous]

I use both Courtney and Merrell boots and tend to alternate days when I’m there. The boots you suggest will be absolutely fine so long as they are broken in. They might be a bit sweaty but that’s about it.

 

[Fabnosh]

I use Lowa Renegades. On their tenth African adventure and still going strong….and they are really light.

FN

 

[Dickie]

Meindl desert boots brown surplus about £50.
Whatever boot you go with make sure they are a good fit don't just persevere because they cost XX££.
Get them well broken in and wear good socks.
I've some Oboz shoes and they are super comfortable but just means they suit my foot.

 

[sy247]

Thanks for all your replies so far guys. I think I will go with my Oboz.

 

[Heym SR20]

There are huge differences in terrain in Africa, indeed you don’t need to go that far for it to change massively. Big difference between walking on flat plains and woodland, to crawling over steep, sharp jagged rocks.

It also depends on the season and whether there is rain.

I would take the advice from whomever you are hunting with.

 

[sy247]

There are huge differences in terrain in Africa, indeed you don’t need to go that far for it to change massively. Big difference between walking on flat plains and woodland, to crawling over steep, sharp jagged rocks.

It also depends on the season and whether there is rain.

I would take the advice from whomever you are hunting with.

Thanks. I'll ask outfitter and the guys that I am going with who have been before.

 

[Tazz]

Having done a number of SA and Namibian hunts mud and waterproof is generally not an issue but the rocks/thorns and aggressive vegetation mean you do need a sturdy ankle high boot, short anti snake gaiters also a good idea

 

[Dorsettaff]

British army surplus desert boots

 

[Klenchblaize]

Please note the all-important colour:

KMD EVO Mens Warm Taupe Sage

Vibram KMD EVO Mens barefoot shoes for gym training and everyday performance. Designed for stability grip and natural movement.

www.vibrams.co.uk

K

 

[sy247]

Please note the all-important colour:
View attachment 397564

KMD EVO Mens Warm Taupe Sage

Vibram KMD EVO Mens barefoot shoes for gym training and everyday performance. Designed for stability grip and natural movement.

www.vibrams.co.uk

K

Are they snake proof?

 

[Heym SR20]

Snake proof - mostly hunting in Africa takes place in the winter / dry season so snakes are not really an issue. Vast majority of snakes will get out the way in any case, and as a client you will be walking behind trackers and ph. Those brought up
in Africa learn about snakes from a very young age.

Puff adders do like lying on paths and in the sun. Keeping your eyes open and you will see them.

Snake bites tend to occur amongst locals who are clearing bush, cutting timber etc. Cobras, mambas etc attack if you go into their space and are stupid.

Snakes, especially in the winter season do like warmth. Two favourite spots are in the long drop loo, and in your sleeping bag if you are sleeping on the ground. Don’t use a shotgun to deal with a cobra in the long drop, do use a mossy net if camping by the fire - it keeps snakes, scorpions, hyenas, over excited clients and all sorts of other critters out of your bed at night.

In Zambia we just lived in bata boots - suede boots with a flat soft crepe like sole and we walked for miles in them. Never bothered with socks - they just pick up grass seeds.

 

[Nkawu]

I spent three years working on and off in Zambia in the bush. I wore Courteney Safari’s and Rogue Transafrica boots. For hunting safaris I would 100% get the base model of Rogues and break them in well. Mine were very comfortable and also did well in the UK for summertime use. If you are willing to drop series ££ then the Courteney Selous is a boot that lasts a lifetime, but not needed for occasional hunts abroad.

 

[Fez]

I am going to Eastern Cape in June. It is my first trip to Africa and I am wondering what sort of boots to take.

I wear Oboz for hiking:

Men's Bridger Mid Waterproof

From thru hikes to day hikes, our flagship hiker will get you to the summit and beyond. The Bridger Mid have long been serious hikers’ favorite boots. They have a short break-in period, are amazingly comfortable in part thanks to its O-FIT insole, and are super durable. No matter the length of...

obozfootwear.co.uk

They are comfortable and lightweight. They have got a 'breathable' membrane but can be a bit sweaty in hot weather. Would I be better off with a traditional leather safari boot, like a Courteney, Jim Green or Rogue?

Or something else?

Hey

Last time I went I just wore the trekster Winchester boots. We’re fine and yes a bit hot on the steamy day being goretex but wasn’t forking out for a pair just for 10 days in the eastern cape. I now have the harkila reidmar boots with the quick lacing system which I’ll wear there on my next trip in feb 2026
I would just wear something comfortable that you’ve worn in well so you know they fit and you can get some miles in stalking without getting sore feet. So you can enjoy the experience

 

[Kalahari]

Snake proof - mostly hunting in Africa takes place in the winter / dry season so snakes are not really an issue. Vast majority of snakes will get out the way in any case, and as a client you will be walking behind trackers and ph. Those brought up
in Africa learn about snakes from a very young age.

Puff adders do like lying on paths and in the sun. Keeping your eyes open and you will see them.

Snake bites tend to occur amongst locals who are clearing bush, cutting timber etc. Cobras, mambas etc attack if you go into their space and are stupid.

Snakes, especially in the winter season do like warmth. Two favourite spots are in the long drop loo, and in your sleeping bag if you are sleeping on the ground. Don’t use a shotgun to deal with a cobra in the long drop, do use a mossy net if camping by the fire - it keeps snakes, scorpions, hyenas, over excited clients and all sorts of other critters out of your bed at night.

In Zambia we just lived in bata boots - suede boots with a flat soft crepe like sole and we walked for miles in them. Never bothered with socks - they just pick up grass seeds.

I must have walke a couple or so miles in Bata "zonks" as they were referred to in my part of the world, and socks were not used. Mind you I also spent a lot of time just in my bare feet, stood on a big acacia thorn once and you could see the tip sticking out of the top of my foot, so maybe boots are a sound plan.

David.

 

[Oldstalker]

Almost any of the American lightweight (used to be Outback) Rocky boots. They are lightweight, do not collect more on the sole than other boots (and certainly hugely less than anything with a Vibram type sole), generally waterproofed and if leather as snake proof as you re going to get but they also have cushioned soles and inner liners. So you can walk further lifting less weight, padded and cushioned, and because of the angle of the ankle supports you are usually also better shod for a twist than many boots. Compared to many European boots they will not break the bank, especially if ordered direct. [Trump and his bloody tariffs!]