Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Russell Moccasin Company Boots?

I have a "European foot," I'm told (wider forefoot, narrower heel), which means Euro boots fit me better than most American brands. I did have Danner make me a Mountain Hiker (IIRC) some 30 years ago with a D-width forefoot and a B- or C-width heel. They fit fine, but I can't use the standard Danner - the heel's too wide and slips. (Danner stopped that service some time ago.) Fabiano Scarpa worked well for me but were heavy.

One low-cost alternative might be military boots, like the Corcoran jump boots. They're uninsulated, un-GoreTex and breathe very well, have no padding to hold and hide seeds, and are built on the "Quartermaster last" (I think), made to fit millions of feet. (They generally fit the shape of my foot pretty well, but tend to run a little large for your normal size, should you try to order them instead of trying them on.) Also, that broad toecap has more use than holding spit polish, too - it should resist thorns pretty well. (That's just a guess, though)

I have a pair of Russell PH IIs that I bought back around 1996, and they're still going strong. I recently ordered a pair of the MBOGO PH boots. I find that Russell's are well made, and they stand behind their product.

I currently own four pair of Russells, a pair of low cut Mohiecan Stalkers I am wearing as I write this. My Dad just gave me the Russell Birdshooters he bought new in 1952, been re-soled twice, I just wore them pheasant hunting in Eastern Montana a few weeks ago, and they were perfect.

If your feet are hard to fit, spending money on custom made boots that will last two lifetimes seems to me, to be a good investment. If you can use off the shelf boots check out Russell's website for slightly used return boots. I have gotten two killer deals there.

I have 6 pairs and wear them daily. From teh south 40 bird hunters, to the knockabout boot and traveling sportsman.
I cannot speak highly enough of them.


Michael

Intriguing! I wonder where I can find those sealskin boots over there?

Also, I keep hearing about Courtneys - can you only get them in Zim and RSA, or do think they'd be available in Namibia as well?

I almost always hunt Africa in tennis shoes. If it's really hilly or rocky, I switch to high-tops. I usually buy the Nike ACGs, which are available in more neutral colors. They are light, quiet, and comfortable, and there are few areas where you really need the support a stiff boot gibes you. But once, two seasons ago, my Meindls saved me.

I was hunting in my Meindls to break them in for sheep season. I was bitten by a puff adder while tracking a friend's wounded impala, but I was stepping on half of it so it couldn't bite higher than my ankle - the stiff boot stopped the fangs. Even so, I prefer a lighter shoe for African use, as I have only seen a handful of poisonous snakes in the nearly 400 days I've spent hunting all over Africa.

Well, my New Balance 748BRs came in two days ago - they look nice, feel pretty good so far, and are very quiet - nice tread pattern for hiking, lightweight. I got them on sale and got them in 12EE, which seems to be fitting pretty well. Will get in some Rimrocks from Cabelas next week and some Irish Setter Chukkas as well. Between those three I think I may be set, and at less than $200 for all three pair, too! It will be nice not having to bring my Vasques (too heavy, tight fit, and really more designed for mountain hiking).

I guess theres an exception to everything. I ordered a pair of PH's in 2002 & never found them comfortable. Probable should have returned them but threw them in my junk box.

I'm with JJ..I wear Roper Kiltie Horseshoes, by Roper, a high top tennis shoe of leather with a heel, they are water proof, feel like a buckskin glove on your feet. $89.00 a pair and they will last forever it seems. I get them form NRSworld.com, stock number 20-350-501. I have been wearing them for years for all my African hunts, and most other hunts also..

fwiw,
Looks as if this is a lone opinion, however, I've owned two pairs of Russells and threw both pairs in the trash when they prematurely gave up the ghost. They struck me as the most expensive cheap shoes I've ever owned. All in all I prefer Meindl Boots. They have a cork footbed roughly similar to Birkenstocks(which I am tremendously partial to). Personally respecting many of the folks above who give glowing reviews of them leads me to think I am either hard on footware or experienced a highly unusual sample of two. Only slightly more credible than it's reviled cousin the sample of one...

With that said I'd still recommend the Meindl Perfekt. I own three pairs and cycle them out so they have a couple of days to dry between wearings. The absolute best boot/shoe I have ever owned...fwiw & imho

Regards, Matt Garrett
757-581-6270

John,
I'm not sure I can tell you any place specifically but they seemed to be sold in most good sporting good stores in Swakamund and Windhoek.

It used to be that you could by them direct from the factory I believe, but that was before my time.

I don't know anything about Courtneys.
Brent