Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Favored boots/shoes for RSA hunt?

What say you? Thanks...

Not RSA but I used Merrell's in Namibia a few years ago. Did fine.

Headed there again next year and will go with some Danner's.

Undoubtedly, some purists will chime in and recommend Courtney's.

One thing I have seen mentioned more than once is that a leather-lined boot/shoe is preferable to Gore-Tex or other synthetic fiber linings. Supposedly, leather wicks sweat and moisture better than synthetics? The Merrell's (and the Danner's) had Gore-Tex and I never experienced any issues. I was in the Kalahari though so not a lot of rain or bodies of water to cross. Walked a lot though and I'm sure my feet sweated a fair amount.

The key would be finding something that is comfortable to you and get them broken in.

Converse [now Rebok] military desert boots. light weight, great support, and won't break the bank. Wore a pair in Zimbabwe three years ago. Walked over 30 miles, and i have feet issues, they were great!


maddog

My PH wore Catapillar Transform for about $65 with low Sniper Africa gaiters

When I got home in June I bought a pair and after they get better broken in they will be my boot next time over

GaryO, well this topic will open a small can of worms...everyone thinks their choice of boot is the best.
What PintoGuy said...make sure they are Comfy and broken in.
Not a good time for blisters.
When I was in RSA hunting the Eastern Cape, I wore the Hunting boots from LL Bean...they were fine for me.
The photo from Tedthorn (above) look good and I am sure would be fine.
Good luck on your hunt...I had a great time in RSA.

Gary, don't get too hung up on footwear for South Africa. I often take a look at what the PH and trackers wear...everything from running shoes to sandals to Keds...you name it. As long as they're comfortable to walk in, have a non-slip sole of some sort, and are reasonably thorn-proof, you're fine.

On a recent trip to Burkina Faso,. my luggage didn't make it, and I hunted in a pair of Crocs...worked just fine.

I think Biebs nailed it. I wore the same pair of slip on leather boots I hunt in here in West Texas. I believe they're called Wolverine Raider.

Nothing insulated, but Gortex is okay. Have enough sole for thorns -- ankles, too. What some like is those Desert Storm type with side zippers (mostly for airports).

Lowa Zephyr - very light boot, great for flat land of africa.

I wore the same boots I wear here in the USA Irish Setter Elk Trekers.....

I will say they were overkill for RSA but my hunt was a lot of mountains with several fast climbs and fast canyon dumps each day.....a light boot was what I wished I had

I wore tennis shoes most of the time. My jeans come over the top pretty well and had no issues. Lots of places where I was, was sandy so take that into consideration. Not to mention how thick it is with brush.

I wore running shoes and they were fine. The trackers wore street shoes. My PH used Freestyle brand veldskoen ("vellies") with ankle gaiters. I was told that a lot of guys make the mistake of bringing big clunky boots with aggressive tread that make too much noise.

http://www.freestylesa.co.za/product/hunter-boot-unisex

Eric

This topic is like asking what kind of ice cream you like or how do you like your steak. I wore Russel High Country Hunters for all my trips but one and wore a cheap pair of walkers I bought at Costco for that first trip. Would have worn them more trips but they wore out after I got back as I wore them as work shoes. Had the Russels made simply cause I had always wanted a pair of handmade boots. I was totally satisfied with them as I was with the elcheepos from Costco. Just wear what makes your feet feel good. They will soon tell you if they are the proper boot. Just one old mans opinion.

I wore NB 967 low country walkers and Boyt gaitors.
Would wear the same on next trip.

Best shoes are the quiet ones. Make sure that the sole of the boot is not too thick. The shoe needs to be flexible in order for you to roll your feet on the stalks.

Agree with all that say don't over think it for standard plain game. However, there are some nasty thorns that will punch right through athletic shoes. If you go hunting Vaal rhebok or something in the rocks/hills, ankle support does become a concern.

This. Most hunting in Africa involves stalking. You want to be as quiet as possible so big old vibram soled elk hunting boots are not the ticket.

I just wore Danner Jackals there the last two weeks. They were a bit warm, but otherwise fine.

These are similar to my $99 Timberline shoes. Perfect for S.Africa IMO.