I'm going to South Africa in 2013 and want to get a comfortable and durable boot. I have a pair of Cabela's/Meindel Alakan Hunting boots that I really like, I was looking at the Meindel Hikers and the Kenetrek Desert Guides and Hardscrabble Hikers. What do you African hunting veterans like to wear? Thanks.

I'm thinking of getting these.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Uninsulated-Ultralight-Hunter-Boots-by-Meindl/1237095.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%2B%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl+&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

I need a boot that has very good ankle support. I figure given the experience I have with my 3 other pairs of Meindl boots/shoes, these would be great. Lots of support, yet uninsulated, light and supposedly quiet soles. The soles would be the only thing I would question.

I looked at those and wasn't too impressed with the construction. I didn't like the fact they use 'lace loops' for the area right across the ankle. Seems to me that's a high stress area and prone to failure. Also, these aren't German made Meindls. They are made in Vietnam.

I ended up with the Denali uninsulated and they are awesome IMHO.

Oh, when I went to RSA back in '09 I just wore my Justin Lacer work boots and had no troubles.

Oh, and mine is an 'experience of one' so YMMV.

That's why I'll head down to Post Falls,ID or Billings, Mt to place my Mark I eyeball on the boots before I buy. I don't expect our Canadian Cabelas in Edmonton will be stocking them. It's like we're in a third world country for sporting goods.

As for the lace at the ankle, I have a couple of different shoes that have a similar feature. So far, the nylon strap has held up, and works well. Nothing to be afraid of. Made in Vietnam, I guess a person has to judge for themselves when they eyeball them.

In Tanzania I have been wearing Meindl Air Lite 2 boots, and they have been great for me. Both dry and wet (walking in rivers) conditions.

In the jungle I wear Meindl Sambar boots that I buy in Aus.

Mind you, I have arthritis in one foot and I find the fit of the Meindls' superior to others I have tried recently. the foot limits things.

Good luck with your search and the hunt next year.

Cheers, Chris

I think most Africa-bound hunters take boots that are too heavy and rigid. These are too loud when you are trying to sneak. Africa is not steep and rugged like the Rockies or Alaska sheep country. The various scouts and trackers are typically wearing little more than sandals or tennis shoes. I am going back in August to Zim and will be taking more like light upland bird boots than my Kenetreks. I'll let you know how they work out.

Lite weight boots, little more than ankle high and not of heavy lugg type sole will be best. Uninsulated goretex will work great. You won't need heavy socks either.

You don't need boots. Go to a running store and get a pair of trail running shoes. Have done the job for me on many trips. Remember you need to be able to walk quietly. Hard soles make this difficult.

Guys--thanks, keep it coming. I hear you on the light weight hikers. I was leaning towards a heavier hiker for a tougher sole. I normally wear Vasque Clarion's but they don't have the rubber toe and get scuffed easily, I've heard Africa if full of pointed things. I have a pair of the Merrell Reflex Gore Tex hikers and they are comfortable but I wore them in Colorado elk hunting and they offered no support going down hill. I see in Dangerous Game Hunting magazine Tim Herald recommends Cabela's Active Trail Hikers, I'll have to check them out at Cabela's, they appear similar to the Merrell's.

You might find this article interesting.

African Hunting Boots

My feelings exactly. I've done four safaris and soon to be five with Nu Balance trail shoes and leather gaiters. I've never seen a need for boots in Africa.

Mike

I wore Merrell light hikers in Namibia. In fact those were the only shoes I took. I like to travel light, so I wore them over, 12 days there, and wore them home. Perfect..........

Whatever you get and take, make sure it has ZERO, and I do mean ZERO, NONE, NADA, IXNE, NOPE thinsulate or any other insulation. Feet get too hot in those. Light wieght, soft soles, leather and not nylon mesh (which will not keep out anykind of thorn) and over the ankle slightly. Add some lightweight short over the top gaiters and you are good to go. Break them in well long before you go. I have seen boots and shoede give up the ghost on a Safari (and one of them was a fresh pair of Merrels!) so I try to travel over and back in shoes that can be pressed into service as hunting shoes if my primary boots go ka boom mid trip. High top Tennis shoes or cross training shoes so long as they have 100% leather uppers and cover ones ankles are terrific for travleing and backup hunting shoes. Redundancy is a very good concept to keep in mind when planning and packing for such a trip.

RSA has a wide variety of terrains and weather can vary enormously depending on when you go so you need to ask your outfitter what you can expect in those regards and then choose your boots accordingly.

I have a pair of old (1996 vintage) Rocky mid-height, cordura, GoreTex, 200 gm Thinsulate very lightweight chukka-like shoes that I have worn all over the place in numerous hunts including Africa in 2002. They will again head to Africa in June. Wouldn't buy Rocky's today but I would want the same style shoe if I were looking.

What I wore for my hunt in Zimbabwe, last summer was the 6" soft toe Converse Military Desert Boot. You can buy them on line for about $90. I have feet issues, and these boots provided great support, comfort, and toughness, at a very reasonable price.


maddog

I have been reading about boot selection for Africa for years with amazement. My feet are the same whether they are in Africa or at home here in Southern Arizona. I wear what is comfortable for my feet period. In my case that happens to be a pair of Russell High Country Sheephunters. To me walking is walking and since I don't really climb mountains or any other rather esoteric walking experiences I just wear what is comfortable. I have made 8 safaris to Africa but all were to Zimbabwe but I have then hunted almost all areas of that country and I actually did not find the footwear requirements any different from what I wear here in Arizona. Two of my favorite PH friends in Zimbabwe ,in fact, prefer to hunt barefooted if you can believe it. I personally don't even go bare-footed on the carpet in my home much less outside. People sure have funny ideas about footwear.

My guide said the same. I used some sneaker type shoes with an aggressive sole quite effectively. Running shoes may have been better.

Thanks guys, I think I'll start looking at the sneaker/cross trainer type shoes, it makes a lot of sense when your going to be walking long distances. I was worried about sticky and pointy things in the bush.

Don't forget the gaiters! I spent way too much time picking stuff out of my sock tops.

donsm70

Don--wouldn't it be easier to wear a non-insulated pair of 10" hunting boots? I hate having stuff scratching my ankles.

Haven't been yet, but think these Lowa would work great

http://lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=3105350411&Category=4&Type=M

[img]http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/884169?wid=1000&hei=1000&op_sharpen=1[/img]




Bring two pair...

That is essentially what all the trackers are wearing (although last year's model.)

They have potentially fatal snakes. No joke. I wore Georgia 8" Lacer Velva G7013 boots bought at grand opening of Tractor Supply in August ME and was the envy of the continent. Still my favorite boots, shot a moose and 2 deer while wearing them. Made in #%@&%$^ China though.

10" boots would be fine, but you still need to cover the tops of your socks.

donsm70

If the black mambas that we saw were "normal", the height of the boot didn't matter much. Those suckers are huge!

donsm70

In two trips to Africa, never wore gaiters, but then I wore long pants. I didn't/wouldn't huntin shorts. Your long pants will effectively cover your socks, with 6" or higher boots.


maddog

Sorry for being a PITA, any suggestions on where to get the gaiters? Thanks. I'm also not very keen on snakes!

Here you go.

http://www.texashuntco.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=22



maddog

NJelksmacker,

Where in RSA are you going, and when?

The odds of seing ANY snake during the typical South Africa hunting season are very low, because it's their winter. In fact I can't recall having ever seen any snake in RSA in a number of trips from late April to August, though anything's possible. If you do run into a black mamba, gaiters or even snake boots aren't like to do much good, as big one can easily raise its head to the height of a Land Cruiser's window, and even a small one can bite you on the thigh.

I've worn several different kinds of shoes/boots in Africa, depending on the area. My favorites if the terrain and vegetation are favorable are the ankle-height African shoe called veldschoen, with fairly thin rubber soles and one-layer leather. They're a lot cooler than any synthetic hiking or running shoe, especially when made of kudu leather, and very quiet. Some people who need arch support can't wear them, but I find them very comfortable. Unfortunately they're getting harder to find even over there, because of all the cheap Chinese hiking/running shoes, but they're good for at least 80% of typical safari terrain.

If the country is steeper and rockier I prefer unlined, leather bird-hunting boots. They turn thorns much better than any synthetic, and are also cooler. But even they are getting harder to find here, since everybody seems to think hunting boots HAVE to be lined with something, whether Gore-Tex or whatever.

On one safari in the Okavango Delta I took two pairs of Converse All-Star basketball shoes, the high-top model, on the advice of Craig Boddington. These were for wading the shallow lakes, and the two pairs were for switching them every day so one pair could be drying. They worked great, but you probably won't be doing any wading.

JB sportin' the 'Chuck Taylors'.

I'll be going the end of May into the beginning of June, I've talked to a bunch of PH's and they all say they hardly ever see snakes, I've read enough accounts from people who have hunted over there that have seen snakes to make me cautious. I'm going over there to hunt and enjoy myself, not worrying about being bit by a two stepper.

I've gotten a whole lot of recommendations on boots and I have enough time to check them all out, thank you. I'll let you know how I make out.

The wife & I hunted Limpopo Province in July of 2010; never saw a snake as it was to cool at the time (thankfully!). We both wore our Keen light weight hikers & long pants. Had gaiters but never had to use them. Our PH preferred the softer sole hikers as the typical "American" hunting boots are too loud to stalk quietly in for his taste.

On all nine of my hunts in Tanzania I wore old Addidas racket ball shoes. They were quiet, comfortable, and easy to get the sand out of - just pull 'em off, turn upside down, put back on. Not "cool" boots but never let me dowm.

Terry

I where Courtney when hot dry weather is expected and Vasque when wet and muddy condition exist.

As for snakes I ran across a Puff Adder in October in the Selous, and also one is SA Northern Provence in April. Both times really got my attention.

I wear shorts the majority of the time when hunting Africa, finding them more comfortable whenever the PH's do. many of my American companions don't, some admittedly due to snake-phobia. They admit it makes no sense, but that's what they do!

I have more fear finding a snake in the toilet than in the field. One night over cocktails the PH's enjoyed telling about all the snakes they come across in camp inside the toilets. Ruined my normal library time from then on. Sure adds an extra bit of attention to those late night nature calls

This is probably a stupid question, but would Clark Desert boots be OK? Good Lord willing we're going in 2014 to RSA.

Check out the new New Balance ultra light trail runners. The only downside is that they are orange. At least you won't get shot in the foot or even worse, shoot yourself in your foot.

3040Krag,
Many of the trackers wear desert boots and they seem to work well. I believe they are made by Bata not Clark but they look identical. Most of the PH's seem to wear Courtney boots. In the US the Courtney's are not cheap, but they are sturdier than the desert boots and give more protection. They are a bit heavier.

Gentlemen ive never been to africa, but i do know a bit about comfy walking boots. If fellas are looking for super comfy lightweight american made boots, check out thoroughgoods. Ive been wearing them for work (i work construction and im on concrete all day everyday) thier wedge sole is the most comfortable light weight full grain leather boot on the planet. The soles are also very very soft and quite, i wear another pair to stalk deer with because i can notice an actual differnce when stepping on twigs. Ive enclosed a link. Try to support american business if you can.

http://thorogoodworkboots.com/

I don't like big boots nor heavy ones and i absolutely wouldn't wear a tennis shoe type shoe. I am looking for a 4 or 4 1/2 inch chukka type leather shoe, light weight -- that gives ankle support. It could be just a very good walking shoe, but not a walker/tennis type, synthetic shoe etc. I like the Courney low type chukka boot but I think cost has to be considered. I don't want a boot that is 6" or more. My feet sweat,
and they are sensitive(never been a barefooter). I have seen boots
that look light and are possible. Going to try something here shortly anticipating 2013 and Ks in early fall for a look at taking a trophy deer possibility. British Columbia is in my son's plans, but the requirements are different

Big fan of Meindl's. One of these should work, my only question is if the sole is quiet enough.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Grand-Junction-Hikers-by-Meindl/753543.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Perfekt-Casual-Chukkas-by-Meindl/1194964.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Perfekt-Light-Hikers-by-Meindl/1221423.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Uninsulated-Ultralight-Hunter-Boots-by-Meindl/1237095.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dmeindl%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

I had actually picked out the Perfek Hiker and oxford... The uninsulated boot would be good for winter for me in most circumstances. I used to wear a work boot from Wards that I really liked, uninsulated but with room for wool socks and inner sock and my feet were never cold (Zero and above). I used snow seal for waterproofing for snow but in MO/Kan/AR not much snow.

Thanks for your list... Dai

Boots are like underwear. What is comfortable for you may be uncomfortable for someone else.

Personally, my favorite are Courtney safari boots. I've used the same two pairs for years and have found them to be comfortable and rugged. Available from Westley Richards and African Sporting Creations.

Russell PH boots also work well, though fitting can be a pain, as they are made to measure and Russell doesn't always get it right on the first try.

How well does the Courtneys fit?

AB2506:

The Courtney's fit me the best of any boot I've ever worn. But remember, every foot is different. I wear them with Falke TK2 socks, which I also highly recommend.

Mod70, Do they fit true to measured NA sizes?

I too, am very happy with my Courtney boots. When I got them several years ago from Westley Richards the salesman warned me that they were made in Zimbabwe and they may vary from pair to pair in a given size. (Not all 10's are really 10's, etc.) That may have been corrected by now but I got lucky with mine and have been happy since. Supposedly, they are MUCH cheaper if they are bought in Zimbabwe.

Goretex or no Goretex in a boot?

A lot of the boots I am considering are Goretex lined. Usually they work good, but I must admit that usually I don't hunt in temperatures that would come close to RSA. 60-70F would be hot in most seasons that I hunt. Most is around freezing or below.

I see that Lowa makes a version of the Renegade that is leather lined. Would that be better than the Goretex version? (provided the boot fits etc)

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=3108470442&Category=3&Type=M

How heavy is the dew in RSA? From what I understand it doesn't rain that often when most people are hunting. If the dew is heavy and a person were stalking in the early morning, it might take all day for the feet to dry out?

If you go in August like I did, the only thing that will wet your boots is the hose if you turn it on........I don't think you will need gore-tex over there.....

Thanks. Is Goretex to be avoided?

I use $12.00 canvas slip on shoes from Walmart and find them all I need, and they're very quiet.

If you are hunting in the tougher hills and rocks around East Cape or similar, use a light boot that is QUIET!.

You don't need Gortex or insulation.

My PH had his boots drying in front of the fire each evening due to the amount of dew we encountered hunting Eastern Cape a month ago and his were not Goretex lined. We had only one day of rain in 14 days and we did not hunt that day but the due in the mornings was pretty heavy. Not sure about other months since both of my SA trips were in May. My old run of the mill Irish Setter Goretex lined boots were nice and dry when I took them off in the evening and when I put them back on in the morning.

The important issue are making sure your boots are well worn, broken in and that you have good socks.

Best wishes and good luck on your hunt.

+1 to both but I prefer the TK4 sock.

The soles on my first pair are almost smooth.

They still fit and feel great 10 yesr later. They are a tad heavy but I dont seem to notice with them on

Dave

I've gone to the local Army Surplus store, and found that "Hot Weather" boots are outstanding.

and...... can be had for around $20 for a used pair. Get them large enough so you can wear a good thick sock.

I'm afraid not. They are best for the desert. I've had them. At least for me, they end up rather useless if you get them wet, since they soften up and stretch to the point that you feel like you are walking in soft suede bags, slipping and sliding all over.

Yes, hunting in Africa is largely dry, but one does find muddy places and often you have to step in water while hunting. At least, I and my friends did. In one place our PH pointed to tracks next to mine that he said were those of a 13 ft. croc. At that point, I was glad that I had sturdy boots and got out of there ASAP. He said there was no way a man could fight off one that size. (I never did see the croc, but that's okay.)

Personally, I used Russell Birdshooters in Zambia. About 10 in. high, lace up (better with replacement speed laces), moccasin toe and only one layer of leather. I would not spend the extra money on custom fit if you are a standard size, since they've gotten too expensive. Worked fine for me, though I have the hard sole ones and the soft seems be better for quiet stalking,

Many praise the Courteney line. They look okay and seem very popular in Africa, but again they look pretty expensive. If they fit, great. See http://www.courteneyboot.com/

I live on a mountain in Japan and as I get older, my bad feet and aching knee prompted my to buy a pair of Alden 405s for walking down the hill. I figured if Harrison Ford chose them when he worked construction and later specified them for his Indy Jones roles, they might feel really good -- and they do. Expensive these days, but they are so light and comfortable that I would not hesitate to use them for most hunting applications, and I have Russells, Meindl Alaskans, Bean boots, Justins, etc. for specialized hunts.

Of course, any light construction or work boot might be similar. Way back in college, I bought a cheap pair of work boots made of soft yellow leather and thick white soles at an NYC army surplus store that were supremely comfortable and lasted for decades. Back then Abercrombie & Fitch still existed, and if you were Elgin Gates, Bob Lee, Capstick or someone like that, you could afford what it offered, but as a young college kid, I window shopped but bought army surplus.

Those 405s look like they could be a little slick, under certain conditions. Your experience?

That has not been a problem yet. The soles are typical oil resistant work boot versions. Alden also offers models with Vibram soles. The best part is the Trubalance last.

Thanks. Do you find it true they run a half size large?

Take your pick...many fine boots out there. Just make sure you break them in Before you go. I did mine in SD hunting pheasant!

I bought a pair of Courteney boots quite a few years ago. (They're stamped "3 02" on the heel label, so I'm assuming I've had them for about ten years.) When I purchased these through the Wesley Richards Company, I believed they were the "Selous" model and they arrived with the accessory kit as advertised. I've been wearing them seriously in preparation for my upcoming trip to Tanzania and they are very comfortable, but look very different from the Courteney Selous boot currently advertised. Has the design changed that much or did I receive something else? These have held up quite well, but I'm wondering if got the "real deal"?

Edited to add: When I bought these boots, I seem to recall that they were available in elephant, hippo or buffalo hide. These ones are buffalo.

I am quite sure you will never buy another pair (which can be said about several previously mentioned):

http://www.russellmoccasin.com/boots_safari/boots_safari.html

At least. I bought a pair of Alden 405s online, so I was taking a chance. I wear 9.5 or 10, so I bought 9.5. I think 9s would also fit, maybe even better.

They are hard to find in local shoe stores -- especially here.

Well first, Africa is a big place with lots of different terrain. My recommendations are for flatland as you find in Selous.

Second, foot fit is most important.

If you will be hiking in riverbeds or in similar soft sand, look for a flatter sole -- deep heel rise makes you dig in and wastes energy.

On a high-quality leather boot, I do not see the value in Gore-Tex - the leather keeps the water out. On a fabric shoe, Gore can help.

Try the Superfeet inserts (perhaps Green) - loved from Alaska to Africa.

I recommend ankle high and use the small gaiters like Texas Hunt Co sell.

I like Smartwool socks with a thin liner sock. While it is sometimes hot and dry, it can also rain cats and dogs for the bulk of a 10 mile buffalo stalk - you never know.

Don't leave your boots outside your tent at night - the Hyenas will collect them. And take an extra pair (boots, not Hyenas). Wear your good ones on the plane in case the airlines lose your luggage.

And to be more specific, I tried Russell PH, several of the Courteney styles, and none of them fit. I wish they had - nice boots!

I test them on a treadmill at home and return them clean and dry if they don't feel good for 5-10 miles with the socks I will wear and with a 15 lb load on my back (simulate rifle, bino, ammo and other gear weight).

I ended us with Merrell Refugee because:
1. They fit!
2. Pretty much a flat sole for soft sand
3. Leather sides (thorn protection)
4. Sole had pretty good feel of the ground
5. Lugs not too aggressive

My PH looked at them and said "Those look good!" He wore Courtney's.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/20495M/0/Mens/Refuge-Core-Mid-Waterproof

BUT - Also took a pair of older Vasque lite hiking boots with ankle-high coverage.

Ended up wearing the Vasque more - not sure why, maybe they just provided better overall foot support. I walked probably 8-15 miles per day and my feet seemed to feel better at day's end in the Vasque.

This does NOT mean you should buy Vasque, but that you should have 1-2 pair of lite hiking boots and well broken in - options.

That's so you'll feel sorry for them and give them your good boots, which they will sell in town and, well, do it again.

Another couple of good points about the Alden 405 Indy boots is the steel shank and the wider space at the ball of the foot and narrow heel (the Trubalance last). Check Alden for the explanation, as they've been making them for decades. You might also want an insole, but that goes a long way in making them comfortable for long periods of time.

For 8 years I used Desert Oryx lightweight boots and swore by them. Then this year they did not have my size so I bought a pair of Courtney's because the Oryx's almost fell apart at the last moment.

I did the unthinkable by breaking them in on a buffalo hunt and was I surprized. No chafing, no blisters just pure walking pleasure for 6 full days. The Courtney Selous boots are from now on my only boots.

My youngest son remarked once on how many different kinds of boots we had for the different hunting we did and conditions we encountered. It made me realize what an investment we had in a lot of boots! Most of my boots are for rugged country and/or cold weather. Some are for very wet conditions. I'm going to the Eastern Cape next May and would really like to use boots that I already have. I'm thinking the Irish Setters by Redwing posted below ought to work for 10 days. They're well broken-in, comfortable, and give reasonable ankle support for this 70-year old. Any comments on my thinking?

Looks perfect. There's nothing wrong with Redwing. The original wardrobe specs for the Indy Jones movies were for Redwings, but Ford had personal experience with his Alden construction boots and held out for them.

Your soles look not only comfortable but quiet, which is important in stalking. I was surprised at how very alert African game is.

I'm bring these to RSA for my Sept hunt

Cabelas Silent Stalk Sneakers

The only problem with some sneaker-like tops is grass seeds will work their way through a quarter inch of it. After my first trip, I swore only leather or tough canvas/cordora tops and a gusset tongue. I have used a pair of the Russell PH's on my last three trips and have a pair of selous's which I'll bring next time.

Those are my everyday wear in boots in warm weather. Nothing more comfortable

Al,

I wore my Irish Setters on a safari in Namibia in 1999. They worked fine there, since the weather is usually relatively cool in that part of the country.

In hotter weather I prefer the traditional African veldskoens, as they're much cooler (especially when made of kudu leather) and still turn away seeds and thorns. It's getting harder to find them anymore, however, since Chinese running shoes have almost taken over the "affordable" shoe market even in Africa.

John you had made comment before about using a pair of converse sneakers. For whatever reason I didn't say it at the time, but - I've used Palladium boots which have about the same qualities mentioned with the added benefit (imo) of a lug sole. No ankle support to speak of. Very much like converse sneakers.

I would think air jordans would be the best for africa.

RichardAustin,

I used the Converse high-tops in Botswana when hunting the Okavango Delta, on the advice of Craig Boddington. You can end up doing some wading there, and the high-tops stay on your feet even if the mud's a little sticky. I bought two pairs, so one pair could be drying each day while I was out hunting.

They worked great. In fact, the drying part worked out even better than planned. I just set them out in front of my tent to catch the sun--but the camp help found them and not only washed and dried them, but took the laces out and pressed them with their ember-heated iron!

Converse High Tops on Safari I'm sure the pith-helmet and monocle set were scandalized

An old school basketball shoe like the high top converse would be great in wet country. I used Russell PH's while in the Caprivi which are essentially the same thing with a bit of leather trim, crepe soles, and a 5X price tag. Had the same experience where I left them propped up by the fire to dry only to find them try and spotless outside the tent the next a.m.

Speaking of Russell PHs, if anyone wants a pair of Russell PHs with crepe sole PM me. 15 miles on them. Not an ad, just saying.

I just picked up a pair of Russell Thula minimalist short PH's with grip rock soles on EBay for $200 brand new... They arrived yesterday and I have to say they are so light and comfortable. They are gonna be great for stalking as they as very quiet and ground contact is awesome.Wouldn't be my 1st choice if if you wanted to keep your feet dry in a very wet environment but for the area I will be hunting they should be great.

Excellent choice,Dan.

I like my Courtney's.

I wore my ASOLO's in Africa, and 7 years later, and I wear them every day, I am going to buy another pair, at $300.00 they are a bargain, and gaiters are the most under rated piece of gear in the world - if your walking without gaiters your just being silly.

I wore Reef flip flops and they worked great.