Is it true they have zero arch support? Thanks...

I have a pair of Courtney chukka boots (they call 'em the "Vellie" or something similar in their catalogue). Because they have no arch support, I added a pair of thick insoles with a semi-arch support. Doing so improved the comfort a great deal.

I can't speak to any other shoes/boots that Courtney makes.

I have a pair of Courteney Hunters and they do not have any arch support but other than that they are great boots. Mine did not even need to be broken in.

My Vellies are the MOST comfortable "boots" I have ever worn.

Terry

I have half dozen pairs of Courteneys of various styles including 2 pairs of Elephant hide Huunters. None seen to have any arch support but are all very comfortable to me. They are about the only lace shoes I wear. Seems like every trip I made I went by Gegas and bought another pair. Always wanted a pair of the Selous but for some reason they just never felt as good as the other models. Bought my Brother a pair of the Vellies and he absolutely loves them. My actual favorites are a pair of regular walking shoes. They are like old friends. Just plain comfortable.

Perhaps there are folks who don't need any arch support. Wish that was me...

If one sees what the trackers and natives wear, you'd simply be just fine with wearing what makes your feet comfortable for 6-10 miles of easy hiking, if that.

I changed out the inner sole with a better one that had arch support.

Be careful, the sizing is different and i had some issues with toe rub on the 4th toe on both sides.

After using a leather softener on the shoes, the shoes conformed better to my foot.

I think Courtenay is overrated. Just buy a pair of summer-weight hiking boots at your local outdoor store in the US. Cost a lot less, don't need breaking in, and they have arch support.

Silly hsit. My first trip to Africa was in 2002. The same Rocky's went through 2012. In between grizzly, black bear, elk, deer, hogs and nilgai have died. That said, cigars, Scotch and African boots apparently make a hunt.

You have to have cigars and scotch or the hunt doesn't count. Everybody knows that.

Hi GaryO

I have used my fare share in boots when guiding over the years and I must say nothing comes close to the Courtney boot when it comes to durability or at least nothing that I have found in SA.

This is the only shoe that I use, in saying that they are lacking in the bridge support department I got some inners and now they are perfect!

It would depend if you would like to go trough the hassle of putting some inners in them but then you have one heck of a boot that should last you at least 5 years.

Best Regards
Louis van Bergen

Well *I* sureashit do and in a pinch, I'll even do bourbon!

What style/model Rocky's did you take?

I have heard great things about Courteney boots, but that being said my Adidas running shoes with the laces taped down with duct tape worked fine for a ZIM buffalo hunt.

Was that so you could scoot if need be?

Where I hunt it usually takes three boots, depending on the weather: 18" Lacrosse for rainy season, 6" Bean Hunting shoe, and 8" Danner East Ridge. The critical thing is waterproof: just when you think you're on dry ground, one step and you're in a marsh.

I actually tried some Filson Birdshooters on an African hunt. All they did was me my ankles sweat. I think Ive used some form of running shoe for virtually all my hunting over there.
But I also wear a Carrhart jacket and blue jeans...so Im missing a lot of the Safari chic'......

I suppose we won't be seeing your picture in Sports Afield, then; at least not dressed in Redneck chic. Of course, who am I to talk: you've seen how I dress.

This is about as chic as I ever got...wearing a Cabelas Safari shirt because they are very thorn resistant. Never did figure out what all those pockets were for.....

Beer cans.

Is that the Ingwe Special?

No. Thats a Whitworth .375

Good ol' Zastava. I have a 7x57 that is rapidly turning into my favorite work rifle, even if I haven't blooded it yet...probably this week or next.

I zapped my last Oryx with the Ingwe Special 7x57.....

Glad to know it didn't get left home.

I think we've probably hijacked this thread enough.