I need boots for my first safari

[Pirkan]

I´ve decided to go on my first safari which will take place in the Limpopo province of SA in late April. Since I live and hunt in Sweden I don´t own any boots that are appropriate for this climate so I need some recomendations from all the knowledgeble people here. I want something with a high shaft for good stability while being as breathable as possible. I also wonder how people like to do with their socks. I use a thin and kneelength wool sock underneath with a thicker but shorter wool sock on top to reduce friction but this combo would cook my feet in an instant in Africa so I need advice on a more suitable setup. I know that someone will recomend courtney boots but they are too expensive where i´m at and don´t really offer what i want. If anyone knows a good surplus boot that would be great so I could spend more money on more animals.

Also, please feel free to add any good beginners advice on safari footwear

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I bought this pair of Georgia Boot Co hikers a couple years ago. They are THE most comfortable boots I've ever owned! Like putting moccasins on my feet. They're almost worn out now after much hard use. Still waterproof after all these years ... that is amazing. They originally came with red paracord laces. I tossed those immediately. Paracord is the biggest load of BS foisted onto outdoors sports. Junk! I'll see if I can find the model name of these boots.

Here it is:

Georgia Boot Eagle Trail Waterproof Hiker

Go from work to trail in supreme comfort in these Black and Grey Eagle Trail Hiker boots from Georgia Boot. Perfect for light indoor or outdoor industrial applications.Order today!

www.georgiaboot.com

 

[Boela]

Lowa Zyper 6" boots with a normal pair of thin socks. You won't need anything more than that. You will most definitely not experience sub-zero temperatures or excessively warm days in late April.

I have completed x6 seasons in two pairs.

Breathable : Yes
Waterproof : Yes
Lightweight : Yes
Durable : Yes
Abrasion proof: Yes
Recommended : Yes
Requires "breaking in" : No

Happy hunting and please keep us posted.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Methinks people usually overthink the crap outta footwear for Africa. I hunt in Courtney’s, but I also have hunted in sandals and tennis shoes. Wear whatever you‘d put on at your place in the summer if going for a 5K walk. You’ll be fine.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Avoid boots with fabric lace loops. The thorny stuff in Africa will eat that stuff up.
In my lifetime I have owned one pair of "breathable" nylon hiking boots. Rocky brand. They lasted three days in the field. Both boots split apart. Still had the box with receipt so I returned them to the store. The shoe dept manager had only three words: "Those are crap!" She refunded my money and took the entire Rocky line off the shelves.

Somehow, I just don't see nylon boots standing up to African blackthorn.

 

[flying sailor]

Just got back from Limpopo area. I bought some Kennetrek Safari boots. I need arch support and I prefer ankle protection also. They are not waterproof, you will not need it. You feet will breathe better if left untreated. As for socks, I like Merino wool, not too heavy. My feet were happy. I am a toolmaker, so I spend large amounts of time in boots. Lite weights are good, these are not that light, but I was happy for the support as we followed a river bank that was canted sheets of rock with loose boulders. Could not have made it without the support. Lots of good boots to choose from, just break in before you go. Also have some Thinsulate Mountain Kennetrek boots. I am just sold on their quality. Cheers!

 

[375Fox]

Are you hunting plains game or buffalo? Honestly any summer hiking boot will be just fine. Even tennis shoes will be fine most of time. Most Limpopo hunts are going to be spot and stalk from vehicle. Unless you are hunting buffalo (and only certain properties) you won’t be putting in miles each day. The amount of walking gets greatly exaggerated on most African safaris from what I’ve seen. Places like Limpopo you lose more opportunity on foot than by searching with vehicle because game populations are so high and land is generally flat. Mountainous areas in eastern cape make sense to go on foot and glass. True tracking hunts in areas with limited game make sense to go on foot as well. However, The pedometer apps always show a huge amount more than GPS says you walked though because it picks up vibrations in truck while driving low speed.

 

[Connor Baumgarten]

tall leather boots is what I use…especially in the cowboy section of footwear. But I’ve got other recommendation’s outside of western footwear.

This is definitely on the bespoke side. But the build of it looks very good and it will keep the thorns out of your feet. Just make sure to break them in before hunting.

I quit like this one company called Drew’s boots. Great build and quality leather

For breaking in leather boots fast, fill the inside of your boot with water and let it soak a little then walk in them for a mile or so. It also helps to rub some olive oil on the inside of the boot(BUT DON’T USE TO MUCH…a little goes a long way). It will soften the leather and help it mold to the shape of your foot.

 

[375Fox]

Avoid boots with fabric lace loops. The thorny stuff in Africa will eat that stuff up.
In my lifetime I have owned one pair of "breathable" nylon hiking boots. Rocky brand. They lasted three days in the field. Both boots split apart. Still had the box with receipt so I returned them to the store. The shoe dept manager had only three words: "Those are crap!" She refunded my money and took the entire Rocky line off the shelves.

Somehow, I just don't see nylon boots standing up to African blackthorn.

I could see this. I like leather hiking boots with breathing ports on side. The bigger issue I’ve seen is most boots sold for hunting in North America (and I’d assume Europe) have way too soft of tread. Step on the thorn or burnt grass wrong way and they puncture easily.

 

[JimP]

Don't over think the boots.

Quite likely if you have a pair of non-insulated boots they will work just fine in South Africa.

Last year I wore a pair of Chrispy Colorado's, but they are no longer available but they have a similar style as a replacement. On my first Safari I wore a pair of Mendi non-insulated hikers.

I have had zero problems with the brush and thorns of the area.

 

[BourbonTrail]

I wore all leather, steel toed work boots. They worked ok, especially with the thorns, but my all leather chukkas were light weight and more comfortable in the sand.

Point is: light weight, comfortable, and capable of resisting thorns

 

[Wheels]

Don't overthink or overbuy footwear for an Africa hunt unless you want to. A good outdoor tennis shoe like Merrill, Columbia, Keen etc. will work perfectly well.

 

[RLL]

Goruck MACV2

 

[Ontario Hunter]

For a nine day hunting trip that's usually as much time in the truck looking for game as stalking it, probably just about anything will work. I recommended the Georgia hikers because they are pretty much ready to go out of the box. My brother bought a pair on my suggestion and he has also found them to be incredibly comfortable. They are lightly insulated but no problem in South African mild winter weather (I'm always there late August). I also bird hunt with these boots in subzero Montana conditions but there I'm constantly on the move and wear warmer socks.

 

[MLindsay]

I recently started a post similar to yours about needing a new pair of boots after my rocky safari boots wore out.

I had a custom pair of Jim Green 8 inch boots made with their African Ranger non aggressive sole. I do not have much time in them but the answer is they are great. I believe $230 shipped to me in the U.S.
Jim Green has a size guide for which you measure your foots length and order, mine fit perfect and of tremendous quality.

 

[Garrett89]

Lowa Renegade GTX II is my personal preference. Wore the same pair for seven years

 

[Ontario Hunter]

tall leather boots is what I use…especially in the cowboy section of footwear. But I’ve got other recommendation’s outside of western footwear.

This is definitely on the bespoke side. But the build of it looks very good and it will keep the thorns out of your feet. Just make sure to break them in before hunting.
View attachment 557863

I quit like this one company called Drew’s boots. Great build and quality leatherView attachment 557867

For breaking in leather boots fast, fill the inside of your boot with water and let it soak a little then walk in them for a mile or so. It also helps to rub some olive oil on the inside of the boot(BUT DON’T USE TO MUCH…a little goes a long way). It will soften the leather and help it mold to the shape of your foot.

Packer boots are good for the barnyard or walking around camp or sitting in a saddle. They're about the worst hiking footwear there is. Tennis shoes have a better tread with more grip. All that leather up the leg is unnecessary ... and VERY VERY expensive. And that leather is hot. Packers do look fancy though, and that is important to some folks ... a lot of folks going to Africa. Oh, and if the OP is not used to climbing in rocks with riding heels, these are not the boot for him.

 

[Rare Breed]

I agree tall leather boots are not for Africa given you will cook in them. Insulated boots are out as well

 

[375Fox]

For a nine day hunting trip that's usually as much time in the truck looking for game as stalking it, probably just about anything will work. I recommended the Georgia hikers because they are pretty much ready to go out of the box. My brother bought a pair on my suggestion and he has also found them to be incredibly comfortable. They are lightly insulated but no problem in South African mild winter weather (I'm always there late August). I also bird hunt with these boots in subzero Montana conditions but there I'm constantly on the move and wear warmer socks.

From your photos, I’d guess you hunt northern eastern cape or free state or maybe northern cape? Limpopo is very thick. It’s more like 90% truck 10% stalking for plains game maybe 75/25 if you decide to go up into mountains for a kudu several days, but most species are on the flat ground and you’ll spot and evaluate from the truck, maybe take 10 steps away and shoot in most cases. If it runs into brush you find a new one from truck. You just lose opportunities otherwise.

 

[Dinsdale]

…… boots but they are too expensive where i´m at and don´t really offer what i want. If anyone knows a good surplus boot that would be great so I could spend more money on more animals.

Also, please feel free to add any good beginners advice on safari footwear

You’re thinking is perfect, you dont need anything special, save your money for the actual hunting.