What boots are PH's wearing these days?

[ch_FM77]

I know there are a million threads on here about what proper footwear for hunting in Africa is, but was curious what most PH's are wearing for footwear since they are almost ALWAYS out in the bush. Besides Courteney's, I have heard of Blundstone and Redback being in use, as well as many different forms of vellies. Anyone know if there is a strong preference towards any one of these in particular? Looking for a leather boot I can use for work as a test bed (lots of walking) and if they come in black, that is even better. Looking towards Tanzania, Zim and Mozambique for a future hunt for reference if there is any particular forms of footwear that work better depending on location.

Charles

 

[MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS]

I wear/hunt with Jim Green's & Courteney's
I can highly recommend both brands!

 

[YancyW]

Courteney's for when I want to look the part, and Crispi Monaco when I am going to walk a lot over tougher country.

Sorry, you asked for PH's, which I am certainly not.

 

[SStomcat]

I just got a Jim Green ranger, looks sturdy and very well made. Seems a little tough at beginning but sure will settle in with wear.

Im in no way a Ph, but just wanted to share..

 

[ch_FM77]

I wear/hunt with Jim Green's & Courteney's
I can highly recommend both brands!

Was curious about the Jim Green's. Thank you for the reply. How do they hold up compared to the Courteney's? Assuming you have the African Rangers? Like the price point of the Jim Greens, but have heard they don't wear as well.

 

[ch_FM77]

Thank you all for the replies so far. Much appreciated!

Charles

 

[SStomcat]

Was curious about the Jim Green's. Thank you for the reply. How do they hold up compared to the Courteney's? Assuming you have the African Rangers? Like the price point of the Jim Greens, but have heard they don't wear as well.

Sorry, I have no experience on how they wear, havent worn them for that long yet, but just looking at the shoes and wearing them to the range I will be really surprised if they do not wear well. They look very well made. I have no experience with Courteneys.

 

[Rare Breed]

Was curious about the Jim Green's. Thank you for the reply. How do they hold up compared to the Courteney's? Assuming you have the African Rangers? Like the price point of the Jim Greens, but have heard they don't wear as well.

I have had both and here are the advantages of JG to me
1. better arch support
2. lighter
3. fit much better
4. both have sewn not glued soles and I have seen no difference in quality

 

[FlyGuy]

It’s hard to beat a Courtney.
At the end of the day, the ideal African hunting boot should have the following attributes.
1. Comfortable and well broken in.
2. Decent ankle support.
3. All leather construction. (A single grass seed stuck in the cushy fabric liner of your boot, can make your life hell!)
4. Firm outer sole. (Believe it or not, the softer soles can be louder when walking on gravel or dry leaves.)

99% of the time, daily laundry is part of the deal, so leave some clothes at home and always pack a second pair of hunting boots.
They seem to have a tendency to crap out when you least expect it.

 

[wesheltonj]

I know at least one PH that hunts in Crocs. Don't get hung up on boots. When I was in the RSA in the Kalahari, I wish I had Teva's or Flip Flops and not hiking boots. In Zambia hiking shoes worked just fine.

 

[John Telford]

Depends on the terrain really.
I have about 10 pairs of different hunting boots/shoes which I alternate depending on where or how we are hunting.
For walk and stalk in thick bush the Courtney boot is great as it has a wide sole print so you can walk silently!
It is a heavy shoe so can tire you out if not fit. The Jim Green Ranger is also a tough rugged boot and is great for general farm work and all du wear .
I have a pair of Jim Green vellies which are made of a thinner leather and took to my foot within a week or so of wearing them in. The only complaint is the lack of cushioning. I had to buy inserts for them.
For everyday wear I usually don a pair of suede three hole lace up vellies no socks required. These are great and can double up as a drinking mug when it’s my duty to be the chairman of the fines committee….
For long haul treks up the mountains I wear 5.11 tactical desert boots. They are light and very springy under sole.
My favourite pair is an old school pair of three hole Vellies from Namibia made from kudu leather . These are designed to be worn without socks so you buy them tight and they form around your foot.

 

[SStomcat]

I know at least one PH that hunts in Crocs. Don't get hung up on boots. When I was in the RSA in the Kalahari, I wish I had Teva's or Flip Flops and not hiking boots. In Zambia hiking shoes worked just fine.

I have seen videos of Jeff Rann hunting in sneakers, also seen PH's in crocs, doesn't mean it works for all or every situation, but when I go I sure will have an extra pair of crocs and sneakers(all leather ofcourse).
Key is to use a boot that has been well broken in and in the process has gone through all adverse situations as one might expect.

 

[CJW]

My PH in Namibia had an ankle height leather boot with an orange sole. I kept meaning to ask him what they were but never remembered to when we got back to the truck. I just kept noticing how much quieter they were than mine. Wish I could figure it out.

Wear whatever you're comfortable in. Heck I almost wore my converse. True minimalist footwear.

 

[baxterb]

My PH in Namibia had an ankle height leather boot with an orange sole. I kept meaning to ask him what they were but never remembered to when we got back to the truck. I just kept noticing how much quieter they were than mine. Wish I could figure it out.

Wear whatever you're comfortable in. Heck I almost wore my converse. True minimalist footwear.

Many PHs wore Palladium, which are like Converse. I don’t think the new ones are built as tough as the old ones.

 

[Tanks]

Crocs or

Sandals

 

[SStomcat]

the second ones looks like Birkenstocks, very comfy and durable German quality

 

[Tanks]

I took the same Birkenstocks to my last Safari, but they were my camp shoes.

 

[Mats Bergholm]

Dont forget the socks!
I wear my well worn Courteneys with Merino wool socks, warm when its cold and cold when its warm outside. No plastic synthetic socks!

 

[ch_FM77]

I will add that I have some Field Ethos/Jim Green Vellies in cape buffalo hide and am not very happy with them. They are a bit different then normal Jim Green boots though. Different toe box. Whatever it is, I am not a fan.

 

[SStomcat]

One thing we all know is everyone's feet is different and so is the gait. There is no universal fit all type when it comes to shoes unless you go bespoke.