Africa Boot

[AKNANC]

Heading to Zimbabwe this Spring and need a good boot / sock combo. I just bought a pair of Danner Mountains (non-insulated) and my feet sweat in them... Thinking something w/o gore tex? Any suggestions?

 

[Samson7x]

My feet sweat in all boots. I just use a good merino sock, darn tough or crispi.

Standard down there is gonna be a good leather boot with flexible sole for stalks like courteney or Jim Greens.

I’m headed back in the spring as well and plan on trying some zamberlan salathe which is a light hiker.

 

[AKNANC]

Doing the Salathe shoe or boot? Running a gator with these? Have been using the darn toughs and like them... Thx

 

[Samson7x]

I have the boot so that’s what I’m rolling with. Would have preferred the shoe actually though. With boyds gaiters. Don’t really need a tall gaiter.

 

[AKNANC]

Appreciate the feedback - thanks. I have a low Crispi gator but the velcro seems to make noise when I walk so I am guessing they will not make the trip.

 

[Samson7x]

No problem. This your first trip over there? What species are you after?

 

[AKNANC]

First trip. Going with some friends who have been there many times. I have a kudo on quota and will be open to whatever presents itself. Friend is hunting elephant and cape so I am super excited just to tag along for the experience. Also going to chase tiger fish for a day or two.

Yourself?

 

[yfarm]

All leather, thorn proof sole, Jim Green africa Ranger premium with leather midsole fits the criteria. Premium Baobab or Numzaan with wedge sole if you prefer a taller boot. I wear Russells but the pricing policy with the new owners is unrealistic compared with Jim Green.

Footwear for Africa

www.diana-hunting.com

Boyt sells a canvas version of the leather gaiter sold by Africa Creations.

Safari Gaiters

Desinged to Keep Debris From Entering Boots Rugged, Water-resistant 10oz Canvas Construction Elastic Top Band Conforms to the Shape of Your Leg Provides an added Layer of Protection above the Boot Size: One Size Fits Most Color: Khaki Residents of California-Proposition 65 WARNING

www.boytharness.com

 

[WBT]

I just wear comfortable tennis shoes or light hiking boots. I second the recommendation on going without any sort of waterproof lining. And whatever you get, you want something quiet. Some people like these little leather gaiters if they're wearing low cut shoes, but I haven't found them necessary.

Leather Gaiters

Check out the deal on Leather Gaiters at African Sporting Creations

www.africansportingcreations.com

 

[S-3 ranch]

I use Jim green buffalo hide rangers, like them over Courtney boots
Put a better insert sole in them and they are great dry weather boots
I wear alpaca or wool socks year round, especially for the summer to keep my feet dry

 

[JollyRoger]

View attachment 797900View attachment 797901I use Jim green buffalo hide rangers, like them over Courtney boots
Put a better insert sole in them and they are great dry weather boots
I wear alpaca or wool socks year round, especially for the summer to keep my feet dry

I really like the looks of these. Minimalist-ish, good toe box and the laces look widely spaced.

But man… that outsole in their pics looks absolutely terrible for anything other than the sidewalk. Is that the case? Do they offer anything with some real lugs? Or maybe these are great as is for Africa, but not side hills, screw, etc?

 

[nobody]

Never been to Africa, but I’ll echo comments made above. The ONLY boot to wear in the African bush is a Jim Green, just feels right. Like homemade bread and fresh raspberry jam.

 

[S-3 ranch]

I really like the looks of these. Minimalist-ish, good toe box and the laces look widely spaced.

But man… that outsole in their pics looks absolutely terrible for anything other than the sidewalk. Is that the case? Do they offer anything with some real lugs? Or maybe these are great as is for Africa, but not side hills, screw, etc?

I hear you about the lugs, but most of the terrain isn’t hilly or rocky except the Zambia river valley, it’s sandy and dry , and usually long stalks in most areas
A nice quiet boot for stalking
The African hunter website has some invaluable information on footwear

 

[Justin Crossley]

I'm planning to wear my Hoffman Scout hiking boots when I go next year.

 

[ebrownw2]

Altra Lone Peak trail runners would be my choice.

 

[Hydra6]

I went to South Africa in 2023 harvesting plains game. I wore my lightweight ankle high+ Salomons and happy with performance. Definitely something lightweight.

 

[yfarm]

For those of you using footwear without leather midsoles hunting where blackthorn is present consider these. Wounds from these thorns can be problematic

Amazon.com

These are kevlar and more comfortable than the usual steel puncture resistant insoles.

 

[rifletuner]

I have hunted South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Generally speaking, the terrain is not especially demanding. My first few hunts I wore a boot like an ankle height Merrell. When I hunted Zambia I used a Red Wing moc toe leather boot. Never had a problem with any of these options. Today I would try the Jim Green Range for sure.

While there are a few exceptions, you are rarely walking in mountains in Africa. There are plenty of thorns, but I was never bothered by them with any of the footwear I used. In my opinion, a heavily constructed boot is pretty redundant in 90% of Africa.

Depending on your PH, you may do moderate to significant amount of walking. Its often in sandy soil which can be quite draining to walk on for long distances. Daytime temperatures average from the low 60s to maybe 120 in the warmer months, and it rarely rains during the hunting reason.