question about hunting boots for safari

I am no greenhorn when it comes to boots. BUT, I do not research like others do, nor have I had experience beyond basic American hunting, mid to cheaper boots. Anyway, I am planning a buffalo hunt in mid-May - it will be here before I know it, and I need to make a move and get a pair of boots broken in. In the past I have hunted South Africa and simply wore merrell hiking shoes, or sometimes my hunting boots with lighter insulation. I am somewhat familiar and have some experience with the boot brands of danner, Russell, and many of the obvious rocky and irish setter boots. However, a friend that is helping me with this safari has sent me $200 and said to buy some good safari boots - so that is what I plan to do.

At the top of my list are the Courteney Safari boots, but it feels strange, at least to me, to pay close to $300 for a pair of boots. I have given $200 for well insulated, well built, high top boots with heavy lug soles, but to give even more for a pair of uninsulated boots, with what I have been told, has no shank support, again, feels strange.

So, please, any advice would be great. If anyone has experience with the courteney brand it would be very helpful, or if you have any thoughts otherwise. One question I have, is how long will a pair of Courteneys last? For a bit of background, I am a big guy at 250 pounds, and because of that I am tough on any shoes or boots, but on the bright side, I tend to wear my hunting boots, ONLY while hunting. But I feel the Courteneys are rather stylish and could be used for hunting or whenever dressing semi-casual,,,, - well,,, you know what I mean. Since my friend sent the money I want to use it wisely, yet, at the same time, I do not want to waste the opportunity. So again, I could use some good advice. Also, the boots do not have to be the Courteneys, but a very well built solid boot fit for safari, hunting in the US, as well as longlasting would be great. Again, time is of the essence so please help with your vast knowledge. Thanks.

I am a big believer in Meindl Boots.

I would buy a light-medium type boot. These type of boots will require little to no break in.

I have owned Danner and Irish Setter. They do not compare to Meindl.

Probably not much help, but that is my opinion.

I gotta agree with Woodie!...I have owned them all, including the the over priced Kenetreks! The only boot I use for all my hunting...from Pronghorn to Sheep and Mountain Goat, are Meindl...and that's the boot that I will be hunting in when I go to Africa..

I have to 100% disagree with Kevin. I have two pairs of Kenetreks and love them. Taken them to Africa twice and all over Canada and AK. I highly recommend.

I am a fan of Lowa boots and took their Desert boot to Botswana last year. They served me perfectly and I couldn't have been more satisfied with the performance of this light weight boot that was designed and made for just the environment that I was in.

Of course, when it comes to what a person is comfortable with wearing on their feet, we all have different needs and likes since we all have different types of feet to fit. Feet take a beating in the life of an active person and I for one tend to try and take care of mine as I intend to use them for as long as possible!

Quality boots are great, but I've never worn them on safari. After hunting a total of 68 days in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa, the only footwear I've used is well broken in athletic shoes. A good pair of Nikes has always done well for me, no matter what the country.

If I ever do buy a pair of boots for safari, it'll either be Courteneys or Russel PHs.

Most of Africa has flat to rolling terrain with soft to sandy soils. Booots with flex and moderate soles work best. You don't need or want stiff boots with an aggressive tread as found in your quality mule deer/elk/ sheep boots. They are noisier and dig into the sand/soft dirt.

An exception is parts of Namibia where there is steep rocky terrain where an aggressive mountain boot works great.

from the "Heartland of Wyoming"

Little Joe!...Go on a Stone Sheep hunt with them...then let me know what you think!!!

I agree with Kilbuc. You don't need or want stiff mountaineering style boots in Africa.
I have lots of boots, and love my Lowa, Hanwag, Meindl and Zamberlan boots for mountain hunting. They all have their purpose. I would never take them to Africa, however.

I have worn Merrils, and some light Meindl boots along with ankle high trail shoes on most of my hunts in Africa. The Courtneys and Russell PH boots fit right in with this category of boot (really shoes). I've never seen the need to spend so much on those particular boots, but they will work well and be great on a safari. They will NOT be great for most US mountain hunts, however.

Since your friend has fronted most of the money, buy the Courtneys or Russells, and yes, they are stylish enough to be worn casually around town when your trip is over. And every time you put them on at home you can relive the buffalo hunt one more time. Kick in the extra few bucks, buy THE classic safari shoe (not boot) and have a great hunt.

We want pictures!
Bill

Wore my Kenetrek's all over the Yukon twice and everywhere in between and never ever had one issue.