View Full Version : Safari Boots
Anyone know of any manufacturers/retailers/websites in the UK that stock Safari Boots? Off to Uganda in May doing some Charity work, with the 'possibilty' of getting out and about as well, hence looking for some lightweight boots. Not having much luck finding any, and don't really want to have to resort to ex-military boots.
Thanks in advance :D
Colin
Squidders
06-02-2006, 20:12
Hi Colin,
Will most of the safari be 4x4 based or will you be walking around a lot in the non-gamey parts?
I would go for something very cheap and cheerful as well as very light and not waterproof... unless you're going in the rainy season. I avoid waterproof unless there's a good chance of rain as I find that no matter how breathable someone says a boot is... it isn't, and that sucks. I have never been on safari before but I can imagine it's damn hot especially if you're in a car with the windows open so you can get photos so I would also think about a good pair of sandals (also offering the advantage that you don't have to shake them out.
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr428.html - cheapie boots
http://www.stewardsons.co.uk/Mens_sandals.htm - Merrel Kahuna are very comfy (I have has some for years) they are good for long walks or just mootching around.
Please consider that i'm not a chiropodist or expert though... this is just what I would go for.
- Joe
Longstrider
06-02-2006, 20:20
I can't help with the boots I'm afraid, but you seem to be taking the right approach by avoiding ex-army kit. Travel to places that have any recent history of war/conflict/unrest has it's own risks involved and the avoidance of even the smallest thing that might make others believe that you are linked to the military is a good move. A pair of DPM trousers or DPM backpack can get you into more trouble than you want. Every terrorist and bushman out there would know the tread pattern of genuine army boots and you could find yourself being tracked by nasties wherever you wandered into the bush.
Thanks for that - not much in the way of a Safari I'm afraid, more building dormitories for street kids and protecting water sources - as I said a possibility of some leisure time when we'll be able to get out into the more rural parts. Need to keep feet covered really to stop problems with mozzies and bilharzia parasite, but no real need to go waterproof, as won't be wading around in water etc.
Thanks for the links :)
Colin
I can't help with the boots I'm afraid, but you seem to be taking the right approach by avoiding ex-army kit. Travel to places that have any recent history of war/conflict/unrest has it's own risks involved and the avoidance of even the smallest thing that might make others believe that you are linked to the military is a good move. A pair of DPM trousers or DPM backpack can get you into more trouble than you want. Every terrorist and bushman out there would know the tread pattern of genuine army boots and you could find yourself being tracked by nasties wherever you wandered into the bush.
Thanks for the advice Longstrider :)
Hey you cant go wrong with the old style dessert boot, that is what i wore whilst working in Africa. They are cool, comfortable and give goop protection to the feet.
Here (http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Catalogue/Mens_Boots/Desert_Boots.html?ADS=DESERT) is a link with a good selection of desert boots.
Hey you cant go wrong with the old style dessert boot, that is what i wore whilst working in Africa. They are cool, comfortable and give goop protection to the feet.
Here (http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Catalogue/Mens_Boots/Desert_Boots.html?ADS=DESERT) is a link with a good selection of desert boots.
Thanks for that - and the link. Any you'd recommend, given the type of use they're likely to get?
Colin, I would reccomend these, I have had a pair for about three years now and no complaints
http://www.unbeatentracks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=R B5
Colin, I would reccomend these, I have had a pair for about three years now and no complaints
http://www.unbeatentracks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=R B5
Thanks Steve - have seen these already, but was concerned at how light/heavy they were for taking a pounding in a hot climate - having said that they say there are designed for walking across Africa so might be worth me taking a look :D
Well they are made in Africa, designed for walking across Africa, mine have been used only in temperate zone enviroment but have stood up very well considering and at the price I dont think you would be disappointed.
Cairodel
06-02-2006, 22:29
Pick whatever you like from the "Christopher shoes" site. Well made with the protection you need. Forget sandals :yuck: you need more protection than that...
Squidders
07-02-2006, 00:31
So, nearly every indigenous people in hot climates go barefoot and yet sandals do not offer enough protection… interesting.
I must be missing something. :D
capacious
07-02-2006, 00:36
I second the Rogue boots - they are amazingly comfortable, unimaginably hardwearing, and fit in with a bushcrafters 'natural materials' philosophy. And they are dirt cheap. John Muirdens after sales service is fantastic as well, so you have nothing to lose.
Jake.
directdrive
07-02-2006, 02:50
Try www.russellmoccasin.com They custom make boots, shoes and moccasins. They have an extensive line of safari boots. They are expensive and not in the U.K. but are worth every penny......
Best, Bruce
C_Claycomb
07-02-2006, 08:36
Squidders, as I understand it, people who go barefoot for life have two things going for them that we who wear shoes do not. First their feet are a lot tougher and less sensitive, and second, they are far more aware of where they put their feet.
Local peoples do a lot of things that would not work so well if a visitor tried it.
Hey you cant go wrong with the old style dessert boot, that is what i wore whilst working in Africa. They are cool, comfortable and give goop protection to the feet.
Here (http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Catalogue/Mens_Boots/Desert_Boots.html?ADS=DESERT) is a link with a good selection of desert boots.
Having never tramped across Africa I can’t testify to the suitability of these boots. But having tramped about Aldershot in them for a few years, they’re comfy and de rigueur on the high street and in North Camp!
(Thinking of buying some for old time sake)
Thanks to all for the input - now to choose which ones! :)
I shall be getting some, for old times sake.
I remember getting 3 pairs of these confiscated at boarding school.
Our housemaster developed some problems. Confiscated gear was kept in his bedroom. At one stage he had about 20 pairs of these in there... The rooms weren't large, and 20 pairs of boots?
My, how we laughed :D :lmao:
Cairodel
07-02-2006, 10:54
So, nearly every indigenous people in hot climates go barefoot and yet sandals do not offer enough protection… interesting.
I must be missing something. :D
Maybe being indigenous, they're immune, but you're going to find these all over the areas he will be in. It's all very well being ethnic, but foolhardy :rolleyes:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/Cairodel/Wildlife/SNAKETOO.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/Cairodel/Wildlife/Egypt.jpg
Klenchblaize
07-02-2006, 11:27
Here is my recommendation as in the "Courteney African Gameskin Safari Boot"
Real 'cool' and available here in the UK from:
www.luckin.co.uk
Yep, guess I truly am the Emeldor Marcos of hunting footwear as SWMBO refers to me! :lmao:
Cheers
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d46/klenchblaize/SafariBoot.jpg
I spent five months in a "Sand Box" with the army :rolleyes:
I used a pair of lightweight summer walking boots and these worked fine ;)
Hey you cant go wrong with the old style dessert boot, that is what i wore whilst working in Africa. They are cool, comfortable and give goop protection to the feet.
Here (http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Catalogue/Mens_Boots/Desert_Boots.html?ADS=DESERT) is a link with a good selection of desert boots.
Eventually went for the Desert Boots from here - can throughly recommend for service & delivery. Will let you know how they stand up to the Ugandan Bush on my return :)
Thanks for that - and the link. Any you'd recommend, given the type of use they're likely to get?
I missed the above post but glad you found what you were looking for.
I used this sort in both Africa. I also used them in the Middle East despite being issued mod high legs.
http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/images/shoes/Desert_Boots/1369_ROAMERS_Desert_Boot.jpg
Having never tramped across Africa I can’t testify to the suitability of these boots. But having tramped about Aldershot in them for a few years, they’re comfy and de rigueur on the high street and in North Camp!
Would that be in the civvy uniform of stone washed jeans and maroon sweat shirt?
You don’t see the civvy uniform nowadays
I think i am going to get myself something from there too, ready for a Namibian session later iint he year. Not planning on doing any long distance walking, so I am hopeful that they will stand up to it.
If they perform at that price then I dont think that you can go wrong.
Watch out Africa, they will go with my shorts ;)
Would that be in the civvy uniform of stone washed jeans and maroon sweat shirt?
:)
YEP!
I was a MoD civy working at the RAE (but all my mates lived on Alison's Road!) so, living in the Shot, the uniform was the only way to survive, and the only cheep clothes you could buy!
I bought some Bata Safari boots in Kenya and they've lasted pretty well. They cost about 15 quid. I don't know if there are Bata shops in Uganda but the boots can be bought online at http://www.batakenya.com/index.htm (haven't used this service so can't say how good it is).
Hope this helps.
Pauli
Beer Monster
14-02-2006, 11:25
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr428.html - cheapie boots
I'd highly recommend these boots. I bought mine 7 years ago and they finally died this year! They had approximately 2 trips to Africa every year (about a month each time) and survived very well. The laces weren't great and the metal cleats rusted a bit (sweaty feet!! ...... you can't avoid it!), and the occasional tenacious spear grass seed went through the fabric area (although this was a rare occurrence). I've now got a pair of these (http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/store/customer/product.php?productid=19736) and they seem up to the job, off to Kenya and Oman later in the year so we'll see how they perform.
If you're out and about wandering the bush I'd also recommend a pair of canvas ankle gaiters.
[QUOTE=Squidders]
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr428.html - cheapie boots
Bought a pair of the Hi-Tec Trail Boots over five years ago. The price is still the same. I was lucky. One of the boots had been in the window and been bleached by the sun. Payed £13 for them. Can't be bad ;) Still going strong.
Tutchi
:cool: