Safari Boots

Getting your safari boots right is essential - you're going to spend a lot of time on your feet.

Though probably not as much time on your feet as W D M Bell who wore out 24 pairs of boots a year while walking an average of 75 miles for each elephant he killed.

Early African hunters often wore leather officers boots known as 'Veldtshoen', the descriptive name originating from the Boer War. The upper part of the boot is turned outwards, rather than inwards, then stitched to the sole, just like the desert boots of today. In fact the original veldtshoen was the forerunner to desert boots, which are still called 'vellies' in South Africa.

Early safari boots were often topped with puttees - strips of cloth wound in a spiral from ankle to knee, originating in the 19th century in British India. Puttees became part of the regular British army uniform in the 20th century when they changed from wearing high boots to ankle boots. The forerunner of the gaiters, we know today, the military puttees were found to be extremely practical when hunting in the African bush.

John T McCutcheon, who accompanied Theodore Roosevelt on the 1909 safari, took 3 pairs of Abercrombie 'lightest shoes'(one pair with rubber soles), 3 cloth puttees, one pair of mosquito boots from Lawn and Alder, London and a pair of leather top boots for evening wear in camp.

Characteristics And Functions Of Good Safari Boots

Buy the best quality rather than a cheaper option.
Check the terrain you'll be hunting before the purchase of new boots. This will help with the decision on tread pattern.
Opt for the softest sole as hard soles make more noise.
Make sure the boots are well-fitting and well worn in. Don't arrive with brand new unworn boots.
Some waterproofing may be useful but it is not essential.
Have a spare pair of equally comfortable boots in case your main pair get wet. There is nothing worse than walking in soaking boots.
Use whatever boot length is comfortable for you. It is often useful to be able to tuck your trousers in, so tsetses and grass-seeds cannot gain access.
Don't forget to bring spare laces.