We've had a lot opinions (including mine) as to the warmest, driest, most comfortable, etc. What do you like for the quietest boot/shoe/sole? We will be going to Africa next year and I know I will have to get my Meindls resoled if I take them. The replacement Vibram soles on them now are so hard I can take them off and use them for emergency hammers.

I cut all the tendons in the bottom of my left foot years ago when I jumped off a dock and landed on a coffee can. Since then, my left foot has been extremely tender so I don't walk barefoot. It also pretty much rules out a soft, thin moccasin.

We will be going early June, so I don't expect a lot of rain.

Look at Russell Moccasin co. They make a variety of safari boots that are designed for stalking. I have a pair of the Joe's PH's and they are extremely quite with just enough support. They are a bit pricey but worth every penny as they are custom made for your foot.

Good Luck on the Trip!

I like an older, worn out pair of LL Bean boots. Quiet and you can feel the ground under them.

LL Bean or Schnees Gum soled shoes.  I have found nothing quieter other than a moccasin.  I was surprised to see a few very experienced elk hunters wearing them all the time unless weather conditions prevent it.

I'm partial to the Maine hunting boot from ll bean.

Another vote for Russell Moccasin, but they are hard on the wallet, but heck if your hunting Africa...What the heck.

Black New Balance 856 training shoes. World-class arch support ( you wont get that in a LL Bean or Schnee gum-sole), roomy toe box, quiet soles on any surface but a handball or basketball court, minimal pick-up of gravel, etc. Maybe not the ideal shoe for acacia thickets, but better puncture resistance than a moccasin.

Don't be fooled by the name Russell Moccasins.  These are some of the finest boots money can buy and they are built custom to your feet.  Puncture resistance is a mute point.  Check out their website.  These are shoes/boots you have re-soled if you wear them out.

Quietest?  Certainly not Rocky.  I've had 2-3 pairs and every one had a "squeek".

As for Russell Mocs, I got a slightly used pair here on TG and all I can say is "WOW!"  

Maybe they were custom for someone else, but fit my feet just right.

The quietest is a gum sole.  The most available shoe is Clark Desert boot but there are less pricey similar.  A very available shoe is a Converse (hightop preferably) If you are in a blind all day you can stand in socks and even slippers with cloth or soft rubber soles.  If you are seriously stalking then leather boot/shoe to avoid penetration through side cloth or web and then the softest sole you can find.  

Some blinds have a mat/rug which is very helpful, but on straight our dirt you will find it be very crunchy due to the high grit component and a very soft shoe sole to be an advantage.

I'll have to get my LL Bean boots resoled.
 

Thanks guys. Lots of good ideas. Russells have been on my wish list for a long time, but $400 is a lot to lay down for a retiree. Of course I've spent a few $ on bows along the way, so maybe.....

I went through 3 soles on my previous Meindls over a 14-year period, so I guess if I prorate that $400 over the rest of my lifetime...

The Clark desert boots, or the LL Bean equivalent with crepe soles don't look bad either. And I hadn't even thought about a light cross-training shoe.

So many choices and probably not a bad one in the bunch. I just know those hard soles on my Meindls will never see Africa.

Get extra large wool socks to pull over you beans at the last yards of a stalk.  I have 3 pairs of bean. One pair is over 30 years ols

Russell's is my 1st choice. Non custom, Browning kangaroo feather weights are descent.

Danner's military boots in the sand color are an excellent choice for warm weather. They are Goretex lined and the sole is softer than most boots, almost like a gum rubber with lugs for traction. I bought a pair last year for warm weather elk hunting and they were great in the Rockies.

This may sound a little strange, but if you are going to be on relatively flat ground, Thorogood boots makes a leather uninsulated unlined wedge type rubber sole (Reminds you of a gum sole) with a moccasin style toe that is super comfy and quiet. They are just fairly smooth soled.  A lot cheaper than Russels.  Made in USA $130 I think.  Just a thought. They are definitely worth checking out.

Lots of choices.  I haven't found anything more quiet than my LL Bean Maine Hunting SHOE.  You have to search for it.  There is a boot and a SHOE (although the shoe looks like a boot).  I love mine for general hunting but, they can be slippery on steep slopes.

If money is no object, seriously look at Russell Moccasins and get something custom made.  They're boots, not moccasins.
homebru

Hey Ron,

Check out Mini-mil boots. Just do a search.  I've heard they are really good stalking boots, I currently use bean Maine hunting shoe, and like em.  I would probably really like moccasins too.  Bean boots can puncture easily I'd say, so I'm sure they'd be fine, but in Africa everything has thorns..something to consider.

Another vote for Russell,you can't beat them.