G'day all,

Well just the other day in checking my postal box I found a catalogue (I just love catalogues!) from the people at W.C.Russell Moccasin Company.

What can I say other than WOW! I think I finally found a hunting/stalking boot I have been after for all these years.      

The boot I'm keen in is the Safari 11 "PH" series for deer-stalking the Chital deer in my area. Naturally being a dry type country like Southern African, these boots look like the part.

I'm tired of slipping my boots off for the final stalk in socks,... Denny Sturgis knows the deal!

So.... anyone else use these brand of boots? Any pro's and cons?

A penny for your thoughts.

AK.

Al....I have two pair of Russell's.  One bullhide snakeboot and the 12 inch Cavalier.  They are, of course, custom made to your foot only.  Because of that they are incredibly comfortable.  You can only feel the weight of them.  You can't feel where they acutually touch the sides of your feet because they are so precise.  

I have had mine for four years wearing them quite a bit.  I wear my snakeboots anywhere in any season under khakis because they are so comfortable.  Not to mention as durable as any shoe on the planet.  
Richie

Al,
Russell's are a national treasure and have been and iconic favorite of the knowledgeable for many decades. The 'Bird Shooter' and others were classic footgear during the golden age of African safari hunting. The lower cut ones are a fine choice for everyday city wear. They are factory repairable and rebuildable so they may well last a lifetime. My first pair is going on 45 years and they and I are both still doing alright. - lbg

I have a pair. I called them, sent my foot measurements and they had a pair made close to my foot for like 1/2 price. I bought them. VERY good boots, supple leather, I've worn my soles out and abused them terribly and they're still in great condition considering how I've treated them !

G'day, Al!  Hope all is well with you and yours.  

I have 2 pairs, my original is the TLC Woodcock birdhunters, uninsulated, with the lighthweight soles, these are the one's I took to the N.T. in 2005.  These are the best boots I've ever had, would have worn out 2 pairs of Rockys or Danners in the time I've owned these and they are still going strong.  The basalt was a little hard on the soles, but haven't had to have them resoled as the ground over here is softer.  

My second pair is the mountain climber with 400 g thinsulate and a more agressive sole.  Have worn from above the Arctic circle to mountains in Idaho and MT.  My go-to deer boot at home when the temps go below freezing.  

As you can tell I'm sold on Russell's.  Make sure you print out the measurement sheet and take care to get good foot measurements.  I found out that the 10.5 - 11 EE that I wear in Chinese made shoes translates to a Russell 9 EEEE, so don't just tell them your "normal" size.  They use a true US sizing system, and have widths beyond what you'll find in the store.

Ryan

I am still wearing the Rusels  I reviewed a few years ago.
The comfort level is outstanding and they are still in excelent condition.

Pete

I have a couple of pairs-Bowhunters and Grand Slam Sheep Hunters. I'm probably going to buy a pair of Art Carter models this Spring. I'm completely sold on Russells-they may cost as much initially as three pair of other brands but they'll last at least five times as long and just feel better the longer you wear them. The best,IMO.                      Grant

I hate to be the devil's advocate, but my experience with Russell's was not positive.  I sized and ordered a set of their TLC (Toe Length Counter)  Mountain Hunter boots, to replace the Danners I had been using.  After treating and breaking them in according to their instructions,  I wore them on a backpacking hunt in steep country.  The uphill was fine, but the downhill was too much for the flexible uppers, causing a severe case of toe jam, blistering first and fifth toes on both feet.  I contacted the company, sent the boots back.  They returned them with some modifications that only made them worse.  So I gave up, had my local bootshop resole them with crepe, and turned them into an expensive flatlander work-in-the-yard boots.  I am back to Danners.

I love em.  I have 5 pairs and a 6th on the way.  I have a pair of Imperials, the Art Carter Traveling Sportsman, the Casual Trail shoe, the walking moccassins, and my favorites, the PH I.  I have another pair of Imperials on the way with a Triple Vamp.  Incredible shoes and a fantastic company.

Thanks lads for all the info. I guess I'l just have to place an order and see for myself. I've never worried about spending good $$$ on boots.

A.K

Own 2 pair.  High Country Hunters and all leather Mountain Safari PH's.  The later have their crepe sole and it's spooky quiet - I mean no noise unless of course your on dry leaves.