When preparing for an African safari, many things need to be remembered like vaccinations, insurance, flights, and clothes. But what about the shoes? Selecting the right footwear is crucial for ensuring comfort, safety, and an enjoyable experience during your wildlife excursions. This guide will help you choose the best safari shoes to pack, whether you need safari boots or comfortable sandals.
Why Proper Footwear Matters on Safari
When you visit Africa to see wildlife, it is very likely that you’ll take a walking safari, even if it’s a short one. A walking safari will get you closer to the animals, and you will find yourself immersed in their habitat. Getting proper walking safari shoes is important for several reasons. First of all, if you’re walking in the bush, you need good closed-toe shoes, never flip flops or sandals. Snakes, spiders, and scorpions are never far from your feet, and your toes are delicious. If you are super-paranoid about being bitten by a snake, take mid or tall hiking boots (safari boots) instead of low hiking shoes so your ankles are also covered.
Here are some essential considerations when choosing your safari boots:
- Terrain: Consider the type of terrain you'll be traversing, such as dry, gravelly soils, thick thorn brush, grassy hills, or mountains.
- Climate: Be prepared for temperature variations, with mornings potentially dipping into the 40s (Fahrenheit) and midday temperatures rising significantly.
- Protection: Ensure your boots protect your feet from sharp stones and thorns commonly found in African landscapes.
My personal recommendation is to not take more than 3 pairs of shoes for safari in total. Shoes are one of the most important items on any trip, but also one of the bulkiest. And if you take the wrong shoes your trip might be ruined.
Types of Safari Footwear
Different types of safaris and activities require different footwear. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
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1. Hiking Boots: Ultimate Comfort and Support
Best For: Walking safaris, rough terrain, and long hours of exploration.
Key Features:
- Ankle Support: A high-top design that supports your ankles on uneven ground.
- Waterproofing: Ideal for unpredictable weather or wet conditions in the rainy season.
- Breathability: Make sure the boots are well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
- Durable Sole: A sturdy, non-slip sole ensures good traction on rocky paths, sandy dunes, or muddy trails.
Recommended Brands:
- Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
- Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof
2. Trail Shoes: Lightweight and Versatile
Best For: Short walks, dry-season safaris, and comfort in warmer climates.
Key Features:
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- Lightweight: Offers freedom of movement without the bulk of heavy boots.
- Good Traction: Ensures stable footing during walks or light treks.
- Breathable Mesh: Keeps your feet cool during the hottest days of your safari.
- Quick-Drying: Ideal for any sudden rains or water crossings.
Recommended Brands:
- Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve
- La Sportiva Wildcat Trail Running Shoes
- Columbia Montrail Caldorado III
3. Safari Sandals: Comfortable and Breathable
Best For: Relaxing around camp, walking in cooler weather, or on laid-back safaris.
Key Features:
- Quick-Drying: Perfect for safari camps with water-based activities like boat trips.
- Good Arch Support: Opt for sandals with ample arch support for comfort on short walks or around camp.
- Adjustable Straps: Ensure a snug fit to avoid discomfort.
Recommended Brands:
- Teva Tirra Sandals
- Keen Newport H2 Sandals
- Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
4. Expedition Shoes: Rugged, Multi-Use Footwear
Best For: Those looking for a shoe that works for both safari walks and casual outings.
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Key Features:
- Versatility: A hybrid between hiking boots and trail shoes, suitable for a wide range of activities.
- Durability: Made to last, with reinforced toe boxes for added protection.
- Water-Resistant: Helps keep your feet dry when crossing streams or walking through damp grass.
Recommended Brands:
- Vasque Breeze AT GTX
- North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX
- Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
5. Safari Sneakers: Casual and Easy
Best For: Light activities, lounging around the lodge, or exploring safari towns.
Key Features:
- Comfortable Fit: Sneakers designed for walking comfort with enough flexibility for short-distance treks.
- Breathable Material: Look for mesh or perforated materials to keep your feet cool.
- Flexible Sole: Provides ample movement and comfort for urban safari experiences or relaxed game drives.
Recommended Brands:
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39
- Adidas Terrex Trailmaker
- Asics Gel-Sonoma 6
Additional Tips for Choosing Safari Boots
When selecting the best African safari boots, consider these additional factors:
- Material: Leather boots are durable and offer good protection, while synthetic boots are lighter and quicker to dry.
- Sole: Look for a sturdy, non-slip sole with deep lugs for traction on various terrains.
- Fit: Ensure your boots fit well and provide ample support to prevent blisters and discomfort.
- Ankle Support: High-top boots offer better ankle support, which is crucial for uneven terrain.
- Water Resistance: Consider waterproof boots if you anticipate encountering wet conditions.
How to choose boots for your position
Specific Boot Recommendations
Here are some specific boot recommendations for your safari:
Blundstone BL585
Pros: Iconic Style, Comfort, Durability, Easy Slip-On, Steel Shank Insoles
Cons: Not Technical
Price: $229
Blundstones are our go-to travel boots and make excellent safari boots. While it’s not a “technical” boot, it impressively handles moderate hikes and terrain. The boots feature premium leather uppers, and elastic side panels increase breathability for a cool and comfortable experience.
Danner Mountain 600
Pros: Style, Leather Upper, Comfort, Vibram Soles, Lightweight, Weatherproof
Cons: Narrow Footbeds, Lacks Ventilation
Price: $210
Crafted from waterproof suede leather, the Mountain 600 features Danner Dry waterproof protection to keep your feet dry and comfortable no matter the conditions. The Vibram® SPE midsoles offer maximum rebound, comfort, and support, making them perfect for a full day of trail adventures or exploring the city in the evening.
Red Wing Iron Ranger
Pros: Gorgeous Boot, High Quality, Durability, Excellent Longevity
Cons: Expensive, Heavy
Price: $349
The Iron Rangers are gorgeous leather boots that have been around for nearly a century. It’s beloved for its excellent reliability, durability, and style. One of the most distinctive features of the boot is its thick leather used in construction. Its shape molds to the foot over time, and this includes the soles.
Merrell Moab 3
Pros: Very Comfortable, Technical Use, Versatile Boot, Reliable Fit, Value
Cons: Not Stylish, Jack of All Trades
Price: $145
They’re made of leather, textile, and synthetic materials and are comfortable straight out of the box. Merrell updated the Moab 3 with partially recycled fabrics, more supportive insoles, cushioned midsoles, and grippier Vibram® outsoles. The boots also come with protective rubber toe caps, waterproof membranes to keep your feet dry, and breathable mesh linings to keep you comfortable.
Dr. Martens 1460 Original Boot
Pros: Style, Durability, Comfort
Cons: Heavy, Not Technical
Price: $180
With their classic combat boot look, solid design, and comfort, these boots are perfect for a bush walk. The lace-up eight-eyelet boot with fabric laces and tonal eyelets provides a secure fit. We love the classic Doc style, which includes grooved edges, yellow welt stitching, and a scripted heel loop.
Lowa Renegade
Pros: Lightweight, Classic Design, Stable Underfoot
Cons: Sacrifice in Durability
Price: $245
It’s lightweight and features a classic design style. An impressive hiking boot, it feels stable underfoot and can handle rugged mountain terrain. While lightweight, they feel like sturdy backpacking boots underfoot, thanks to their external frame.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
Pros: Value, Affordable, Comfortable
Cons: Not Stylish
Price: $230
It uses a combination of PU leather and synthetic materials to make a breathable and slightly waterproof boot. The bootie construction and mesh tongue provide breathability, while the lace-up closure allows for a secure fit.
Salomon Quest 4
Pros: Technical, Waterproof, Breathable
