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Testimonials
"I was in the store last Dec. to order a pair of custom hunting boots. While I was there, I also bought a pair of Safari boots off the shelf. Well, I would like to tell you that I wore the Safari boots for the first time yesterday. I had to write and tell you that they were the most comfortable boots I have ever worn! I cannot wait until Fall to wear the new custom hunting boots that arrived earlier this week! Thank you for saving these old feet and making my retired years in the field much more comfortable."
Your new dedicated customer ", Walter A. Klukas - Wisconsin Dear folks... "At the 2008 Dallas Safari Club show I visited your booth and ended up ordering a pair of Russell Safari PH boots. They have arrived within the past few days and I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am. They are just what I had in mind. It's always nice to find a company that builds things the old way, as in quality & craftsmanship. Thanks for doing it right." Jim Wilson - Texas
"Had a great time in the Yucatan jungle. I managed to get some turkeys, crested guan, coati, and great curassow. My new Russell PH’s did an outstanding job down there in the muck of Campeche. I wish I could say that my 39 year old buddy held up as well, but I can’t. Gayne Young - Texas "Dear Russell Team  I am a professional hunter in Tanzania. I used to wear normal shoes before a client offered me a pair of PH boots at the end of his safari two years ago. It was a revelation! I still now wear them during all the hunting season, and have ordered a second pair of Joe's PH, just to have two pairs in the bush. The Russell Mocassins are strong, light, and so quiete.. I don't make any more noise than my bare foot trackers!. I am sending you a safari picture of me with client and his elephant, (hunted last November in Selous game reserve, Tanzania), and my Russell Moccasins."
Best regards, François Lyonnet I just returned from my first safari in South Africa. I called you in May and asked for your recommendation on what boot to buy. You suggested the Safari “PH” II . The boots exceeded my expectations and were twice as quite as the PH's boots. He bragged on my boots daily as to the quality and "silence". I appreciate your recommendation and commend you on your quality!” Ralph Thomas -- Georgia “Just to let you know I received my pair of “PH's in Laramie brushed boulder leather. They are great and very comfortable. Thanks so much. See you at the DSC Convention.” John Oosthuizen, Professional Hunter, South Africa “I have just now completed the first hunt with my new “PH” boots. It was a week long hunt for fallow and sambar deer at Kingham Ranch in Queensland and Mary River Safaris in the Northern Territories of Australia. The boots were as comfortable as any I have worn, and quiet! The quietest I have ever used. I am looking forward to using my Bowhunter boots next season here in Alberta.” David Little - Alberta “Just got my new Mbogo boots that I ordered at SCI in Reno. WOW! They fit perfect. Now just to put them to the test in Australia for three months. I can hardly wait. Thanks for a great job!!” Dan O’Sullivan “I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the “PH” boots ya'll made for me. I used them in the East Cape area for South Africa and they were great. The thorns and rocks were unbelievable and the boots were very comfortable and gave me plenty of ankle support. The padded collar helped on the long steep trails. I only had them for a few days before the trip and they were broke in out of the box. Keep up the good work.” Andy Jones “Received my Joe’s “PH” Special boots -- they are everything you said and then some. I’ve never had such comfortable shoes. The quality is great.” Cecil Miller “Ralph, I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how very much I appreciate your hard work in getting my Joe’s “PH” boots finished in time for my Africa trip. I know with my weird-sized and shaped feet it was quite a chore but you really came through for me. They worked great and they fit perfectly. I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate this effort by yourself and the Russell Moccasin Company.” Joe Graham - Executive Director, NRA Publications “I just received my Mountain “PH” boots. They are even better than I expected!! I wore them right out of the box and they were perfect. I have never had any boot that I could do that with. I have worm them the last two days. We are going Mule Deer hunting in the mountains of New Mexico tomorrow and I will wear these boots. No break in period. Incredible!!! Thank you for your personal attention and thank you for making this incredible pair of boots. I hope to see you at the safari convention in Dallas this year.” Jerry Cass - New Mexico  “I have just returned from a fabulous 14-day hunting safari in Zimbabwe, and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my experiences with your wonderful Mountain Safari “PH" hunting boot, which I wore exclusively on this safari. Actually, this is my second safari season with the same pair of Russell Mountain Safari “PH's, which I wore every hunting day during the course of a safari last year in Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve. I have been an extremely satisfied Russell customer for many years, and I have worn your boots on every African safari I have undertaken during the last 11 years, from Tanzania to Namibia. To say that my experiences with your fine products have been anything less than fabulous would be a gross understatement.
Your Mountain Safari “PH” is, beyond question, the finest safari boot that I have ever worn in Africa, and every aspect of this boot represents the very zenith of quality in terms of thoughtful, considerate design; materials, fit, finish, and true best-quality craftsmanship. In my opinion, it simply cannot be improved upon. I require footwear that offers a bit more support than many of the more traditional safari boots, and the Mountain Safari “PH” fulfills these requirements perfectly. Everything about it, from the Vibram Sierra sole, to the triple-vamp, Weather-Tuff leather construction and padded collar contributes to it's superb functionality, durability, and comfortable it. It is the finest African big game hunting boot I have ever worn, and I look forward to many years of service from this pair of Russell Mountain Safari “PH's in the future.” Allen E. Day - Oregon “G’day from Down Under;
Best regards and good hunting.” Peter Mayall P.S. please find photo attachments of my Russell boots in action with Asiatic Buffalo. “Your Safari PH II worked GREAT! Quiet, Minimal track left. Several seasoned SF vets said they never heard me approach prior to their capture.” Chuck Mellette P.S. Mr. Mellette requested a quiet boot for stalking to help in a survival training class for U.S. Marines. “I used the Mountain PH boots you made for me on my first safari to South Africa last year. I wore them before the trip around town while running chores, but quite frankly, the boots never needed more than a couple hours of breaking in before they fit like socks. We hunted the Orange River and Little Karoo areas. Both are rough, thorny, rocky & at times steep. The boots were an excellent choice for the terrain and allowed me to walk comfortably all day while keeping my feet rested and in excellent condition throughout the 10 days of a very successful safari. Hope you can turn the eland I shot while wearing my first pair of Russell's into my next pair of PHs, for the next safari. Rarely have I received more than I expected from an outdoor product, but these boots delivered beyond expectations. Thanks from a very satisfied customer.” Anselmo Nuñez, MD - Wisconsin  U.S. Marine, SSGT Joseph A. Tormala, USA, Retired, who was wounded in action December 25, 2003, in Baqubah, Iraq, while serving with the 4th Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, had his reasons for entering Safari Club International's “Operation Freedom Safari” contest.“I have always wanted to go on safari in Africa because I have advocated and enjoyed hunting. Since being wounded in action on Christmas day 2003 in Iraq, I resolved to live life to its fullest and hunting is the chief means I find in accomplishing this. I lost two close friends the day I was wounded in Iraq. Our dream upon returning home was to hunt together. Winning the SCI contest will allow me to dedicate the hunt to them and honor them by doing what they loved to do.” The “Operation Freedom Safari” contest was created by Safari Club International to honor those in the U.S. military. One deserving enlisted person would be chosen to participate in an all expense paid, fully outfitted African safari with hunting legend Jim Zumbo and an SCI member who made the winning bid at auction, on Eric and Oksana Sparks' Matlou and Sukses Ranches in Southeast Botswana in August of 2006. Tormala's entry was chosen by SCI Publications Director, Steve Comus, and Jim Zumbo from hundreds of submissions. Tormala, who is a life member of the National Rifle Association plus a firearms instructor, is a highly decorated 21-year veteran of the Marines, having served in Lebanon, Libya, the Persian Gulf, Central American, Southwest Asia, the Philippines, Kuwait and Iraq. Following his retirement from active service in 2004, Tormala returned to his native Michigan where he lives with his wife Sheila and daughter Katrina. Russell Moccasin company was asked by SCI to help outfit SSGT Tormla and build a special pair of Joe's Safari “PH” boots for his hunt. We were honored to do so. A measuring form was sent to SSGT Tormala, followed up by phone calls to inquire about special requirements stemming from his wounds. We learned that SSGT Tormala now had to wear special orthotics following his injuries. We asked him to send the orthotics to us to allow us to build the boots to accommodate them. SCI Life Member, Fred Bowlin of Louisiana, was the winning bidder at the SCI auction, paying $25,000 for the privilege of accompanying SSGT Tormala on his safari. Proceeds from the SCI auction were earmarked to help fight AIDS in Botswana. All of the meat taken went to feed local villagers. SSGT Tormala's successful SCI “Operation Freedom Safari” , began August 1, 2006. Following his return to Michigan, SSGT. Tormala sent us the following letter.  Dear Russell Moccasin:“Mere words can hardly express my gratitude for the efforts Russell Moccasin Company went through to make my Joe's “PH” Special boots for me to make my Operation Freedom Safari” possible. The trip to Botswana was the greatest experience of my life and would not have been possible without your generous support. Your Joe's “PH” Special boots saw major use and were vital for my success on the safari and I'll remain eternally in your debt for your heartfelt support. “I found hunting in Botswana very challenging and I am happy to report I harvested some fine animals, including a Warthog, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu and a coupe of Impalas. All of which were taken wearing your exceptional Russell Moccasin Joe's “PH” Special boots. I served as my own PH with a tracker assigned to me and he and the other staff would often look back wondering if I was still following. Not that is a quiet boot! I've found a trusted name in Russell Moccasin as an international hunter in Africa. I can't think of another hunting boot I would trust my hunt success to, other an a Russell Moccasin. “You truly helped me achieve a hunter's dream some true, to hunt the free ranging -- fair chase -- plains game of Africa and to honor the memory of two dear friends! Thank you for what you do in promoting hunting and the great outdoors and for your role in making the “Operation Freedom Safari” possible. God Bless you and your company.” Sincerely Yours, Joseph A. Tormala, SSGT, USMC/USA (Ret.) “Just a note to say my gloves, I meant boots arrived yesterday. They do fit like a glove and I took them out for a good four miles this morning to test them out. Wow! I'm impressed with the fit and quality of workmanship. Big thanks to Ralph for getting them to me in such a quick “I just received my first pair of Russell Safari Boots, (Joe's PH), and I am thrilled! Not only are they the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn (right out of the box), they are beautiful! I wanted to wear them to sleep last night but my husband made me take them off. Thank you for doing a double rush so that I could have these boots for our Safari next week in Tanzania. “I just received my new PH boots and they are the most comfortable boots I have ever had on -- right out of the box. Wish I had gotten a pair years ago.” “As I said, I would inform you how these boots performed on their first hike. These all leather Mountain “PH” boots were made for me specifically for hiking and backpacking. Let me just say that they are like nothing I have ever used before. The support on the ankles was perfect, the soles had great traction even on wet surfaces, and while packing supplies for 5 days I never had any problem with foot fatigue, or ankle roll-overs. Over the years I have tried various boots for this purpose, and finally I now own the only pair I will ever need. I did not encounter any rain on this trip but I did have a few creek crossings and the morning dew was heavy no problems with getting the inside wet, this trip. If anyone ever requests boots for backpacking these are top of the line for my money, (and my kids say I am tighter than a bull's backside at fly time), when it comes to money, So there you go. I gave them a good test for there first trip and your boots held up as you figured they would. Great workmanship and a quality product. Furthermore would you please fill another order for me Oneida 1278-C. These will be the perfect match after a long day on the trail, and loafing around the fire in the evening. Hoping to hear from you soon and once again thank you for making such a well thought out product.” “Dear Ralph and Staff,
Kerr's footwear: Russell Moccasin's cat quiet Safari "PH" II, equipped with plantation crepe gum rubber soles. "I recently returned from Zimbabwe. I was on safari with Roger Whitall Safari's. I wore your Safari "PH" II with the crepe soles. My PH, Guy Whittall, said I walked like a cat. I have been hunting for over 45 years and have not had a more comfortable boot in all those years. I would recommend them to anyone that is a serious hunter. When my Cape Buffalo hide arrives in the U.S., will you make me a pair of moccasins out of it?" Please note the enclosed two pairs of shoes which appear to be in need of resoling. They've been to Africa nine times so far, not to mention frequent bird, dove and turkey hunts here on the East coast. They are great shoes and I can't imagine going back to Africa without them. Please resole and return ASAP. Keep up the good work." - D.C. Huston, Jr., New Jersey "I received my boots this week and they are the best fitting things I have ever put on my feet. I need to order another pair made with Thorn Armor all the way up. Thanks." - Drew Castleberry "I am on my feet at least 16 hours a day, so a bad shoe can be a disaster for me. When breaking in a new pair of shoes I typically carry along an old comfortable pair so that when my dogs cry uncle I can soothe them. I got my MBOGO's the other day and put them on in the morning. That night I realized they were still on my feet, never once did my feet object. Wow that's never happened before. I can't wait till I am out in the field to give them a real work out. I have already ordered 2 more pairs of different styles and can't wait for their arrival. Will probably break down and buy a 4th pair before next hunting season so as to treat my feet right when I am out hunting." - George Tershakovec, M.D., F.A.C.S. Miami, Fl." "This Safari "PH" ad reminded me of the good service you gave me when I ordered by first of "PH"'s in 1999. Your boots fit like a pair of gloves. I am using them on my fourth safari in May. I would highly recommend these boots to anyone going to Africa." - Terry Anderson, Michigan "I am very satisfied with the new boots I just received. When I took them out of the box I could not believe how good they looked. As I hurried to put the boots on they were absolutely the right size and fit perfectly. I am so satisfied I am sending you an order for another pair with some additional modifications and options." - Mark Emken - Texas  Hi Ralph,"Just a short note of thanks. I received my Russell boots in the Luangwa while on safari. A client from Wisconsin brought them out with him . They are serving me well and it was a good suggestion to get the heavier and more sturdy new PH Mountain pair. Thank you very much. Will keep you posted. Right now I am using them here in Saudi. Do not know how many pairs of Russel Boots are walking around in Saudi Arabia. Attached a photo of my son, me and Bob Neu the client (and a roan). My son took over my old pair the moment the new pair arrived. So three guys and three great pairs of boots". Regards, - Derick van Staden, PH "Praises:
"I wanted to let you know I've never been more satisfied with a product as I am with yours. The comfort of the MBOGO right out of the box was unbelievable. I told the boot craftsman that made my boots what problems I normally have with boots and he made the corrections needed and I have the best, more comfortable boots I've ever had. Again, thank you." - Stephen Griffin Fast forward about 40 years and I must tell you that I am now the proud owner of a pair of your boots (MBOGOs) that I purchased recently from your sale rack. Although I no longer hunt or live in Kansas, I manage to walk/hike at least 1,500 miles a year. I must tell you how impressed I am with the quality, stability and comfort of your boots - so much so that I have ordered another pair, this time a pair of custom made Safari PHs'! Words don't do justice when it comes to expressing how pleased and impressed I am by your product. When the day is done, the night is still, and I am laying in bed I can almost hear my lower legs and feet whispering to me, "What took you so damn long???. Good Job!" - Sincerely, John Day
- Bob Merkley, Alberta
Jack and his Dad were both measured for a custom fit at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in 2002. Jack is a fine example of a second generation hunter... well behaved and appreciative of the experiences and opportunities his father has provided him. It is always a pleasure to greet Jack and Steve in our booth. We commend Steve for including Jack in his outdoor endeavors 
"We are replacing the soles this year for the first time and only because we would like to try the crepe sole because of how quiet they are. Their repair and return service in this endeavor has been quite superb. Russell Moccasin takes care of every client personally and being avid hunters themselves, they understand the need for good quality, comfortable and protective hunting boots. We are loyal customers of Russell Moccasin's and will continue to be for many years to come." - Garry & Sean Kelly “Thank you again for the awesome Mountain PH Safari boots. They fit like a glove. They are light, have awesome grip on rocks. The first time I wore them I did a four hour hike in the rugged mountains of Pilanesberg National Park and despite the fact that they were brand new boots, I never blistered or came close to blistering. The ankle support is fantastic and above all, they are the quietest boots when stalking game in the bush. Anyone going to Africa will not be disappointed with the Mountain PH boot. They are the only way to go.” - Hans Vermaak “Enclosed are my safari boots to be resoled. I have hunted in them from Tanzania to New Zealand and they remain the best footwear I have ever purchased. The soft gum rubber soles are quieter than anything I have ever worn. More than one professional hunter commented that it was originally a little disconcerting not to be able to hear the hunter walking behind him. Please replace the worn sole with the same gum rubber.” - Vern Kuipers
-Jim Carmichel, Shooting Editor, Outdoor Life “Being a foot doctor I am well schooled in shoe gear and the manufacture of shoes. I highly recommend your entire line of shoes and specifically the Safari PH series. As you know I now have two pairs--the first still serves me well but I always have that second pair as a backup. Not only am I a practicing podiatrist but I am also an avid hunter, having hunted all over the world. And I must say your shoes have been along on almost every trip I’ve made. Your shoes are excellent, a fine product. I will recommended them to our American Medical Association, (APMA), for acceptance by the committee on podiatric materials and equipment.” - Dr. D. Michael Irvin “In September I hunted Cape Buffalo and Lion in Zimbabwe for 18 days. I wore my Russell Safari “PH” series every hour I was awake. They were very comfortable and a perfect boot for that particular hunt.” - Mike McFerran “My wife Alice had never worn your boots before she went to Zimbabwe with me. She wore them when we walked for miles in search of Cape Buffalo. She said her Russell boots were the most comfortable she has ever had. She finds it difficult to get comfortable boots and shoes because of her narrow foot. Thank you for making such an excellent product. Please send Alice's new chukkas, when finished, to the address on the form.” - Walter Winget “You may remember that I faxed you recently regarding sending over to Australia, a pair of Safari PH’s that I had ordered so that I would have them for a trip to Africa. The boots arrived three days prior to departure. I was worried about hunting in boots that I hadn't broken in. However, for the whole 15 days hunting I wore nothing else. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned and quieter than the guides and trackers whilst hunting.” - Geoff Bontoft, Australia “Just a note of thanks for the excellent quality in my Safari PH boots. In previous hot weather hunts, foot blisters have always been a problem. However, I just returned from such a venue in the Australian Outback. Your PH’s felt broken in when I first put them on and were very comfortable during my buffalo hunt. I credit overhearing two hunters at the SCI Convention discussing how good your boots are for my placing an order. Thanks again for a quality product.” - Wayne Dixon "It was with great care that I chose my footwear for Africa for I was not going on a 10-day safari but a 6-month extended trip that would take me through five different types of terrain. I chose the Russell Safari "PH" for its light weight, breathable design, combined with its rugged construction. The super quiet crepe soles worked perfectly allowing me to creep within bow range of several unsuspecting animals, yet provided enough cushion to keep me energized throughout the day, no matter how far I walked or how steep the terrain. From day one, (no break-in required), I did not get a blister, nor a sore foot, as they were molded to my particular foot. Over the course of the summer I stalked, walked and sometimes ran countless miles and was never let down by my "PH's". Thanks for a great boot." - Mike Schoby, outdoor writer "I just wanted to let you know that I love the Mountain "PH" boots you made for me. They're a whole new experience in footwear. They feel like slippers, yet they're the most rugged boots I've ever worn. I put them to the extreme test a couple of weeks ago when I wore them mountain lion |
It was to my great relief, when finally my new pair of Russell Joe’s “PH” Special boots arrived in the post early this hunting season gone. Since my faithful old pair of Russell’s finally expired midway through last year season, after many years of service (purchased SCI 1997) I have tried several brands of hunting boots. However none of these have come anywhere near the hard wearing ability and comfort I’ve come to expect from my Russell’s. The swamps, volcanic rocks and all-round harsh conditions I hunt in every day really take their toll on a pair of boots, but once again the Russell’s have come up trumps. 
"My wife and I just returned from a 14-day safari to Zimbabwe and I wanted to comment on how your boots made the trip a wonderful experience. I had left my 6-month old PH's at our home in North Carolina and as a result, stopped in Berlin two days before leaving on the trip and bought a new pair...off the shelf. The first steps I took in these boots were to walk onto the plane in Miami and fly to London and then on to Harare, Zimbabwe.
“Please find enclosed a picture of the Elephant I hunted in Zimbabwe. I contribute my success on this hunt in large part to the fact that I was wearing Russell PH boots. The daytime temperatures ranged from 110 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the country very rugged, rocky. This Elephant was hunted the proper old fashioned way, using porters, on foot, camping with only a blanket for warmth during the cool nights and miles away from the vehicle. As we traveled fast and light, only one pair of boots could be taken. The choice for me was the Russell PH model. Unfortunately my professional hunter and hunting companions did not have Russell’s. Blisters, sore feet, cuts and bruises were the order of the day for these gentlemen as a result of falls and slips that occurred from selecting poorly designed boots. Again thank you for a great product and great service.”"Three years ago we purchased the Mountain "PH" professional hunting boots from Russell. We have worn them in every type of terrain from the Okavango Delta to the Waterburg Mountains and not once have we regretted our choice of Russell boots over all the outdoor boots and shoes available.
