Gokey University

Choosing the right safari boot can make or break your African adventure. From the sandy tracks of the Kalahari to the rugged kopjes of South Africa, your footwear needs to balance protection, breathability, and “stealth” for stalking.

Identify Your Terrain & Style

Before buying, ask yourself what kind of safari you’re going on:

Rugged & Arid: If you’re hiking challenging, dry landscapes, you need a boot built for stability and heat management.

Thick Brush & Thorns: Look for reinforced lowers (vamps) to protect against jagged rocks and acacia thorns.

Stealth Stalking: For hunters, a “silent” sole is critical. Traditional rubber can be too noisy; some prefer thin leather soles to “feel” the ground and avoid snapping twigs.

 

Today we outline the characteristics and features of Gokey’s collection of safari boot designs and how each is uniquely qualified to meet the demands of your specific needs and environment.

 

The Simba Safari Boot: “The All-Rounder”

The Simba Safari Boot   (Swahili for “Lion”) is designed for long days in warm, arid weather.

Characteristics:

Material: Lightweight 5-6oz oil-tanned Milonga leather paired with 20oz water-repellent canvas for maximum breathability.

Sole: Vibram Aspen sole for superior grip on rugged terrain.

Construction: Double-vamp construction that molds to your foot for a “glove-like” fit.

Best For: All-day hiking and hunting where lightweight comfort is the priority.

 

The CHUI Boot: “The Powerhouse”

The Chui Safari Boot (Swahili for “Leopard”) is built for those who need Land Rover levels of support.

 

 

Characteristics:

Protection: Features hardwearing bullhide lowers that are double-layered around the bottom and toe for maximum protection against thorns.

Lining: Fully leather-lined for durability and comfort.

Sole: Sturdy Vibram Gum Lite sole to handle jagged rocks while remaining lightweight.

Best For: Harsh thorn, bush environments and rocky tracks where foot protection is non-negotiable

 

The Shadow Hunter: “The Stealth Specialist”

The Shadow Hunter Boot is a throwback for primitive sneak and stalk hunting methods.

Characteristics:

Material: Waxed canvas uppers paired with oil-tanned bullhide vamps.

Stealth: A true moccasin-style boot that makes you feel “barefooted but not tenderfooted”.

Unique Sole: Unlike standard boots, it uses a full 8-9oz bullhide leather sole. This allows you to walk with absolute silence, though it offers less impact support for miles of trekking.

Best For: Guides and hunters who prioritize ultimate stealth over long-distance cushioning.

 

Key Features to Look For 

Regardless of the brand, ensure your safari boot has these “non-negotiables”:

Breathability: High temperatures can cause feet to swell. Leather and canvas hybrids (like the Simba and CHUI) allow heat to escape.

Gusseted Tongue: A fully gusseted shaft (where the tongue is stitched to the sides) keeps sand, debris, and insects like tsetse flies out of your boot.

Ankle Height: A 6” to 8” boot provides enough support for uneven ground without being as heavy as a full mountaineering boot.

Neutral Colors: Opt for tans, browns, or olives to blend into the bush.

 

The Finishing Touch

A pair of rugged ankle gaiters can be an extremely valuable asset in keeping debris from entering your boot tops and providing lower leg protection against sticks, thorns and other sharp objects that can inflict injury during your hunt.  Boyt Safari Gaiters https://www.boytharness.com/products/safari-gaiters are well worth spending a few extra bucks for the additional layer of comfort and security they provide while trekking through unforgiving safari terrains.

 

 

 

 

How do you select the right pair of hunting boots when there are so many good options to choose from?  It can be a daunting, time-consuming task for even the most experienced outdoorsman.  One thing I’ve learned over four decades of hunting is that nothing will spoil a hunt quicker than a pair of boots that are ill-equipped for the environment you are hunting.  While there may not always be a definitive answer, a few basic considerations will certainly guide you in the decision-making process of selecting a boot that’s best for you.

Terrain

The type of terrain you’ll be hunting should rank as one of the most important factors in determining your boot choice.  A stiffer boot with a high number of eyelets or speed hooks will provide the extra ankle support required for traversing hillside terrain.  A softer, flexible boot such as the Gokey Boyt Boot is generally a more comfortable option for ground with minimal elevation change.

Fit

The way a boot fits your foot is just as important as the type of terrain you will be hunting.  Be sure to wear the type of sock typically worn during an upland hunt when trying on new boots.  A light to mid-weight sock can greatly impact the way your boots fit.   Make sure your boots fit snugly around your ankle, heel, and instep, but you should still be able to wiggle your toes.  Try them on in the late afternoon when your feet are at their largest.

Weight

The weight of your boots will have a considerable impact on lower leg fatigue on an all-day hunt.  A few ounces may not seem like a lot but it can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day.  Look for the lightest weight options available without sacrificing other important features necessary to keep your feet happy.  At approximately a pound a half each, The Gokey Super Light Upland Boots are some of the lightest, full leather boots on the market that offer superior support and traction for upland hunting environments.

 Environment

The geography of your hunting locale is an important element that should be considered.  A waterproof boot for environments with climates that generate a fair amount of precipitation and early morning dew is essential.  A good quality leather that can be regularly conditioned to maintain water repellency is crucial unlike an arid climate environment such as a high desert region in the southwest that receives little moisture during the season.

Vegetation –

Consider the type of vegetation and critters associated with your typical hunting environment. If thorns, briars, snakes or anything else that can rip a pair of pants and puncture the skin is a common element on your hunting grounds you’ll want to consider a pair of boots such as the Botte Sauvage which come up higher on your legs to shield you from the things that can cause injury or damage to apparel.

Temperature

The seasonal temperatures you hunt in should play a factor in your selection.  A non-insulated boot with a light to midweight, moisture-wicking sock is usually a good choice when hunting in temperatures above freezing.  The physical exertion associated with a typical upland hunt generates plenty of body heat to keep our feet warm.  An insulated boot should be considered when the mercury drops below freezing but can cause feet to perspire in moderate temperatures creating wet socks and cold feet.

 Break In

Consider how comfortable the boots are and how much they need to be broken in.  Flexible boots are usually comfortable right out of the box and don’t need much breaking in, this is a characteristic common with most Gokey hunting boots.  Stiff boots can take a long time to break in, but they can be very comfortable once they do.

What is the most important piece of hunting gear you have? That answer changes with each person you ask.  Some might say it’s their gun. Others would not dare leave the house without their hunting vest. Then some have the impression that you must have just the right clothing for every occasion and time of year.

Arguably a great pair of hunting boots will be at the top of the list for many of us.  The ability to walk confidently for miles over uneven terrain is probably the most basic, yet important element in upland hunting. It can make for a long, painful day without a comfortable, supportive pair of boots on your feet, not to mention the potential injury risks involved.

But what makes a good pair of hunting boots? Is it fit, design, shape, functionality, or weight? When it comes to upland bird hunting a well-made, lightweight leather boot is essential. One that will adjust to the type of ground we are hunting, protect from sticks, thorns, rocks, and much more. In addition, the type of sole is just as essential as the quality of leather used in the boot itself.

As upland hunters we walk many miles across the prairies, in the woods, over rocky outcrops, along riversides, all in pursuit of our feathered quarry. Those miles can present some harsh vegetation and without a good boot for protection and comfort those miles can be hard to come by.

There is a standard to all things, and when it comes to light weight upland hunting boots, Gokey holds true as to what all other boots are measured against. What makes Gokey stand out against other hunting boots?  It is the quality of the materials and the pride that Gokey craftsmen take in individually building each boot with timeless techniques and exact standards.

Gokey upland boots are made in a true moccasin style design offering greater comfort and support throughout the footbed than most hunting boots today.  Only the finest 7-8oz bull hide leather is used, tough enough to protect against sharp objects yet pliable to provide the flexibility needed to manage challenging terrain.  A leather covered, removable insole provides amazing comfort right out of the box and that’s something your feet will thank you for at the end of the day!

 

Gokey Plant manager Stacy Doss discusses how Gokey shoes and boots needing repair can be restored back to their original condition.

Gokey plant manager Stacy Doss discusses the high quality and unique characteristics of the leather used in Gokey footwear.

Gokey employees Stacy Doss and Nick Houston discuss and demonstrate the process of boot repair at their productions facility in Tipton, MO.

Gokey plant manager Stacy Doss discusses and demonstrates various ways that Gokey footwear can be altered to allow for a proper fit after a change occurs in a customer’s foot.

There are some distinct advantages of ordering custom footwear. Gokey Plant manager, Stacy Doss discusses some of the reasons to consider purchasing a pair of custom made footwear in this video.

Gokey USA Plant Manager, Stacy Doss demonstrates the process for accurately measuring and ordering Gokey custom footwear.