Club Obi Wan

Does anybody own a pair of Magnoli's Field Boots? I'm thinking of getting a pair to compliment my aldens (which I use for dressier occasions). I want to add a dash of derring-do to an expedition I'm taking, and want to know how they'd hold up. So please, let me know!


James

Maybe it would help people to know where you are going before they give an opinion?

Are these the field boots?



They're very nice boots, but I think really designed for riding.

If you do buy some let us know what you think for wear and fit .

You really thinking of rocking those boots, Shorty? Wow. Good for you.

I think they'd look really good with some nice safari gear or other vintage explorer style clothes. I think you should go for it!!

Shane

It helps that the expedition is in Africa, and I have some vintage safari gear, so I think they would look very cool. Thanks for all the support guys! I guess my main concern for them is if they were truly only for riding, or if you could wear them doing all manner of activities. Short of swimming of course!

in my humble opinion i think that they MIGHT be ok if you break them in for quite a while gradually before bringing them with you to africa. Blisters really ruin vacations where walking is a necessary thing. And on the bright side they would offer you some protection from venomous snakes and other low lying dangers.

Well, I agree with the above about the blisters, etc. but don't think many tourists on safaris are killed by snakes! LOL!

But maybe the purpose is to look like a safari tourist and stand out, so those would certainly work. For a lot of walking I have a feeling those might be mighty tough to wear for extended time on your feet.

You've said expedition a couple times, is it some prolonged research trip or is it a trip with visits to a game park, etc.?

IMO, these would be great for going out to dinner dressed up like Stanley or for some moderate wear. But for something more serious, a pair of Merrels or plain old leather hiking boots would be easier to live with.

Either way, I want to break those in for a month before hand. The fit is going to be critical because if your feet or ankles swell those are going to be a handful to get on an off as well.

Raider S wrote:...........

Either way, I want to break those in for a month before hand. The fit is going to be critical because if your feet or ankles swell those are going to be a handful to get on an off as well.

I agree with that. Africa isn't the place to suddenly discover your boots weren't made for extended walking, or that you can't get them on or off.

The full lace front style from Magnoli might be better for the purpose?

tourists dying from a snake bite is rare, though the adders (puff and berg) won't hide or flee when a person approaches. They will hold their ground which is unfortunate if you aren't even aware that they are there. Either way - I wouldn't want to get a bite from anything. I could post some pics of some african snake bites, but they are kinda gruesome.

(Just a fun fact: the fastest (black mamba, 12MPH) and longest (king cobra 15ft) of all venomous snakes in the world both live in Africa.)

I wouldn't worry as much about snakes in Africa, as I would having shoes that fit me well and were comfortable.

The king cobra is only found in S.E.Asia.
The Largest African Cobra is the Forest cobra at 11 ft. The Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) is more common at only 8 feet. It is restricted to the north central region. It's 6 ft contemporary found to the south is the cape cobra.
There is the snouted cobra as well as 6 species of spitting cobras.
I worked in the herpetological field for a while.
Ron

Thanks there, Cliffy boy!

There's a snake in my boot!

Great looking boots, even if they don't turn out to be what you're looking for.

Randy

No problem Norm...
That being said cobras are big snakes and a bite to the thigh or even mid-section is not unheard of, the leather MAY be thick enough to repel their short fixed fangs. I guarantee they would be useless against a Puff adder. These snakes are common and are responsible for 100's of fatalities every year even in major cities.
I stomp through palmetto thickets looking for Eastern Diamondbacks all the time in sneakers or occasionally flip flops, but would never do so in Africa.
Ron

Not knocking Magnoli, I am sure his stuff is first rate but if I was betting my life on safari in Africa-- I would go with something more tested.

If you are looking for a high boot, I think the Filson Uplander boots are pretty good.

I haven't owned a pair for awhile now but the ones I had were bulletproof.

Here's what I think of cobras!:




Seriously though, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! For 2 reasons. First, even when the thing is dead, its head can still kill you. Second....I was really drunk at the time and was not thinking straight. The cobra trade should be avoided at all costs as they disrespect this beautiful animal. As tasty as they may be, don't eat cobras.

Now, for the boots, I have to agree that I would need a little more than those boots to give me confidence enough to deal with adders in Africa.

I would stick with a boot designed for safaris and african expedition.. not knocking Magnoli's style or craftsmanship, but boots have evolved for a reason.

All the snake info is great.. I love it. I always wanted to be a herpetologist.. things changed as I got older but I still love 'em. My peruvian red-tail is 15 years old this year.

And what sort of expedition is it anyway?

Tommer

Well, to be honest it's not a typical scientific expedition. I'm entering a land race from England to Cameroon, and I wanted to look spiffy, mainly. The race is called the Africa Rally, and it was created by a group called the Adventurists, whom you may have heard of. I also do some light riding, so I was fancying myself as a junior Lawrence of Arabia. I'm not too worried about snakes since I'll be driving mainly, although I find snakes fascinating.

The great part about the rally is that they are all done for charities in Africa. last year the teams raised 80,000 pounds sterling for various charities. From the one review on Magnoli's site, I've heard that the boots take a minimum of breaking in. But I definitely agree that it is an issue to look into.

James

Wow James.... That sounds like a good cause and a great time.

sounds exhausting! enjoy (at least you don't have to worry about king cobras)

Sounds fun, man.. post some pics when you get back.

Tommer

I would recommend get the Field Boots made in our new oilskin:



...and with the combat soles:



That would make these boots tougher and more practical.

Kind regards,
Magnoli

Well that just about settles it. I'm going to have to bite the bullet and grab a pair! Those soles are exactly what I was looking for.


James

Shorty,

Now I'm really interested in your trip. That sounds exciting and it's for a good cause. Will you be driving, riding horses, or in what manner will you make this race?

So I Googled the "Africa Rally" and took a look through the website. You seem to be in need of more than just boots - you have apparently lost your mind!

PM me if you're looking for a co-driver. I have no idea if I could do it, my wife, kids, partners and girlfriend will all object, but it looks to be as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!

LJ

My jaw just hit the floor when I saw this. It totally sounds like my idea of a good time. If they had the 5 years ago, I would TOTALLY be there ready to go.

Too bad I just got married and I have a baby on the way in 6 weeks. My globetrekking is taking a big hiatus.

Please please please remember to share stories and photos next year when you get back.