Rogue Trans Africa Boots
They are crafted from water resistant full grain leather and feature padded ankle supports, a leather footbed and light but remarkably tough all terrain soles. They are easy to lace up due to their roller bearing lacing loops which not only makes for ease of use this method, we have found, wears out laces a lot less as there is less friction upon them.
Rogue products are designed in South Africa and made by South Africans. The Rogue company live in a harsh but beautiful country and it demands respect and they give it that, by making products that are uniquely African.
At Rogue, they have set and abide by strict ethical standards regarding the material they use for their products and for the people who make their products – their loyal staff. The other thing they live by is that Rogue has traditionally used the hides of commercially bred animals and sustainably harvested wildlife.
With all Rogue boots, due to their design, you will need a half size bigger than normal so if you are a 9 you should order a 9.5.
I purchased these boots two weeks before I was due to fly out to Zambia to work on an exploration project (last minute I know!). The Bushcraft Store kindly sent me a size 8.5 and 9.5 to try on. I am usually a 9 but the 8.5's fitted perfectly. I have had trouble with Salomons hurting my heel so I decided to try these all-leather boots out. When I received them the first thing I noticed was their good looks- and have been getting compliments on them ever since. They are extremely squeaky when new- stiff leather rubbing on stiff leather around the folded tongue area. I rubbed on a few coats of mink oil and that sorted them out. To break them in before my trip I wore them every day around the house, and out in the Staffordshire countryside. I stood in streams, walked through mud, climbed on rocks, etc, and rubbed them down with mink oil daily. In Zambia, I wore these boots on average for 14h a day, 7 days a week, from April until now (mid-August). They were subjected to thorns, sharp rocks, salt pans, geothermal waters, heavy machinery, burnt grass, and loads of mud. They never faltered, never let me down, and are very comfortable. I cleaned them weekly with a stiff brush and water before polishing them up with military tan Kiwi Boot Polish (they look fantastic in that oxblood red, and the wax keeps them in top shape). The soles are very durable, although not too stiff. They don't trap much mud either. The laces and eyes are top quality and I have had no problems with either. The boots aren't noticeably heavy either, but your feet do feel well protected. They are also surprisingly water-resistant when properly waxed. When the weather was above 35C or so I did notice my feet getting hot. The only real issues I have had have been the leather on the inside of the tongue cracking and eventually flaking off, exposing some foam, (on one boot), as well as the insoles wearing nearly through. The pale-coloured collar of the boot has also been stained brown by dirt and boot wax.
I would highly recommend these Rogue Trans Africa Boots to anyone who needs a pair of top-quality work-horse, no-nonsense, no-frills, boots that look damn good. I can't wait to try out a pair of the Desert Boots from the Bushcraft Store to see how they shape up.
Stylish and tough, good value for money helps as well.
Nothing.
Rogue Trans Africa Boots
Excellent communication from the staff, advising on sizing. Especially as there is such varied reviews on this Brands sizing & width. I ordered my true size, with the 0.5 extra. Really comfortable and plenty of room, unlike some European Brands which are made on a narrow last, and can cause real issues to your toes. They have a Rustic type charm to them, but are very well made and solid. On arrival i waxed them, which will help the break in period, but did darken them.
Excellent boots from the start!
Fantastic pair of boots, perhaps a bit utilitarian or old fashioned for some. But they fit me perfectly and after just a week of wearing them every day and a bit of leather balm to help in waterproofing they feel like a pair of gloves!
