Safari Shoe - The Original Palladium

It's easy as a sportsman to fall into the trap of becoming a "gear queer" when equipment and clothing is considered. When I was younger (and didn't have eight feet to shoe) I was more apt to purchase the best marketed, most expensive, small batch, hand tooled boots on the market. For safari hunters Russell Moccasin and The Courteney Boot Company come to mind. I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of Russell Moccasin's (like below) just because I am a sucker for good, niche industry marketing. The problem I have with these two options is that every jerk who has a little coin and goes on his first safari shows up with one of these options.

Russell Safari "PH" II

The Courteney Boot

My go to safari sleds are a pair of well worn, very reliable Redwing style work boots which have now seen the bush of Africa three times and are ready for round number four. Worked hard, hunted hard and with a patina that can only come from days afield, these beauties have really performed admirably. 

Old Friend's

However, this season with price being a consideration and fashion always of some importance I started my search for a pair of back-ups that could handle all the bush has to offer but with a few, new criteria as well. Light, tough sole (thorns), canvas for quick drying and also functional beyond the bush for trips into town for beer and cigarette's. Luckily, my lame memory tripped one night and I remembered that all of the scouts and trackers that are fortunate enough to have shoes always seemed to be wearing a French Foreign Legion steeze boot. These guys know the bush, walk a shit-load and are very frugal. Enter the historically significant, Palladium, Hi Pampa.

Palladium Pampa Hi Depuis 1947

"After World War II, with aircraft manufacturing screeching to a halt, the demand for tires decreased dramatically. Palladium decided to open a plant in Pont De Cheruy, France, to start producing footwear that was as hard wearing as their tires. In 1947 the legendary Pampa boot was born, and the functionality, comfort and durability were so outstanding that the French Foreign Legion adopted it for their use. The Foreign Legion put the boot to the test in the harsh desert conditions of North Africa, and throughout the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains."

A few days of rompin' around the yard, picking up dog shit should have these sleds ready for a few weeks of chasing game in the Mopane forest of Mozambique. A full review will follow assuming they (I) make it back.