Joe's PH Premier Build

MODEL DETAILS

Named after the experienced trackers who guide dangerous game hunts, the Russell PH series boots have been stalking the plains of Africa and Australia for over 40 years. An excellent boot for warm weather situations in any country, the PH is the go-to boot for hunters and guides on safari. Breathable, packable, and extremely durable, the PH is a unique boot that is equally suited for daily wear. The Joe's PH variant is the favorite configuration of longtime Russell COO Joe Gonyo and features a cushion collar for sealing out dust and a rear pull loop for convenience.

Exclusively at Russell Moccasin

Single Vamp + Molded Sole Construction

1) Outer Vamp

This is the primary moccasin layer that forms the core of all our footwear. Hand lasted from the bottom-up, it wraps all the way underneath the foot for the ultimate flexibility and comfort.

3) Molded Sole

In the early days the Molded Sole was the actual sole of the boot. Today it is used primarily like a heel counter for the whole foot, making the boot incredibly stable in mountainous terrain. It is also a true-moccasin layer.

2) Overlap Seam

Patented in 1910 at Russell, the Overlap seam protects the joint between the vamp and plug. Hand sewn for nearly two hours per pair, it is highly water-resistant and differentiates Russells from Maine Moccasins.

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Lets talk specs

A Rundown on the Joe's PH

RUSSELL CEO LUKE KOLBIE TALKS THROUGH THE FEATURES AND APPLICATION OF OUR JOE'S PH MODEL

Customer for life

Russell Moccasin you did it again! These Joe's PH boots in chocolate bison with the coffee twill turned out absolutely beautiful! If you are looking for a quality, hand made boot, it doesn't get any better than this. The soles are quiet and very grippy. The inside of the boot hugs your feet, NO pinch. I was looking for a daily wear boot I could also take hiking. Russell definitely delivered. I plan on getting a pair of the bird shooters as well. I am a customer for life.

Glue issue

Really cool boots that had a couple problems for me (in the interest of transparency, I bought them as in stock not custom built). While they're super comfortable I've got a crazy wide foot and the outsole was cut too long and too narrow for my feet. The bigger issue (imo), is that after a few months of very light use, the glue attaching the outsole to the foam (?) wedge failed. Now it's a super easy fix, and at a lower price point I wouldn't even be upset. However, these boots are $750, and yeah, just kinda bummed me out. Super comfortable and cool though so yeah.

Joe's PH Premier Build

I ordered a pair of the Joe's PH Premier Build. The sizing guide and app provided an accurate measurement for the boots. The boots are as exactly what I ordered and are well made. I have put on about 15 miles on them to date and they are very comfortable. The Vibram 360 soles provide a hint of cushioning and are very quiet, even on gravel paths. This is my 5th pair of Russell boots and all of them have proven to be excellent and well worth the cost. I anticipate years of comfortable use.

Don't want to take them off at the end of the day

Short answer is that these are the most comfortable footwear I've ever owned and don't want to take them off at the end of the day. Leather is Bronze Chamois which isn't currently offered, but imagine that the other leathers are just as comfortable. Tongue took about a week to fully break in.

Got them as a summer pair to complement my Cognac Bison Backcountry and far prefer them. Think the difference mostly comes down to the sole (360 wedge vs Roccia) - the 360 wedge sole is much more flexible, particularly at the heel and better suits my gait. The bronze chamois is absorbent, so not great in the wet, but has stood up to morning walks with the dog through wet grass. Upside is that they should be more breathable in the heat of summer. May wax them with obenaufs LP at some point down the road.