Item Personalization

I cannot overstate how oversized these boots are. 10.5E fit like an 11EEE. Even after asking for a size recommendation (these make my comfortably roomy alden indy 10.5E fit like compression shorts) and owning three other great-fitting russels (although, with their casual last and not their boot last), I now have a pair of ridiculously large/wide boots that look like scuba flippers. I don't/can't reorder because who can wait 5 months for boots just to try on, and they *almost* work with my absolute thickest socks, but they do not fit like $1000 boots. It's all even more ridiculous because moccasin construction expands so well to accommodate foot width, I would think there is absolutely no reason to have such gigantic proportions. Otherwise, the leather (S.B. Foot Chamois) is absolutely fantastic, construction is impeccable, the sole (Vibram 360 Wedge) has amazing ground-feel but also stiff enough to distribute point pressure walking on rocks (although a bit short for mud/water/puddles). Would be extremely happy if I simply had the opportunity to order the correct size - either by sending a sample or getting correct sizing advice. In the end I like them enough to probably blow another grand in a few years to get the correct size (well, probably 2 grand at the rate things are going)

I've had the Joe's PH from Russell Moccasin for just over a week now, and I'm genuinely amazed. The model is currently out of Russell's catalog, but the Safari is close enough that anything I say here should translate. Mine is the stock build, no customization, in sage chamois.

Ordering. Order to delivery was 4.5 months. I emailed Russell for a status update at the 3-month and 4-month marks, and Luke, the CEO, personally responded to the second one. Great experience overall, exactly the kind of touch you hope for from a small American maker.

Build & Leather. The workmanship is second to none: neat, detailed, just about perfect. The sage chamois manages to be durable while staying flexible and soft right out of the box. The Vibram 360 sole has a low drop, so I can feel almost everything underfoot, close to a barefoot-shoe sensation but with real boot construction around it. They're also remarkably quiet to walk in, which is something Russell markets and actually delivers on.

Sizing & Fit. I'm a 9.5D on the Brannock and went with a 9D. I didn't think my feet were particularly narrow, but apparently they're skinnier than I gave them credit for, so I picked up a pair of Kelties from Russell in the same leather to fill the boots out. The leather varies a bit batch to batch, but the match is close enough. Lacing technique matters more than you'd think; after watching Russell's video on it, the fit dialed in even better.

Break-In. About a day. No joke. For comparison, my Grant Stones still feel like they need more breaking in after years of mild wear.

Use Case. Full disclosure: I wear these around town, which isn't really what they were built for. The Joe's PH / Safari is a hunting and outdoor boot at heart, so I can't speak to how they perform in the field. But as a daily town boot they've been excellent.

Warm Weather. Living in SoCal, the single vamp has been a pleasant surprise, almost cooling in the heat. I haven't tried a double vamp, but for our climate the single seems ideal.

Verdict. I love these boots and can absolutely see another pair in my future.

The boots came later than expected but they were well worth the wait and the money! Most comfortable pair of boots I ever owned! Love the leather, the fit, and the craftsmanship.

Really like the shoes but order took 5 months - was planning to give them as gift when in Africa. Now I guess I'll just keep them. Also Shoes should come with a extra pair shoes laces. Going to be hard find match in future. Stan Pully Dallas TX

Used the AI sizing tool and it worked perfectly . The chosen options are beautiful and boots came exactly as ordered.