Item Personalization

Bison leather is beautiful

So I have been eyeing a pair of Big Cambo boots for a quite a while. I almost pulled the trigger while talking with Big Cam and Mr. Lefty at SEWE in 2020 but opted to wait and just resole my current pairs. Then life happens and the next thing you know it’s the end of 2025 and they’re on last call, so the time was right. This is my fourth pair of Russell’s and first not actually getting hand measured. I have a pair of 18 year old Signature South 40 bird shooters, and two pairs of Thula Thula’s (safari height, customized with all leather and a 2060 vibram sole and low cut leather soled mocs). All have been faithful companions to my feet whether it’s working, hunting, strolling around, or making them my fancy dress,. They fit like gloves! The Thula Thula safaris are my absolute favorites, so much so that I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve been resoled!
The Big Cambo boots honesty might be the best looking of them all in the Buffalo leather! They are built like a tank for rugged use, yet the mid sole riser gives them just enough lift that takes any pressure away and walking distances is a breeze.. I measure a size 13 on a Brannock device, and wear a 13 in gym shoes and other work/hunting boots. I called as I wasn’t sure but was advised to go with a 12.5 and with the provided cushion sole liner these fit solid. . The first wear was without and there was a bit of heel slip, once I added them they’re locked down! These have a roomy toe box and the ankle hug when laced is on point. Note, I’m not big on thick socks either and wear athletic ankle socks 90% of the time. These felt great paired with the Russell ankle length wool. (Btw, need a restock in size L!). The only complaint is they shipped with thin black laces that feel like dress shoe laces not rugged hunting boot laces. I immediately replaced with a spare pair of Taslan’s I had on hand for my Thulas. Please see this and scratch them for any of the heavy boots they just don’t have enough meat to them and feel like your tying with piano wire.

I’m a Russell guy, and Russell boots always make a statement, drawing inquiries and compliments! The quality and craftsmanship are worth the wait and pricing well…you get what you pay for these days but knowing they’re handmade in the USA still means something!

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.