Travelling Sportsman Classic Build

MODEL DETAILS

The Boot

A Russell classic, the original Traveling Sportsman Chukka was developed for our friends at Sporting Classics magazine, who had limited space to pack for their remote international adventures. The goal was to be able to hunt, hike, and fish in these extreme environments with a boot that was comfortable enough to wear straight off the plane. The Travelling Sportsman was a success in this regard and continues to have a dedicated fanbase.

The Leather

Made from water-resistant, full-grain Walnut Timberjack leather, the Travelling Sportsman Chukka is prepared for any adventure. Over time it will patina and darken to a beautiful deep brown. Condition with Obenaufs or Pecards. Tanned specially for Russell Moccasin by S.B. Foot Tannery in Minnesota.

The Construction

Made as a Double Vamp moccasin on our 40 Boot Last, the Travelling Sportsman is incredibly water resistant and durable. Unique to Russell Moccasin, this Chukka has a handsewn Overlap seam that provides unmatched structure and water resistance. Designed to go the distance, it features an oak leather and rubber "Double Stack" midsole designed for easy resoling and an oak leather heel counter for support in rocky terrain.

The Sole

This newest version of the Travelling Sportsman has been fitted with the Vibram Roccia Outsole. Trusted on Russell boots for generations, this sole is a great all-rounder with enough tread for hiking and hunting, but sleek enough for daily wear. It is also lighter than the prior Air-bob sole, making it that much more effective on the foot.

Sizing Confidence: By ordering this boot you understand that if the fit is too large or small, you can exchange it within 30 days of delivery in unworn condition and we will put another pair into production for you in an adjusted size of your choice. Exchanges are limited to 1 per order and the production timeline for the second pair will be 12-16 weeks. Classic Builds are non-refundable. International customers: please see Return Policies page for more information.

Excellent as usual from Russell.

Very nice boot/shoes. My fourth pair of Russell’s. These took a few weeks to break in properly since the top is ankle height and needed to be softened up a little. After that they now fit perfectly and are ridiculously comfortable. I often wear them all day. I’ve walked on five to six mile hikes with them and no issues. I mainly use these for more casual wear, visiting friends and family, around town, dog walking, etc. I use my taller Russell boots for more serious outdoor purposes. Sizing for me, like all my Russell’s, is one full size smaller than sneaker size. Same sizing as other high quality boots such as JK’s. I’m very glad I purchased these. So comfortable. Highly recommended.

Another excellent pair from Russell M.

This is my third pair of Russell's. I started in 2019 with Chukkas, then Backcountry, and now Traveling Sportsman. I was measured at the Dallas Safari Club convention for the first and used those measurements for the second. I used the measuring app for the Sportsman which gave me a full size smaller than my Brannock size.
The Sportsman fits just fine. What a beautiful, solid feeling, and comfortable boot/shoe. It is not a light boot, feels like it could go anywhere short of high mountains, and yet is classy enough to wear to meetings at offices and goes well with jeans, work pants, and khaki dress pants. The laces are on the short side but work. I look forward to wearing them for many years.

The best

Still wear a pair of custom Art Carter Traveling Sportsman Chukkas made in veal leather in the 1990’s. Very comfortable.
I wear them three seasons at least once every 10 days and they still look like new. Just clean them and put a coat of Pecards or Obenaufs water proofing on occasionally. Mine are a tan colour. Great shoe.

This boot is nearly perfect. The quality of workmanship and materials is second to none. I highly recommend using the sizing tool. My sneaker size is 13D and the tool recommended a 12D, which ended up being right on. At first the boots seemed a bit narrow, but they broke in over time and are now the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever owned. It took a few months of occasional day-long wear to get them feeling great, but it was well worth the wait. Nothing feels like a Russell. Seriously, your feet will thank you. They are pricey, but they are well worth it when you factor in the quality, craftsmanship, and nearly infinite resolabiltity. I received my pair a week later than their estimated time. They were shipped via the cheapest possible USPS shipping, which was baffling to me given the price and mystique of the boots. They also shipped with what seem like dollar store laces that are nearly too small for the boots. If it weren’t for those things, these would easily be five stars.

3rd Pair of Russel’s!!!

Goodmorning!
I just finished wearing The Travelling Sportsman on a 3 mile walkabout for shoe laces!
Russel sent laces way too short for the boots! Even with short laces and the break in walk, still a great fitting boot!
As usual excellent footwear!
Thank you