Rogue RDB-1 Desert Boots

  1 of 43

  Very expensive boot with little or no grip on the sole, so not really suitable for the wet British climate. The finish and quality of the boot especially the join between the upper and sole is also very disappointing. I searched high and low for a good boot and thought the item from this company would have been quality checked before dispatch. Overall, it is a nice looking boot but I'm not sure it will last. Not good value for me sadly.  

  Andrew Gill

  2 of 43

  I lived in SA for many years, I love everything about these boots - they evoke magical days and nights in the Eastern Transvaal plus a bit of nostalgia and practical summer foot ware. They are magic - thanks to all at Woodlore.  

  Peter Andrew Mitchell

  3 of 43

  These great looking, super light, simple and very very quiet shoes are great. The sole is not thick, so you get a good feel of what’s under your feet. I’m usually a size 10 and got a size 9 1/2 which are perfect. Nice wide fitting with room inside. Only good for dry days but fine for cooler weather with thick socks. Perfect for sandy dry conditions. They go on and off nice and easily thanks to the wide mouth and for me, they look good too. The usual helpful and prompt service from the team. Yes - highly recommend.  

  Paul Cobham

  4 of 43

  I have had these boots for a year now and I wear them nearly every day. I use them because I need a hard wearing boot in the field/bush but also looks good or in the office with chinos and shirt. They are comfortable and hard wearing. I walk 2-3 miles in them most days and am very often in the bush and hot climates. They allow my feet to breathe and are cool and comfortable but did rub a little when I first got them. I have very wide feet and the wide toe box is great for me. They are not designed for the wet and cold at all but do dry quickly when they get wet. They retain their look well and have always responded well to a scrub. Great boots, I will get another pair.  

  Danny R

  5 of 43

  I really like these boots, and recommend them. I got them really as a pair of smart casual shoes. They look good for regular daily use, and are very comfortable. I'm not wearing them in any extreme desert/wilderness situations, and don't plan to. However, I would expect them to be good for non muddy rambles or overseas travel. I have to say I was slightly put off by the stated sizing, and a few of the reviews saying they were over large. I haven't found that to be the case. Yes, they are a generous rather than a tight fit, but they are my size. I am an 11 (46), and although the website described the 46 as an 11 and a half, when they arrived they had a sticker saying 11. They fit me nicely, with a little room to wiggle my toes. I have since bought the leather trekking boots by the same South African manufacturer. They are super comfy too. I have yet to wear them outside, but they have a great fit and feel to them. Again, I bought my regular size, European 46 In both cases, I am glad I didn't gamble on a different size to my regular one. Look at the European size translate it to your UK size, and that may well prove to be your fit. If it is too generous, you can always add an insole. Anyway, great boots for me, certainly.  

  Rob

  6 of 43

  Comfortable, sturdy, well made. Just what I was looking for!  

  Cowan Watson

  7 of 43

  Excellent footwear, comfortable, kept my feet cool and sweat free whilst on my desert excursion in Egypt. The ankle padding provides that extra bit of support, I can highly recommend these boots, a few days to break them in is advisable as the suede leather is thick and durable these are proper boots not your Clarks carpet slippers.  

  Tom Bryan

  8 of 43

  I love these boots. I treated them to some leather care straight away and now they will keep their looks for longer. Leather always changes to your foot and there was no exception to these. Lovely item.  

  Jason Shea

  9 of 43

  You cannot go far wrong with rogue. Best pair or boots I've bought in years. I love the RB2's aswell...my go to. I bought these desert boots for hunting rabbits during the summer and fall, they have a robust but thin sole and feel like slippers almost, but also rugged enough to handle the wear from brambles and typical British farmland and countryside. A few have complained they are not waterproof, but it's one's own prerogative to understand the materials they select for purpose...suede is animal skin, its fibrous and porous its never going to be waterproof, however will absorb a quality wax...a beeswax and natural clean Paraffin blend 4 or 5 coats will make these bulletproof so long as you keep on top of maintenance. The sole being thin and robust makes for almost zero noise when stalking which is perfect. Given the comfort and manoeuvrability of these boots you get a real feel of the ground and great natural movement of the feet allowing you to stalk effectively without big clunky boots causing noise and hindering your manoeuvrability. Great for general bushcraft if you wax them. Natural materials all have their own merit, but its down to the outdoorsman to know his materials intimately and consider any adjustments or modifications to the material or functionality that may need to be addressed in order to achieve the desired outcome. 10/10  

  Luke O''connor

  10 of 43

  These are comfy straight out the box. I got them to replace a pair of Bata Vellies bought in Harare in 1992, which after 30 years have developed a hole in the sole. I expect these will last twice as long, judging by the build quality. Took them for a road test, couple of miles over the fields this afternoon. No problems at all. They are tough as old boots, so will need some breaking in. I don't hold with the water treatment, unless it happens naturally. Just take it easy at first. Should bed right in on the old hind paws. I am a size 8 UK, so got the 8 1/2 (43). It's spot on. I have flipper feet: wide toes, high arches and narrow heels. They fit well. My mates have pronounced them stylish as well, so that's a plus.  

  Jez