Rogue RB-5 Trans Africa Boots

  1 of 42

  I purchased these boots in preparation for a hike in Northern Australian outback. I live in Northern Australia and had the boots delivered. Prior to ordering I chatted to one of the guys about the boots who answered my questions. Ordering was faultless and I received the boots pretty quickly despite the coronavirus mayhem everywhere. When I received the boots I was immediately impressed by the materials and workmanship that have gone into them. I think as well as a tough yet comfortable boot, they look pretty good too. I have only done a few short walks thus far, but I'm enjoying them and think they're going to be great boots. Other reviews are accurate in the sense that these boots are wide fitting. I think these are a winner. Great service as always from Woodlore.  

  David G

  2 of 42

  Just brilliant boots from Rogue  

  Stephen Owen Mitchell

  3 of 42

  One month review! very short break in time, one walk and basically perfect. They are spacious, I'm normally a UK 11/12 (wide feet), the size 10.5 fits great. They're breathable as well, I live in Indonesia and they're more then comfortable in the day to day heat and humidity. Only gripe would be a slight inconsistency with one part of the stitching, purely aesthetic.  

  Thom

  4 of 42

  Great boots and really pleased. Took a little wearing in but persevered and they are now brilliant. Would recommend double skin socks (like 1000 mile) during the first few times out.  

  S R Heape

  5 of 42

  I live in a boggy and wet part of the world with few trails and lots of tramping through wet tussocky grass and heather/sphagnum moss. Like a previous reviewer, I have long given up hope that gore-tex lined boots will ever really keep me dry in the real world as they start to degrade and fail rather quickly with regular use so that I had to resort to wearing waterproof socks inside the so-called waterproof boots. So I decided to try these boots out with waterproof socks and see how they compared to lined boots, the advantage being you are not left with a water-logged liner that tends to keep the water trapped in your boot. Well, they work just fine in wet conditions - I took them for a spin on a hill-walk with intermittent rain and a lot of wet boggy grass. Of course they let water in but the waterproof socks kept my feet pretty dry and overall the combination was drier than having a 'waterproof' boot! So, here you have a boot, that with the appropriate socks, will work well in hot or wet and cold conditions (barring of course when crampons are needed!) An added bonus is that all my previous boots would have the same problem of the glue binding the sole to the leather starting to fail around the big toe after a few months/years, even when well cleaned and looked after - this shouldn't happen with these boots as the soles are stitched on. The sole is grippy, they are comfortable and pretty light to wear. Time will tell if they are durable, but so far very happy with them.  

  Tom

  6 of 42

  I have a couple of pairs of rogue boots, they end up feeling like I was wearing slippers. Sizing can be a little odd, I think this is because of their handmade nature, other than that wonderful to wear.  

  Ma

  7 of 42

  Terrific pair of boots, I’ve been after these for ages, highly recommended. Great service and speedy delivery as I’ve come to expect from Woodlore.  

  Tobin Spence

  8 of 42

  I'm a great believer in you get what you pay for but sadly I feel that this is not the case with the Rogue RB-5. Yes it's comfortable from the first wear but having treated my boots as per the retailer's instructions I walked through wet grass and my socks and feet were wet.... not what I expected for £140! I contacted Woodlore and their response was quick and positive which has always been my experience in the past. The boots were returned at my expense but unfortunately I was advised that following inspection there was nothing wrong with them. I was then advised to use waterproof socks! The boots have been sent back to me despite my attempts to obtain a suitable replacement or refund and even though I have treated them for a second time I have worn them again with the same result.... wet feet and socks. I'm disappointed with the customer service I have received but most importantly with the quality of the product. An expensive mistake for me unfortunately :(  

  Philip Taylor

  9 of 42

  I bought these boots from Woodlore in November 2017. I have been using them for nearly eleven months. Delivery was, as usual, very quick. It was clear on first inspection that they were soundly constructed, and quite different from the boots normally available in British high street stores. However it seemed that the leather uppers, although of good quality, were rather stiff and dry. When I wore them, I discovered that the front line of the laced area was tending to press down on my feet just behind the toes. As a result I could only walk a mile or two before developing sore patches there. I decided one day to try them on an outing to Chester Zoo. Once inside I found that the paths had been salted to remove snow and ice. The water and salt quickly got into the leather. My feet were wet and cold. When I returned home, and the boots had been allowed to dry naturally, I saw that the leather was stained in places by the salt. There is advice available on-line about removing salt from leather. I was able to remove the salt, and then started a programme of regular attention using boot polish, and, very occasionally, small amounts of dubbin. Eventually the leather became much softer, and the toe pressure problem was completely resolved. The leather takes a good polish, so that the boots look surprisingly smart. I am using them typically two or three times a week, including one walk of about seven or eight miles. After a rather poor start, they appear, in the long run, to be durable and reliable. My suggestion to any purchaser would be to consider treating the leather carefully and regularly from the outset. It may take some time before they become suitable for extended outings.  

  Steve Smith

  10 of 42

  Over years I've purchased many items from Woodlore and they have all been an excellent 5 star, until now. I've only given these boots 3 stars. The color is way out from the web site photo. I know color of leather cannot be guaranteed but these very dark brown are almost a black. The tread on the soles are different and the laces are plain brown. I purchased a size smaller (as to other reviews) and I'm glad that I did. They fit fine and are spacious, but they are not the most comfy boots I've worn. I find them hard on the foot, so I'll have to add a good quality insole asap. There is an annoying leather flap join on the upper inside of the heel which may cause blisters, but until I give them a good walk I am not sure if that will happen. The white stitching around the boot shows up like a sore thumb and doesn't blend. Saying all that, although I'm a little disappointed, they do look like a sturdy boot. Not quite up to measure as in past items I've bought but the service was great as normal.  

  John De Leigh