Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black
Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black

Full Combat Waxi Boot, Black

Out of stock

Ivan Says: double check your sizing!

Waxi boots run larger than most boots, especially in width.

Ready To Ship

Made in South Africa

Free Sizing Exchanges & 30 Day Returns

More colors and styles available here

Product Specs
  • Made by original South African manufacturer
  • Thin, breathable cowhide leather
  • Wide toe box accommodates foot swelling during long hours of use
  • Sturdy, easily replaceable stitch-down soles
  • Half-gusseted tongue
  • Double stitching and metal eyelets for durability
Sole Type Guide


The Standard Lug Sole, reminiscent of a lineman's or logger's sole.
Great all-weather, all-terrain performance.

The Anti-Track Sole, a completely flat sole and South African military legend. Widely used in the Border War to conceal troop movement, it has no tread.
This results in footprints which appear washed-out, older, or too light to be visible, confusing would-be trackers.

More Than a Pair of Boots.

The Waxi boot is an enduring icon of the Border and Bush Wars — Conflicts which dominated South Africa and present day Zimbabwe during the Cold War. Outside of Africa and certain military circles both of these wars have faded into obscurity. Don’t get the wrong idea though, they were anything but boring.

At the height of the Border and Bush wars, both South Africa and Rhodesia found themselves geographically, economically, and diplomatically isolated. They would be facing off against the best efforts of the USSR, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, and several members of the Soviet Bloc.

All of whom would be providing training, arms, logistics and advisory support to a rainbow of communist terrorists, militant groups, and Sub-Saharan nation states. The resulting violence was characterized by its fast pace and indiscriminate brutality — with frequent attacks on public infrastructure and civilian populations.

Improvise, Adapt...

This period of counter-insurgency combat in the African savanna and wildlands forced tactical and material improvisation. Scrambling to stay competitive, South Africa and Rhodesia would develop doctrines and equipment that would stay relevant for decades to come.

Like many South African designs, the Waxi Boot is essentially a standardized field improvisation. Fighting in the bush necessitated two things, long term endurance, and bursts of high mobility during close contact.

Traditional combat boots provided neither — especially when you consider the sweltering heat of Africa. With this in mind, many South African and Rhodesian soldiers opted to wear their physical training footwear instead of their issued combat boots.

The most popular choices were takkies (hockey shoes) or commercial high tops from Converse and others.

The Waxi Is Born.

This philosophy would eventually give birth to the Waxi or “Half Combat” boot. Sitting halfway between a high-top sneaker and a combat boot, the Waxi runs, jumps and flexes like a tennis shoe while delivering the protection and durability of a boot.

The "Full Combat" variant has a taller profile with an extra buckle but sharing the same design as the rest of the Waxi.

What Makes Our Waxi

Choice Footwear of the 'Recces'

The Waxi boot was the brainchild of South Africa’s elite Recce units (short for “Reconnaissance”). The cream of the SADF, Recce were experts in both long-range combat reconnaissance and counter-insurgency.

In truth though, they did far more. Recce quickly became the “go-to” fighting force for nearly everything, from airborne raids to underwater demolitions.

Limited by attrition and embargos, Recce frequently purchased their own kit on the private market. This included the first Waxi boots, which were made to order for individual soldiers.

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The Anti-Track Sole

Among these first purchases were many of the now famous “anti-tracking” boots — variants of the Waxi featuring a completely flat sole.

The anti-track Waxi replaced the Recce footwear of choice — black high top sneakers with the soles sanded flat. In the dusty conditions of the bush, the flat soles left faded prints, disguising fresh tracks as weeks old.

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average rating 4.9 out of 5
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15 Reviews
Reviewed by Kyre S.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Das Boot of the Millennium!

No other boot fits and feels as good as these Waxi Boots! I’m a size 10.5-11 (feet length swelling/shrinking throughout the day, that’s why it’s a range) so I ordered a 9.5 which is a PERFECT FIT. Snug, but roomy for the toes so you get mobility and solid figment. Buy some good leather conditioner and after break in these are Lifetime wear boots. Do your feet the favor and grab a pair whenever you can budget and they are available!

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Reviewed by Michael Q.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Light but tuff

Far lighter then I expected (in a good way). Going from my USGI hot weather boots with the very thick sole to this shed a good number of pounds. Down side is the friction getting them on. My old boots had speed lacing.

only regret is I was only able to get black in my tiny foot size. Will be looking for another pair in brown if they every come back in stock.

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Reviewed by James G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Beautiful boots!

I was drawn in by the combination of the "strap" look on top and the fit of laces (tanker boots look cool, but never fit exactly right). The thinner leather is very comfy, even the first day, and I'm sure they will break in well. I ordered a size down, probably should have only gone a half size down, but I think they'll break in ok.

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Reviewed by Jacob H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome boots!

Ive been waiting sense the last drop to get ahold of pair and so fair im not disappointed at all. I for sure could have gone down half a size and been fine but ive got hobbit feet so it worked out!

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Reviewed by Edward R.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Boots for people cooler than you

I normally wear a size 11.5, ordered a 10.5, and they fit like a glove. Solid leather construction through and through. I ordered the boots with tread and have had no slipping issues. It's nice to see a black boot coming out of Africa.

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