
The Background
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.
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.

The Boots
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.
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.
Our Waxis are manufactured by hand, by the same family owned company who has supplied them to the SADF for decades. They are lightweight and strong, with a full Goodyear welt and double stitching on all load-bearing seams.
For the uninitiated westerner several things about the Waxi will come as a surprise. The first and most noticeable is the fit. The Waxi is built with an extra wide toe box. A feature which increases airflow and accommodates swelling from extended marches. We suggest you wear yours the African way: thick wool socks, regardless of the weather.
Which brings me to the second thing most people will not expect; the thickness of the leather. Without a doubt the Waxi is a durable boot, however it does this without the weight and stiffness you might be used to out of a pair of Red Wings. This makes sense when you consider the Waxi’s parentage; it is a desert boot, not a logging boot for North American forests.
This thin flexible leather performs two important tasks. It significantly reduces the time required to break in your boots and it increases comfort in hot weather. Spend a few days outside and will find that your pair readily shapes, creases and forms to match your feet. It’s also great for moisture transfer. You will find that you sweat straight through the leather of your boots instead of swimming in them.

The Recce
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. 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.Outsoles
We offer two sole types on all Waxi Boots.


Widely used in the Border War to conceal troop movements, it has no tread.
This results in footprints which appear washed-out, older,
or too light to be visible, confusing would-be trackers.
Specs
- Cowhide leather
- Sturdy Goodyear welted rubber soles
- 12 metal eyelets
- Half-gusseted tongue
- Iconic Angle belt
- Double stitching
- Flexible, built-in airflow, for heat dissipation and breathability
The Background
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.
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.

The Boots
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.
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.
Our Waxis are manufactured by hand, by the same family owned company who has supplied them to the SADF for decades. They are lightweight and strong, with a full Goodyear welt and double stitching on all load-bearing seams.
For the uninitiated westerner several things about the Waxi will come as a surprise. The first and most noticeable is the fit. The Waxi is built with an extra wide toe box. A feature which increases airflow and accommodates swelling from extended marches. We suggest you wear yours the African way: thick wool socks, regardless of the weather.
Which brings me to the second thing most people will not expect; the thickness of the leather. Without a doubt the Waxi is a durable boot, however it does this without the weight and stiffness you might be used to out of a pair of Red Wings. This makes sense when you consider the Waxi’s parentage; it is a desert boot, not a logging boot for North American forests.
This thin flexible leather performs two important tasks. It significantly reduces the time required to break in your boots and it increases comfort in hot weather. Spend a few days outside and will find that your pair readily shapes, creases and forms to match your feet. It’s also great for moisture transfer. You will find that you sweat straight through the leather of your boots instead of swimming in them.

The Recce
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. 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.Outsoles
We offer two sole types on all Waxi Boots.


Widely used in the Border War to conceal troop movements, it has no tread.
This results in footprints which appear washed-out, older,
or too light to be visible, confusing would-be trackers.
Specs
- Cowhide leather
- Sturdy Goodyear welted rubber soles
- 12 metal eyelets
- Half-gusseted tongue
- Iconic Angle belt
- Double stitching
- Flexible, built-in airflow, for heat dissipation and breathability
NICE BOOTS BRO
Really solid construction and super lightweight for what it is. Ordered a size under what I where and they fit good with some wool socks. For sure run big.
Sizing |
Rated 1 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
|
---|---|
Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Quality |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Made for the desert, works in the swamp.
Good fit, walks great. Been doing long hikes with these and they haven't disappointed yet.
With proper care they keep their waterproofing pretty well.
Sizing |
Rated 1 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
|
---|---|
Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Quality |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Most comfortable boots for uniform wear
These boots rapidly became my favorite footwear for work; lightweight yet very durable with minimal break-in time. These boots are skid & slip resistant with this pseudo-Vibram lug sole pattern.
They are the right size and comfortable either with light or heavy socks.
This is my second pair of Waxi Boots. I purchased a pair of the originals a few years ago when they were only available in light brown. Black footwear is required for my job so, being very pleased with the first pair, I ordered a second, specifically for uniform wear.
I have only two suggested improvements. 1. The "pull-on" tab at the back of each boot ought to be a loop so you can use one finger to help pull the boot onto your foot. 2. Widen the gap between the lacing eyelets; they cannot be laced as snugly as might be beneficial if more ankle support is needed.
I imagine a lower height version of these boots with just laces (no strap and buckle at the top) would be popular for work and casual wear. The forefoot design that doesn't crowd toes makes for all-day comfort.
That these boots come from South Africa and not some ChiCom sweatshop factory just makes them that much better.
Love these boots!
Sizing |
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
|
---|---|
Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Quality |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
The every day boot you need
Last boot you’ll need perfect for long rucks and tracking game through the brush
Sizing |
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big
|
---|---|
Performance |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
Quality |
Rated 5 out of 5
|
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