As a South African I am proud of what they produced here and am going to their site now to take a closer look at their range as I am currently looking for new boots 🇿🇦
I bought a pair of African Rangers from Jim Green at the beginning of the year and have been wearing them ever since. Did my training to become a Safari guide in them, have worked on a reserve in Zimbabwe for several months, fought veld fires, gone on ton of hikes and they have been absolutely magnificent through all of it. They have handled everything I and the Lowveld have thrown at them. Jim Green now produces a 8 inch tall version of the African Ranger, which I'm planning to get a pair of. I absolutely love my Jim Greens and can't recommend them enough
I'm down in the Cape and been checking their site out for a while . Want the Vellies and Razorback or Rangers. Glad to see our good products getting noticed .
I'm a Ranger for the US National Park Service. While my job involves a lot fewer poachers and more tour groups, I got a pair of these a few months ago and absolutely love them.
@@BreachingCharge I got a pair for pheasant hunting, they aren’t the most grippy on earth, they certainly wouldn’t compare to something like a heavy Sole Sportiva boot, so if you want it for backpacking through rocky backcountry your feet would start to hurt. If you want them for a trail hiking they’re great though as long as there aren’t to many rocks.
Im from SA my one friend after school signed up for anti poaching he is now doing the job for almost 7 years, he told me they find a large amount of snare traps with bob wire and they get taught how to deconstruct these devices, he was also on his 2 year into it, involved in a convoy that caught 8 poachers armed. They patrol with big weapons here, he also told me once about them sleeping in the bush among lions roaring while taking cover in the trees on patrol duty.
As someone who grew up in Zambia and spent a lot of time in South Africa, I’m glad you are bringing attention to African brands and supporting the important work of the rangers. Thank you for this video! For those of us who are not African Rangers, I can see this working as a good hiking boot. I’d be interested to see how this stacks up against the mainstream hiking boots such as the Vasque Breeze, Salomon Quest, Asolo Fugitives etc
I feel like these are more competitive to more traditional hiking and backpacking boots like the danner mountain lights. These are leather boots, and don’t share almost any of the qualities with those more high-tech synthetic boots.
@@vincentlee7359 😬🤷♂️, I have done enough globe trotting for several lifetimes 😮💨. Anyone interested in wearing a pair to Australia? 😊 Size 43, or 9 uk. 😎
As a South African, I want to thank you for your thorough and positive test of this boot. Also thank you for the accurate map of South Africa, because most people in the world haven't got a clue of South Africa and all the different climates. I'm 71 and still enjoy your videos and how thankful you are. Glad you do a job you enjoy and that you always tell the truth.
I now own 2 pairs of Jim Green boots. I grew up in the construction trades and an avid outdoorsman. I moved on to environmental work mainly wetland and stormwater treatment. I have been in that field for around 30 years. With that being said I have worn and worn out my share of boots. Jim Green is by far the best boot for the dollar I have purchased. I had an issue with one pair and sent photos of the issue to them and they made it right very quickly! All this and the fact that they support the African Rangers has earned my respect and loyalty. Thanks Jim Green!!! As a side note Thank you to Weston for the great videos your content is awesome and very helpful!!!
I own 3 pairs of Jim Green boots, including the AR, they are my favourite boots, manufacturer and I absolutely love their commitment to nature conservation, taking responsibility to outfit our Rangers. Huge respect!
A. Ranger owner who does a lot of back-country steelhead fishing, hiking and photography in PNW and trout in WY and MT. The ranger is a great boot. Like any leather boot without a goretex lining, it’s not for ALL DAY extreme wet saturation, wading or snow and slush wear. That’s what Rubber Muck Boot is for but they don’t breathe. This boot breathes, there is no break in and looks great with slacks or shorts at the Public House. I like to feel the shape of large river rocks that I’m traversing instead of a hard sole single point of contact. Love this boot.
I have had my African Ranger boots for about 6 months now. They were my entry into the quality boot world. Love them. I was afraid at first because they did need some breaking in, but once they did I want to wear them all the time. I even kept the factory insole. Great boots. I almost look forward to getting them re-soled with a dark green lug outsole. I think it would look cool to match those laces.
I love when you can showcase people doing such important work like those South African Rangers. Even cooler when companies donate directly to those folks.
I've been hiking in Razorbacks for some while and whenever I meet a ranger/nature reserve worker out on the trail they almost always also have a pair of Jim Greens on. Safe to say their stuff is definitely being used as intended.
Been wearing these for the past couple months. Talked with customer service to figure out sizing and they were SUPER helpful. These are way more comfortable for me than the other boots in Jim Green’s offerings. Love them.
@@RoyalFizzbin they do half sizes, I bought an 11.5 (I’m 11) they were too big (they suggest getting half size bigger if you intend to get insoles or orthotics.
I have to deal daily with all the incredible dangers of being retired. So after watching your collective videos on Jim Green, the Rangers and the terrific program they do, I knew instantly what to order when I had the money. That day has come and I ordered through your site a couple of pairs along with Snare bracelets. These boots may not make retirement any safer but at least I will be comfortable and knowing that rangers are being supported in their massive effort. Thanks Weston for these videos and getting the word out!
I bought a pair of these a few months ago and they are really great. A basic Spenco insole fixed the comfort issues and they just feel nice to wear. While breaking them in I wore them all day working from home and once I got the right insole, they really settled in nicely. I might order myself another pair of more heavily lugged Jim Greens for winter as well.
@@iberiksoderblom They are fantastic for broad feet. I also have broad feet and sometimes struggle to get shoes/boots that fit but my Jim Greens fit beautifully
I am originally from South Africa, been in the US for about fifteen years. I really enjoy your channel very much. In the Old Country I owned an outdoor retail store and Jim Green has always been a solid product. Glad his company is doing well here too now!
This brand is doing everything right. Good leather, simple designs, simple but high quality construction methods, great prices. I don't think they look bad at all - actually that rounded toe looks exceptionally comfortable to me and that alone is attractive. If I had the space in my collection and/or needed some cheap beater boots, I would already own several pairs of Jim Green shoes.
I bought these a month ago to replace my vivo barefoot high tops that cannot be resoled as I live in the US. I love their low profile, flexibility, wide toe box, and how durable and rugged they are while being exceptionally comfortable. They do great everywhere I take them and the rubber is grippy on most surfaces. I have them in crazy horse and I love the contrast with blue or black jeans. I recommend these to anyone who loves sneakers but hates replacing them constantly.
Where they the vivobarefoot Scott ii? I just scored a pair on eBay..I've only had trackers and they fell apart. Wish the rangers didn't have a steel shank though.
@@ninemimesleft I'm sure they can. They're already pretty low, so just have a cobbler shave off some of the outsole. You could even replace the midsole if you so wanted.
I’ve had these since the US presale. I wear them to work/yard/hike and bumming around. Just a little saddle soap and they clean up. Best thing about them in my mind is the height and width. Living on the east coast, we have all seasons and all I have to do is adjust my sock preference and they are well suited in any climate. Perfect boots.
I've been waiting months for you to do this one. I love that they are using sales of this boot for a charitable purpose, and I hope more brands follow in their footsteps. I already have 2 pairs of Jim Greens, and I don't need new boots right now, but the next time I do, I know what I am getting.
I feel like this boot would be an excellent early season hunting boot in MUCH of the US. With the upside that these boots are helping conservation in Africa, something all hunters (do and should) care about greatly.
They do cut corners, but do it strategically enough and in such a smart way that it’s in ways that you’ll be hard pressed to ever notice. This is not a knock to them, but even more praise for creating premium quality AND affordable products. For example most noticeable way they cut corners is with a less premium insole. And guess what; you can just replace it if you don’t like it by pulling it straight out. I’ve done that one one of my three pairs of theirs. Other than that, you’d be hard pressed to find the other areas they skimped on.
Thank you for showing the diverse countryside in South Africa, most important the wide range of weather that different regions experience in the seasons. In England the perception is South Africa is sunny all year round with palm trees, nothing like that, in fact folks are surprised to hear that it snows in winter in some regions.
I have these boots and there's nothing anyone can say that will make these bad. They are, for the price, the best boots I own. Are they pretty? No, are they designed to fit my feet to perfection, yes. I've knkw about these boots for a couple years, glad to see they're getting their name out more, hopefully they will offer a black version soon, I dyed mine black and they look great
I bought a set of Jim Green boots after watching some of your videos. I ordered the Stockman Chelsea boots. When I got a look at them, I noticed that one of them had a back strap ( idk what it’s called ) that was noticeably canted to the inside. The other boot had the same part perfectly in the center. They also both had strange stretch mark looking lines that were faintly visible across the tops. I was more than annoyed but I tried them on and the fit was perfect. I’ve worn them everyday since and can honestly say they are the best I’ve ever had. The imperfections are really not that noticeable, especially once the leather got a nice patina, and they are as comfortable as anything I’ve ever worn. I’ll buy a second pair soon, although the ones I have are hardly showing that much wear, even after a year and a half of everyday use. Best value boots ever.
Well I bought my Razorback's after watching your video and it looks like I will now be trying a pair of the Rangers. I to wish they would use a leather midsole and a little better insole. I would be willing to pay a bit more for those things. Still a great value for the buck. The big toe box is part of what sold me as I have a very wide foot and these things fit me great!
Looks like a nice boot! I think the wide toe box is cool because it would allow for the natural foot width instead of pinching the toes together. Not to mention it doesn't have an unnatural high heel like some tennis shoes or running shoes do. I think it's a nice, practical design that can be rugged for hours of walking and hiking, or they can be shined up for more special occasions.
I’ve become somewhat addicted to your channel. Great tempo, important commentary on history, technical details, relevant facts, and education on the industry. Of all the expensive tools I have bought, I realized the one thing I never looked at the way you present it, is my boots! Currently I have Georgia Boots for my homestead work and Danner RAT boots for everything else. Now I’m looking at them with a much more discerning eye. Unfortunately, I think you may have activated the gene that causes me to buy more boots. Can’t have enough now!
Great video and great timing! I just "discovered" this brand the other day. They are exactly what I am looking for in a spring, summer, fall Canadian rocky mountain boot! Thanks for the info!
Mine have been fantastic, from yard work to hiking they’ve held up great. I added a simple insole to give a bit more cushion. I would definitely recommend
I purchased the Vellies after your review and I love them, thank you!!....now I may have to add these to my list, but first I feel I must purchase the Thursday Vanguards....thank you for the great vids!!!
I have two pair of Jim Green. Got the Outback Chelsea as a gift that I use as workboots. I did add an insole to those. Loved those so much I got the Rambler Vellie as a casual boot. Zero complaints, great value.
Got mine for my job in conservation (building boardwalks, planting/chopping trees, maintaining trails, bird walks, data collection etc). Absolutely love them.
JG has a new 8" version of the AR called AR8. They have vibrant type sole and look quite beefy. They're not out yet, I have a pair on pre- order and look forward to when you take out the ol' handsaw and your video. Here's a thought: maybe we should get a group of JG enthusiasts and make a group tour of the JG factory in Pietermaritzburg!
These are great! By far my favorite boots ever owned, I have 2 pairs. The soles don't pick up rocks, I walk my dog in the desert every morning, so that is a huge plus for me. Also they don't look ridiculous with shorts!
You’re the one who introduced me to Jim Green. I’m impressed by their quality at reasonable prices. Probably won’t get these, but will own a pair at some point because of this channel.
Plot twist. I did buy a pair. Just got them 2 days ago. Very happy overall based on 2 days wear. I’m a 9.5 US sneaker size and ordered the same in this boot. Probably could’ve gone a 1/2 size smaller. Might upgrade the insert at some point. Easy break in so far. They are kind of clownish looking, but that’s not an issue for me and for how I’m using them. (I inspect roofs, so in attics, walking in grassy areas etc)
Working & Living in the dry region of South Africa, I have 4 pairs of Jim Green Boots, 2 pairs I got somewhere around 2000-2005, and got 2 new pairs the last 2 years. The 2 old pairs has been resoled and is still going strong, I'll be hanging them up for retirement soon, as the new pairs are the work & wear boots now. Will be looking into the Rangers, as all 4 pairs up to now was Razorbacks.
I bought a pair and I’m in love with these boots. Love the brand and their support to African Ranger attributing to the conservative measures to protect.
Yess!! I've been hoping you'd do this video. I'm down is South Africa. This is my favorite work boot for me. I've been using it with much satisfaction...
These look like great boots and I want a pair. Going to look em up. I enjoy watching these videos- this guy seems so genuine. I think doing the same tests the same way for each boot is important- makes it more of a “level playing field” and enables us to use this information to inform our buying choices. A great uTube channel!
That is pretty good boot for the price. I will think about them when I'm looking to get some hiking boot. I like designs like that because it allows you to put your own insole in. I used to take the whole insole out of my old running shoes and put them in my jungle boots and wow what an upgrade.
I got a pair of African rangers after watching your channel for a couple years. I liked the look and what it seemed like I was getting for the price. I love them so far, I was worried they were too snug at first but taking out the insole fixed that immediately.
I got a pair of their Chelsea boots. I settled on their brand because I wanted a more heavy duty boot that I could still slip on easily. It's shocking how high quality they are for the price. I have been wearing Red Wings for work for years and these come close to that quality for half the price.
Jim Green went in the exact opposite direction from Thursday's Captain, they went with a purely functional aesthetic, whereas Thursday saught to fuse the dress boot & work boot together. Very different interpretations of the cat toe design... fascinating.
Your video randomly appeared to me and I love this. Design & problem solving is just the best thing ever and seeing the constraints and thought that went into these boots is really really interesting
Thank you so much for this review. I have a fused ankle, and sometimes, the foot entry angle does not let me put a boot on, e.g., Redwing CLASSIC MOC. Your detailed review gave me enough information to purchase two pairs-the darker brown and the all-black. For me, these are the reasons I wear them most days. The gusseted tongue allows me to quickly slip in and out of the boots. The wide toebox is super comfortable; I have worn military boots for the last twenty years, and my feet LOVE the wide toebox. Low wide soles make me feel stable when I walk. They are two things keeping Jim Green African Ranger boots from being perfect out of the box. I wish the laces were longer. Non-bendy me finds it hard to tie my shoes ( it's a "me" problem solved by skipping one eyelet) My orthotic insole fixes the insoles (which you covered and suggested). I love these boots and recommend them to anyone considering buying a pair. Again thank you for the review
I honestly love the boot and for that price for sneakers that aren’t worth the price, it’s a great deal and those will age perfectly, also I love the color and the look of it
I can't stop watching shoes and boots cut in half love the boots love the channel thanks ..my thoughts and love to our American brothers and sisters today
I just took delivery of a pair last week. True to Brannock size. The supplied insole was a sore point, literally. I had a pair of basic Oboz insoles I'm using instead and after a week of wearing they're very comfortable. I like them enough that I placed an order for the limited run in Buffalo Skin.
I've been wearing Asolo for a handful of years, now, but my next pair is going to be Jim Green African Rangers. Good build quality, comfort, AND supporting a good cause? Hell yes.
You should do a look at more Northampton UK made shoes, brands like Churches, Cheeney, Loake, Jeffery West etc, I think it would be really interesting.
A South African boot I love is the Beier 'Bova'. It is a rugged canvas boot with leather sole, made for hotter environments I would guess. Tough as nails for a canvas boot.
We look forward to Your content uploads through the week.... Thank You for NOT flooding You channel with filler and nonsense! Keep up the fantastic work!
Yess!! I've been hoping you'd do this video. I'm down is South Africa. This is my favorite work boot for me. I've been using it with much satisfaction...
Thanks for bringing some of our SA brands to light . Watched many of your vids and they are really informative. I'm in the process of getting a pair . Sort of stuck between the Razorback and Ranger . Going to use them a lot on site ( welding ect ) so looking for comfort too . I know the Razorback has a different sole option on their site .
Your deconstruction of these boots made me buy them. I'm one week in and they are getting more comfortable by the day. 50 mile break in seems a bit harsh, but I just have to crease the double toe cap on my left foot and I should be golden.
I've been wearing a pair of the "fudge" color boots everyday for a month. I love them. Hopefully the outsole last a few years. It's pretty soft rubber. The actual boot seems extremely well made.
I love how in depth your "cut in half" boot reviews are: literally and figuratively. Will there be more 5.11 boot reviews soon? They look nice on the outside, but after your top 5 tactical boots cut in half, I'm curious what their "premium" boots look like inside
I've dailyworn 5.11 8" ATACs for like 3 or 4 years now and they've been awesome for me. Hella comfy, good support, convenient, and they've held up to all the shit I've put them through- which is a lot. Well worth giving them a shot I'd say.
Good too see some love to handmade African boots......still got my ParaBat boots made by them....best construction I've ever seen in a handmade "outdoor" boot
Just got mine! I really can't believe how comfortable they are! I did put my own insoles in them, but I was able to put the insoles ontop of the insoles that are already in them which I didn't expect to be able to do. Little snug but they'll stretch out and fit just right! I conditioned them with some Sarna leather conditioner. Its sold as baseball glove conditioner, but its a conditioner and it works awesome! I do lots of leather restoration and it's a new one of mine but im really liking it! If it were winter I'd go with some smiths leather balm. Sarna or lexol leather conditioner will be great and just fine for the spring and summer. Warmer months. Unless you really want more water protection. But yea I have 2 bad hips that I'll need replaced eventually and have a hard time finding comfortable footwear. Especially something like these. With that being said these things are crazy good so far! Im quite blown away with the quality, fit and comfort! I very much recommend them! They definitely fit true to size as well. Go snag a pair! Im loving them so far! They're like a slipper right now! No joke! They fit perfectly! 😎
I bought a pair of razorbacks because of your review last year. After a couple weeks of wearing them I notice the toe had ever-so-slightly separated, and I contacted them to ask if they had a recommendation for a repair - i.e. should I just squirt in some shoe goo and clamp it for a day. They said that was a defect that was not up to their standard and they sent an entire new pair of boots. They made a customer for life.
I bought a pair of JG Razorbacks about a year ago Perfect customer service After the boots finished breaking in my feet, they became the best boots I've owned. Not 100% waterproof for New Zealand, but certainly good enough. (The customer services guy and their website mentioned this, so it wasn't a surprise). I'm just keep letting it drink in the dubbin I totally recommend these boots AND Jim Green as an ethical company. My next boots will also be Jim Green's
I’m a barber by trade and work long hours on my feet. You wouldn’t think I would need military grade boots, but the features of military style boots are very useful. Gusseted tongue so cut hair doesn’t get on my socks. padded collar so I can lace them tight to avoid hair on socks (again) and so I can flex and move getting positioned right to cut hair. The cap toe doesn’t wear out when I use it against the lever to adjust the height of my chair. Steel shank for stability and soft outsole for comfort.Probably overkill, but it makes doing my job easier.
Another great video. Big fan of the channel. I'm sure I'm not the first person to ask but working in the trades for big companies these days often has more strict requirements for footwear. Safety toe & electrical hazard protection in my personal use case. Would love to see some more videos on this area of the market. Probably won't get the same clicks as the historical stuff or the wild sneaker stuff which I enjoy too, just putting my $.02 in the pot for whatever it's worth. I'm hopefully ordering some MTO Benzein rough out Chelseas soon and I do blame you for starting my boot obsession.
