It's like how to cook a steak; viewers prefer different recipes and flavours. Each channel is valid, but Mr. Teik is quite good in his elements and a staple.
I'm a remodel carpenter and I rotate a pair of these with a pair of Razorbacks. The excellent price point of Jim Green boots allows someone like me to have two pairs of great boots and rotate them to keep my boots and feet in better shape. I'm a big fan of them and I'll probably add other styles as time goes on. Best value for the money of all the boots I've ever owned.
I want to buy either the razor backs or the African Ranger. I can’t decide 😅 though. I kind of like the look of the RB but the AR feels like it would be more versatile. What would you recommend as someone with both?
@@danieldesmond3422 if you are on hard surfaces, the African Rangers are more forgiving than the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks have such a hard sole I'm actually getting wedge soles put on them instead.
@@danieldesmond3422 Wanted to give you some more input. I really don't care much for the Razorbacks anymore. They had so much promise but I think the fiberboard construction makes them way too hard underfoot and there isn't much vertical room in the toe box for me to add a good insole, especially not one with enough of a heel to cushion the impact from such a hard boot. This is even after I had them locally resoled with a Vibram wedge that is actually very forgiving. These boots just aren't for me. But the African Rangers have proven to be great lightweight work boots. I now rotate them with a pair of Thorogoods and my feet are a lot happier at the end of the work week.
How much difference in wear do you see in your short time between the hard Razorbacks and the soft AR soles? The only thing I'm worried about with these is how quickly that sole will wear.
@@jameswoodard4304 Honestly, I had to quit the Razorbacks. Even broken in with some sole wear starting, they are just too hard. They were a root cause of Planar Fasciitis for me. The Rangers are way more forgiving and have ample room for whatever insole you like best. And they haven't worn too much yet. But, they aren't daily work boots for me. I switched to Thorogoods. The Rangers are for light days and casual.
You are one of the best reviewers on YT sir. I love the no BS presentation style and cheerful attitude! Been watching for a while but just subscribed today. Going to pick up a pair of these.
I am 65, retired, 28yrs US Army Infantry, and now small rancher in South Texas. The terrain is similar to many areas of Australia and South Africa. I wear these for my daily work on my place here. My arches are fallen and my feet are a mess, medically. These boots are comfortable for my poor feet. I like the way they look, some may not. I have finally found a boot that suits me! I do use Bick4 to condition them because I have it for horse tac and saddles. Saddle soap them before conditioning. Excellent video. Subscriber now.
I'm also an Ex Army guy with the same bad feet, even had one of my tendons snap... Anyway, all that being said I have been using Altra Lone Peak zero drop shoes for a few years now, they are ALL that I wear. I have been looking for a good, durable zero drop boot, Lems Boulder boot Summit and these in the zero drop are the top two on my list. Any info you have on these I would love to know because I'm leaning toward them- Thanks! and Thanks for your service brother! -Chris
@@praiseYAHalways Chris, I have some zero drop athletic shoes I exercise walk in made by Asics. These boots are not zero drop, but pretty darn close. The rocky soils here where I am can be a bit much if I were walking that stuff all day, because the soles are not thick enough. Getting out of the truck, doing work, driving to the next repair / issues etc. these will do fine for a full day. I have some heavier lace up boots with Vibram wedge soles to support my ankles if I know I have to go out into the brush. The Vibram wedge on any boot is the next best thing. I do my walking on a graded dirt road, so my Asics do ok. I will check out the Altra Lone Peak. Not sure if you need boots, but I have to wear them every day. They are low, so I slap on snake gators as well. Take care of yourself. The Army did us no favors for our joints, feet, back, etc.
@@MichaelSisley-fw3xr Thanks man, The Altra Lone Peaks are very comfortable and are a zero drop shoe (if you like/need that type of shoe, which I do) Depending how hard you are on shoes the tread seems to wear out in 1-2 years and some people have had issues with tears near their little toe (I never have but I'm not as hard on my shoes as I was when I was a young man) As for the AR boots, I'm getting the zero drop version, the uppers are the same as yours just the bottoms are different. I will look into that Vibram wedge sole, I do like vibram and these boots can be resoled. And you are right the Army didn't do us any favors in regards to our bodies....who knew that jumping out of plane could hurt your back, knees, feet, etc? Not 19 year old me that's for sure lol !
I’ve had my eyes on Jim Green’s for a while, but you might have sold me. Very knowledgeable and beautifully articulated. Great review. I don’t subscribe to channels often, but I like your genuine nature and in depth narrative. Great job!
@@Bootlosophy i wear the same size nike, addidas and reebok sneaker (9.5). i wear 9d in all my boots. when i hear true to size it always confuses me, especially coming from a boot guy
I have a pair of rangers and 100% recommend them. I am in the USA and purchased via Amazon at $179.00 US but plus the tax as we do it here, shipping was included. I also have a pair of Jim Green Vellies. The Vellie's toe stiffener is completely exposed inside the toe, I can feel the hard edge with my fingers (and sometimes my foot). The rangers have an internal cover over the toe stiffener. I initially thought it was sandwiched between the upper and the toe cap, but the inside surface does not feel like leather. I think it is a fabric cover. Still a value choice in keeping with the approach of this boot, but it's definitely more comfortable than the Vellie (for which I wish they skipped the toe stiffener entirely).
@@kingarthurjdepending on where you live! When I was ordering it originally had taxes added because the state was selected as Virginia. When I changed it to my state (Ma) the taxes disappeared. Which is surprising because taxachusettes! But I still agree. Order direct!
I love this boot! I have been wearing mine since i got them about 2 months ago. I love the style and i always had an interest in boots but i could never find a pair that suited my tastes and style. I found that boot thanks to you and Rose Anvil and others. Great job Jim Green
@@jameswoodard4304 They have lasted. As of today, I have had them for almost a year now. Don't be scared of the sole wearing out soon. Because it doesn't, and depending on what you may use them for will depend on how fast they wear out. FYI not recommended for wearing on concrete all day. More suited to outdoors work.
@@Jake-ns4iq , I'm glad to hear it. I went ahead and got a pair of the African Buffalo Hide Rangers, and they seem great so far. I definitely plan to use them more outdoors than on concrete, so I'm sure they'll do great.
Well dang. I work at O'Reilly Auto parts and am in charge of the delivery side of things. I'm on concrete all day. I've always heard the wedge soles like these are best for when on concrete all day. I mean it is nice smooth concrete so I'm probably good. I didn't really think about that. If it were concrete like sidewalks and whatnot then yea I could see them wearing out quicker but on flat smooth concrete they should hold up just fine. I really can't wait for them to arrive. Found out about them last night and had to order a pair lol. Now let's hope I got the correct size so I don't have to exchange and wait even longer! I'm pretty excited for these
Great video. I love my own pair of African Rangers, wearing them during the weekend doing whatever happens to come up. That crazy horse leather is amazing, especially when you get some wear on them and they darken up quite a bit.
I have 2 pairs of Jim Green boots, Razorbak and Vellie, and I had same issue with big toe pressure. Strategically placed shot glass and Bickmore Boot Strech solved that problem
Do it, you won’t regret it. True to Brannock size. I’ve got two pair. All the rest of my shoes are Xero, Vibram FF, and Topo, all zero drop with varying degrees of cushion.
I got a pair of AR's last year in water buffalo hide. They will probably outlive me. Great boot but the Jim Green program of donating boots to the anti-poaching rangers is what sold me on them.
I have 4 pairs of these. Different leathers. Easily the most comfortable shoes I own. Their buffalo leather models are excellent, durable and easy to care for.
I really enjoy your reviews, very thorough, thoughtful, complete, and honest. Thank you for doing them! I am tying to decide on which ones to purchase, the Razorbacks or the African Rangers. Which one of those two do you think is more comfortable underfoot? I do have a pair of the Crazy Horse Vellies I bought back in '21. :)
Great review. I've had a pair of suede Vellies for about 2 years that are now my most comfortable shoes. I'm thinking about taking advantage of the current sale and ordering a pair of the $99 tan Vellies.
I bought some of these to enter into the Stichdown Thunderdome. Aside from being really wide and poor insole, I like them a lot. I put some insoles in and they feel pretty good. They will definitely be good summer boots for me. Mine didn't need any break-in. They felt good from day one.
Thanks a lot for the video. There’s is virtually no reviews at all for the African Rangers, especially for a honest true daily use. I think they are particularly interesting and cool looking shoes, especially in fudge crazy horse. But looking for good deals I’ve got the razorbacks in fudge crazy horse from Amazon. I’m hoping get the right size 😅 . Thanks a lot for the video. PS. Your review about the red wing’s Blacksmith helped me to decide getting ones.
I have their vellies, and I agree about the pressure on the top of your toe. Very nice fit, I find I have to double up socks for it to be the most comfortable though (thick wool + thin nylon ontop). Amazing shoemakers, and I'm happy to support one of the few local and legitimately ethical South African bussiness. Thanks for this video and the blurb recognising the autonomy of your native peoples at the start of the video, lovely to see.
I don't understand the obsession of many people in these comments sections about how well something would go with a suit at a gala (which seemingly is the standard for "business casual" on the internet?). These look perfectly fine and decent as everyday shoes, and if well kept, can go great with jeans & dress shirts (which is what we would consider casually dressy here in Sweden). And importantly, they work AROUND the human body rather than against it - that to me is hugely underrated, and I'm happy that Jim Green also offer more "dressy" options while keeping the ergonomic benefits of a wider fit, and even giving you full custom options to chose size and styling independently rather than as a pre-baked and compromised package deal. The more I see of them as a company, the more I respect and become a fan of them. I own two sets of Red Wing moc toes currently, and am seriously considering some African Rangers as a better built sneaker alternative + Numzaans where I was thinking about some Iron Rangers before.
I wanted a pair of these. I bought a pair of the limited edition. I returned them. I do not care for the LARGE toe box last they use. I wish they offered OPTIONS on the last,
As a South African I am so proud of this company and the Crouch family. This is what a company should stand for and in a country where our government is a disgrace they show true leadership. Long may they prosper and conquer international markets.
I got the African Rangers in the same size as sneakers and they're fairly loose, but they're still pretty manageable with thick inserts like Timberland Pros. No toe tightness as a result, and only a slight problem with the bend of the toe. Definitely seems most should be going with half size down from sneakers, what their brannock size likely is.
Teik, Quick question not directly related…Which model Fitbit are you sporting on your right wrist? Been curious about the model, and your thoughts on it. Especially since you mention hiking in this video. Thanks!
It’s the most basic Inspire 2. As you can see I wear a watch so I just wanted basic steps and heart rate. It’s ok but the other functions like sleep etc don’t sync very well
Thanks for the speedy response! Your reviews are so thorough and thoughtful, I kind of figured you would have done your homework and thought through the reasons for purchasing the model you did…Again, thanks and know that your reviews, as well as “lifestyle ethos” is making a difference!
I’m retired and refuse to go anywhere my A Rangers are not “appropriate”. Mine are waxed and brushed to a sheen. I wear them in the bush and to dinner with a sports coat. They pair well with a Banjo Patterson or a Palm Cowboy hat. BTW,… American here.
I got these just this week and it's actually quite comfortable. I was kind of surprised by the lower eyelets - the side facing the tongue has a rougher finish that sometimes catch on the laces. Do you find that your boot was finished like this as well? The Jim Green's own "how it's made" video seems to show a slightly different construction where the eyelets are two sided and smooth on both sides.
I didn’t really mess up,as I wore my fudge Greenies all day around the house after received them, and they fit me just right. However, in my I enthusiasm for the fudge coloring, I missed the part about nubuck/suede. 🤷🏼♂️ Strong weatherproofing is necessary in my area and “ now” I understand that I won’t be able to keep the lighter coloring, by method needed to treat properly for my climate. I can live with that. 😁 I actually really like the way they look. I think the wide toe box puts the boot more in proportion then long, thinner profile boots/shoes. Great review. Appreciate maaan
I just got mine 5 days ago and have been breaking them in around the house. I’m enjoying the colour while it lasts, because I’m also going to need to treat them to resist the rain.
@@popuppete🫵👍 Man, for me, really no break in. The collar had the smallest pressure point ( princess and the pea 😆), at 11 O’clock on left and 1 O’clock on right, - went away before day was over with no red/rub spot on my ankles. I’m on cement and earth, up and down 3D lights of stairs with a load - all day- everyday. No worries with me. I’m truly tickled. Haven’t been this excited about footwear - ever, that I recall and I’m 64. Man, that fudge is magic. 🤣 Not now, but it’s ok. I HAVE VELLIES IN KAHKI , ROUGH SIDE OUT, COMING NOW! 😆 Only concern, vellies don’t come in 1/2 sizes and so I went up - hope I don’t find out I should have gone down. 🤷🏼♂️ We shall find out. Thanks for sharing! A guy at work got a pair of Rangers now also. 🤷🏼♂️They just speak to some of us, I guess. Funky- Cool. Enough!Sorry for the novel. Wish you the best with your Rangers!
For those of you still on the fence on Jim Green due to their workwear styling, Jim Green has announced they are working on more "dressy" version of their baobab boot. This includes a natural and chestnut coloured vegetable tanned leather baobab pattern boot with a more formal sole.
I’m surprised that rangers in the bush would choice a low shaft boot versus a higher shaft boot for more snake bite protection. Wonder if they tend to wear snake gaiters above these
Thank you so much, kindly asking you about the performance against the hard spikes? Most boots that isn't designed for africa are very weak against the spikes and will penetrat the bottom very easily .
Greetings Kind Sir. The African Ranger appears to be a sturdy, and well constructed boot. The silhouette is rather nice for a casual boot. However, it is like an Alta running shoe, or Keen hiking shoe, with its unusually round toe box. I understand the importance of toe splaying, and orthopedic-minded design, however, I would prefer a slightly taped toe box. I hope that Jim Green make a more conventional looking toe cap.
Hi Teik, thanks for another incredible review. I wonder if you have seen the newly announced collaboration on this boot that Jim Green has entered into with another UA-cam creator, "Rose Anvil", and if you have any thoughts/impressions on the design differences between the two versions? I would value hearing your thoughts on the new model, although I understand if you're hesitant to say anything without having handled the boot yourself.
Your reviews of Jim Green footwear helped me decide to try the African Rangers. Thank you! Here's my feedback after just getting them. FIT: My US Brannock size is 9.5D and went with 9 in my African Rangers. I told a Jim Green customer service rep my measured size and that my African Rangers would be for walking and for working on my hilly rural property here in the mountains of Virginia, USA. And that I like to wear medium weight wool socks in boots. They recommended going with a US size 9. The boots fit well and feel wonderful. Although I am a D width, my feet are right on the line with E, according to Red Wing’s fitting machine. I have high arches and a high instep. My feet are 9.2 and 9.3, per Red Wing, hence 9.5 as my Brannock size. But obviously I am close to a Brannock 9, and in 9 the Jim Green’s give me perfect forefoot volume and a thumb’s width between the toe and the end of the boot. Wearing my go-to midweight Darn Tough cushion socks, I feel a slight amount of extra room in the waist and heel of the boots. That probably doesn’t matter and also may resolve with break in. I do hope so, as my go-to socks will be more convenient. I plan eventually to try a slightly thicker midweight sock if needed, such as Darn Tough’s full-cushion socks. I dug out a pair of thicker socks for break-in and they fill up the boots nicely. I thought there was too little space for one of my really thick pairs of Smart Wool socks, so I tried a pair of Redback Steel Toe Crew socks. They seem closer to midweight in the uppers but have thick bottom cushioning. They are only $12 from Redback! Kind of a deal along the lines of Jim Green boots, since my Darn Tough socks cost cost $28 to $30+. I like everything about my African Rangers, including the firm fiberboard midsole. I removed the iconic green laces because they were a tad short for the way I tie. And though I got them in the lovely uptown cream nubuck, I promptly darkened them with Obenauf’s boot oil. They gonna get wet and dirty!
Thanks for this vid! Just discovered your channel and damn its a gold mine! You have a calming voice and speak very concisely too, which I really like, love your personality too haha
Would African Ranger be a better choice than Razorback for mixed and casual hiking (as in geocaching) in Sweden. The hard sole is a bit worrying with the Razorback. And I want ankle support, but I don't like my boots to be too high. I like to be able to drive a car without having to change out of my forest shoes.
An easy way to get around the toe pressure is the old shot glass trick. Push one in to where the toe is supposed to be and leave it there for a few days. Thereafter you will have more room in the toe cavity.
I manage some land for the family, do lots with brush logs and outdoor work. Zone 4a, so fairly moderate weather. Can anyone still recommend these? They'll be by work boots for the next year at least. It's either these or Danner 600's.
Yes, I too, have toe box issues. I'm going to wear one of my pair of JGs today when I work. I'm not wearing them as much as I would because of this. I would one day like to become one with my boot. I'm glad you mentioned the toe issue.
Just today at work, one of my supervisors asked me what kind of boots I was wearing and I said "JG". I showed him the website and he looked at a pair of AR's and said I got to get a pair of AR.
@@Houseofden I bought a pair of Lem’s Boulder Boots. Wide toe box, soft flannel lined, and super lightweight. My Iron Rangers are too much boot sometimes. Cheers
Perhaps we could convince the Chinese to stop purchasing elephant ivory? That would certainly help to shut down the black market for elephant poaching. Just saying.
@@Bootlosophy perhaps an infographic poster would work? In all honesty they will not change, and the black market trade will continue on until there is nothing left. God bless the men who work to prevent that from happening.
Tek! My man has an epic boot collection, great review. Hilarious that you knew exactly how an American would react to the boots/shorts combo. I guess we’re just taught that you wear pants/boots to work and shorts to the pool/gym.
@@Bootlosophy If ur white and wear red or white laces on ur boot u can be accused of being a NEONAZI. It has nothing to do with whatever ur suggesting but thanks a lot for ur input 🤡👍
Just discovered this channel, probably because I’ve been doing research on Jim Green products. Less than one minute into this video I subscribed. I see the latest video is about engineer boots. I was very disappointed when redwing discontinued their version. Once again procrastination on a purchase was not smart for me. I’m going to enjoy this channel immensely. Thanks for the videos sir👍🏻 I’ve decided the boot featured here is some thing I need to have and the barefoot version is not going to be the one for me. I have no desire to feel sticks and stones through the soles of my boots.
I recently discovered your channel and have binge watched many videos. I did give Jim Green African Ranger a try but had to reject 2 pair because of QC issues. I still like the design, even though I'm not in love with the lack of veg tan insole or midsole. Number 3 was lucky for me because my JG Razorback was acceptable. I am going to try Grant Stone next. Be well.
you don't need a cobbler to resole these, the sole is simply glued to the midsole, all you need to do is pull it off, rough up the midsole and regale the new sole on. You could literally do it in your kitchen. You need to use a good strong barge glue, but as for the new sole, you can use just about anything, in fact Jim Green sells a boot that is soled with tire rubber.
Tek, how do you compare these to your Thursday Boots Captains for sizing? I'm looking at their new Baobab at present. Spoke to JG and I'm worried what they suggest could be 1/2size smaller. As you know it's a bit of risk & cost if one needs to return goods. thanks
I found these true to size but in UK sizing. I take a US8 in Captains which translates to UK 7. My true size is US8.5/UK7.5 which is the size I got these in.
Great timing; I just ordered mine two days ago. These (the fudge crazy horse, specifically) are currently on sale on Amazon (US) for $155 USD!!! Could not pass them up at that price. (I just confirmed.). Teik, I love that they have darkened up a bit. Was that more due to natural patina, or would you say it was the conditioner? I am in the Northeastern US, so I am definitely going to hit mine with a beeswax-based shoe balm, color be damned 😅
That sale's really tempting but I've still gotta add a black pair of dress/semi-dress boots to rotate with my brown ones PLUS I still have a pair of desert boots from supply ...
I haven’t hit them with conditioner yet (just a dab at the toebox to try to loosen the toe pressure) so they just darkened with wear from bush walks etc
@@Bootlosophy Alright, Mr, Oh, I received my African Rangers, and have been wearing them for about five days. They’re mostly broken in at this point. After day three, I hit them with a light coat of Renapur, and they’ve turned a nice shade of medium chestnut brown, with a slight reddish hue; it looks great! (As a reference, it’s about three shades darker than your post-patina pair). I have had water bead up nicely on the toe. I wear a 9 US in Nike and Adidas, so I went with an 8.5 US, and it’s perfect. There is no heel slippage when the boots are snugly tied down. Toes have room to spread, although on rare occasion, the tip of my big toe does tap the front or side wall, similar to what you were experiencing. For me, it’s rare enough where it is not a concern at all, and I notice that with wool socks, there’s almost no issue at all. Again, this is after five days, so I do suggest sticking with them through a nice break-in period. I am on the insole they came with, and do not intend to replace it. As a reference, these are about as comfortable as Clarks Desert Boots, with the exception that the five lace holes/hooks on the Rangers allows for a more purposeful activity-ready fit than is possible with the three lace holes on the Clarks. I can wear them close to all day without discomfort, but not quite a full 12-hour stint. Still, even when discomfort does set in, it’s bearable. For those considering these for work, I’d say have at it. Appearance-wise, they are indeed wide… wider than Clarks, as a reference. I wear them with jeans or five pocket pants for day to day errand running and chores, and I like the way my pants sit bunched up at the top of the tongue. My fiancée approves of that aspect, and she said that she does not think they look overly wide, but they make my feet “look shorter” (which is functionally the same thing as saying they’re wide, IMO), but she does not dislike them, which is important. In terms of construction, I am impressed with the sturdiness and stitch-down simplicity. As for the materials, the fudge crazy horse leather impressed me; it’s thick enough for real use, but feels quality. The big surprise for me was the sole, which is WAY grippier than I expected. I did not think that the relatively shallow and smooth groves would grip as well as they do. Have you seen the new African buffalo leather (limited run, apparently) that they’ve just released? Thanks for your reviews and all of your input!
I love these boots for casual wear, they’ve essentially replaced sneakers for me when it comes to just putting them on to go grocery shopping or playing mini golf with my wife or going on light hikes or camping trips. A very comfy, well built boot that is excellent for work but also excellent for extremely casual wear
Thank you for the review! I just purchased a pair. I got them yesterday and I had the same issue with the toe as you. They seemed long enough, but at the same time my big toe seemed to be rubbing at the tip. Very strange. However, I decided to order a half size larger. They should be here tomorrow and I'll see how those fit.
After a few months now, I believe the length is right, but it has a flat toebox and with two layers of leather and the stiffener it’s hard in top. After a few months breaking in it’s much better.
Well, I always wear a 10, but the 10 in these just seemed a bit too small, so I sent them back and got the 10.5. They're perfect! I just applied some Obenauf's Leather Oil, and added a set of Keen Utility K-20 insoles and I'm ready to have some adventures with these! I probably didn't need the Keen insoles. The insoles that came with the boots weren't as bad as I expected.
Another great review. Ugly boots? Absolutely! They are so ugly that they kind of look cool. I like their story and I will probably get a pair eventually to use as light hikers and yard boots. No boot purchases for me in the near future, though. At least, not until after I recover from Christmas spending.
Totally agree with the ugly/cool thing! As for boots and Christmas spending, how about a few well placed hints and make them someone else’s Christmas spending?😁
society became so stupid by labeling comfortable boots ugly...
This dude rules, no pomp no bs just boot reviews and indigenous land acknowledgement. Rose anvil is done for
Very kind but I don’t think so 🤣. Rose Anvil, Stridewise, these guys know their stuff!
Ya I'm sure it's a joke but why neg RA?
It's like how to cook a steak; viewers prefer different recipes and flavours.
Each channel is valid, but Mr. Teik is quite good in his elements and a staple.
@@TheNunakun yes he is very good
Why does it have to be one or the other, asshole? What is this, 2009 console wars? Both channels are good.
I'm a remodel carpenter and I rotate a pair of these with a pair of Razorbacks. The excellent price point of Jim Green boots allows someone like me to have two pairs of great boots and rotate them to keep my boots and feet in better shape. I'm a big fan of them and I'll probably add other styles as time goes on. Best value for the money of all the boots I've ever owned.
I want to buy either the razor backs or the African Ranger. I can’t decide 😅 though. I kind of like the look of the RB but the AR feels like it would be more versatile. What would you recommend as someone with both?
@@danieldesmond3422 if you are on hard surfaces, the African Rangers are more forgiving than the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks have such a hard sole I'm actually getting wedge soles put on them instead.
@@danieldesmond3422 Wanted to give you some more input. I really don't care much for the Razorbacks anymore. They had so much promise but I think the fiberboard construction makes them way too hard underfoot and there isn't much vertical room in the toe box for me to add a good insole, especially not one with enough of a heel to cushion the impact from such a hard boot. This is even after I had them locally resoled with a Vibram wedge that is actually very forgiving. These boots just aren't for me. But the African Rangers have proven to be great lightweight work boots. I now rotate them with a pair of Thorogoods and my feet are a lot happier at the end of the work week.
How much difference in wear do you see in your short time between the hard Razorbacks and the soft AR soles? The only thing I'm worried about with these is how quickly that sole will wear.
@@jameswoodard4304 Honestly, I had to quit the Razorbacks. Even broken in with some sole wear starting, they are just too hard. They were a root cause of Planar Fasciitis for me. The Rangers are way more forgiving and have ample room for whatever insole you like best. And they haven't worn too much yet. But, they aren't daily work boots for me. I switched to Thorogoods. The Rangers are for light days and casual.
You are one of the best reviewers on YT sir. I love the no BS presentation style and cheerful attitude! Been watching for a while but just subscribed today. Going to pick up a pair of these.
I am 65, retired, 28yrs US Army Infantry, and now small rancher in South Texas. The terrain is similar to many areas of Australia and South Africa. I wear these for my daily work on my place here. My arches are fallen and my feet are a mess, medically. These boots are comfortable for my poor feet. I like the way they look, some may not. I have finally found a boot that suits me! I do use Bick4 to condition them because I have it for horse tac and saddles. Saddle soap them before conditioning. Excellent video. Subscriber now.
I'm also an Ex Army guy with the same bad feet, even had one of my tendons snap... Anyway, all that being said I have been using Altra Lone Peak zero drop shoes for a few years now, they are ALL that I wear. I have been looking for a good, durable zero drop boot, Lems Boulder boot Summit and these in the zero drop are the top two on my list. Any info you have on these I would love to know because I'm leaning toward them- Thanks! and Thanks for your service brother! -Chris
@@praiseYAHalways Chris, I have some zero drop athletic shoes I exercise walk in made by Asics. These boots are not zero drop, but pretty darn close. The rocky soils here where I am can be a bit much if I were walking that stuff all day, because the soles are not thick enough. Getting out of the truck, doing work, driving to the next repair / issues etc. these will do fine for a full day. I have some heavier lace up boots with Vibram wedge soles to support my ankles if I know I have to go out into the brush. The Vibram wedge on any boot is the next best thing. I do my walking on a graded dirt road, so my Asics do ok. I will check out the Altra Lone Peak. Not sure if you need boots, but I have to wear them every day. They are low, so I slap on snake gators as well. Take care of yourself. The Army did us no favors for our joints, feet, back, etc.
@@MichaelSisley-fw3xr Thanks man, The Altra Lone Peaks are very comfortable and are a zero drop shoe (if you like/need that type of shoe, which I do) Depending how hard you are on shoes the tread seems to wear out in 1-2 years and some people have had issues with tears near their little toe (I never have but I'm not as hard on my shoes as I was when I was a young man) As for the AR boots, I'm getting the zero drop version, the uppers are the same as yours just the bottoms are different. I will look into that Vibram wedge sole, I do like vibram and these boots can be resoled. And you are right the Army didn't do us any favors in regards to our bodies....who knew that jumping out of plane could hurt your back, knees, feet, etc? Not 19 year old me that's for sure lol !
I’ve had my eyes on Jim Green’s for a while, but you might have sold me. Very knowledgeable and beautifully articulated. Great review. I don’t subscribe to channels often, but I like your genuine nature and in depth narrative. Great job!
Can you explain “true to size?” Sizes vary wildly in the US. Are you specifically referring to measurements (inches/cm) on their sizing guide?
@@brad1417 I mean true to your Brannock size
@@Bootlosophy most guys don't get measured by brannock. i find it more helpful when you compare to sneaker size. everyone wears sneakers
@@edrader746 yes but not all sneakers are the same size. Adidas is a half size more than Nike and Reebok often a full size difference
@@Bootlosophy i wear the same size nike, addidas and reebok sneaker (9.5). i wear 9d in all my boots. when i hear true to size it always confuses me, especially coming from a boot guy
I have a pair of rangers and 100% recommend them. I am in the USA and purchased via Amazon at $179.00 US but plus the tax as we do it here, shipping was included. I also have a pair of Jim Green Vellies. The Vellie's toe stiffener is completely exposed inside the toe, I can feel the hard edge with my fingers (and sometimes my foot). The rangers have an internal cover over the toe stiffener. I initially thought it was sandwiched between the upper and the toe cap, but the inside surface does not feel like leather. I think it is a fabric cover. Still a value choice in keeping with the approach of this boot, but it's definitely more comfortable than the Vellie (for which I wish they skipped the toe stiffener entirely).
Pro-tip, buy it from their website and there's no tax at all and it still ships in 2 days!
@@kingarthurjdepending on where you live! When I was ordering it originally had taxes added because the state was selected as Virginia. When I changed it to my state (Ma) the taxes disappeared. Which is surprising because taxachusettes!
But I still agree. Order direct!
I love this boot! I have been wearing mine since i got them about 2 months ago. I love the style and i always had an interest in boots but i could never find a pair that suited my tastes and style. I found that boot thanks to you and Rose Anvil and others. Great job Jim Green
How quickly do the soft soles wear? That's the only reservation I have looking at these.
@@jameswoodard4304 They have lasted. As of today, I have had them for almost a year now. Don't be scared of the sole wearing out soon. Because it doesn't, and depending on what you may use them for will depend on how fast they wear out. FYI not recommended for wearing on concrete all day. More suited to outdoors work.
@@Jake-ns4iq ,
I'm glad to hear it. I went ahead and got a pair of the African Buffalo Hide Rangers, and they seem great so far. I definitely plan to use them more outdoors than on concrete, so I'm sure they'll do great.
@@jameswoodard4304 Right on brother! i got some myself. Lol and they are just as good. A bit Stuff at first but great.
Well dang. I work at O'Reilly Auto parts and am in charge of the delivery side of things. I'm on concrete all day. I've always heard the wedge soles like these are best for when on concrete all day. I mean it is nice smooth concrete so I'm probably good. I didn't really think about that. If it were concrete like sidewalks and whatnot then yea I could see them wearing out quicker but on flat smooth concrete they should hold up just fine. I really can't wait for them to arrive. Found out about them last night and had to order a pair lol. Now let's hope I got the correct size so I don't have to exchange and wait even longer! I'm pretty excited for these
Great review, it's good to see an Australian channel gaining traction. Thank you for the informative video.
Great video. I love my own pair of African Rangers, wearing them during the weekend doing whatever happens to come up. That crazy horse leather is amazing, especially when you get some wear on them and they darken up quite a bit.
How quickly do the soles seem to wear?
I have 2 pairs of Jim Green boots, Razorbak and Vellie, and I had same issue with big toe pressure. Strategically placed shot glass and Bickmore Boot Strech solved that problem
Genius!
Easily my current favorite boot company. They're still small enough to listen to customers.
This is a great review of my favorite boot. Im really considering purchasing the zero drop African Rangers
Do it, you won’t regret it. True to Brannock size. I’ve got two pair. All the rest of my shoes are Xero, Vibram FF, and Topo, all zero drop with varying degrees of cushion.
I got a pair of AR's last year in water buffalo hide. They will probably outlive me. Great boot but the Jim Green program of donating boots to the anti-poaching rangers is what sold me on them.
I love African Rangers too! I recently wore them on a trip to Peru. I had a similar experience with the stiff toe box, but no complaints otherwise 👍
I love simple boots. These seam perfect in all aspects. Great video.
What a beautifully eloquent, succinct & thoughtful review. I'm going to purchase a pair. Thanks - Damon
Thanks for the video, great presentation. Looks like the AUD price has jumped up a fair bit since you posted this! Still seems like good value though.
I have 4 pairs of these. Different leathers. Easily the most comfortable shoes I own. Their buffalo leather models are excellent, durable and easy to care for.
Like you said this boot has a purpose. I really like the wide toe box.
I really enjoy your reviews, very thorough, thoughtful, complete, and honest. Thank you for doing them! I am tying to decide on which ones to purchase, the Razorbacks or the African Rangers. Which one of those two do you think is more comfortable underfoot? I do have a pair of the Crazy Horse Vellies I bought back in '21. :)
What do you mean, don't use "chemicals"? Everything is made of chemicals, including natural products and that boot itself.
I really enjoy follow up videos nice work!!
Excellent review. Thorough and clear presentation. You got yourself another subscription
Great review. I've had a pair of suede Vellies for about 2 years that are now my most comfortable shoes. I'm thinking about taking advantage of the current sale and ordering a pair of the $99 tan Vellies.
Your videos are very thorough and you are well spoken.
I bought some of these to enter into the Stichdown Thunderdome. Aside from being really wide and poor insole, I like them a lot. I put some insoles in and they feel pretty good. They will definitely be good summer boots for me. Mine didn't need any break-in. They felt good from day one.
Very interested to see your pix on SDP Dome
@@Bootlosophy looks like youtube is blocking my replies
@@thayne559 ?? I got this one?
@@Bootlosophy I think youtube was blocking the one where I was telling you how to find me. Must be some key words triggered or something.
Thanks a lot for the video. There’s is virtually no reviews at all for the African Rangers, especially for a honest true daily use. I think they are particularly interesting and cool looking shoes, especially in fudge crazy horse. But looking for good deals I’ve got the razorbacks in fudge crazy horse from Amazon. I’m hoping get the right size 😅 . Thanks a lot for the video.
PS. Your review about the red wing’s Blacksmith helped me to decide getting ones.
I have their vellies, and I agree about the pressure on the top of your toe. Very nice fit, I find I have to double up socks for it to be the most comfortable though (thick wool + thin nylon ontop). Amazing shoemakers, and I'm happy to support one of the few local and legitimately ethical South African bussiness. Thanks for this video and the blurb recognising the autonomy of your native peoples at the start of the video, lovely to see.
I don't understand the obsession of many people in these comments sections about how well something would go with a suit at a gala (which seemingly is the standard for "business casual" on the internet?).
These look perfectly fine and decent as everyday shoes, and if well kept, can go great with jeans & dress shirts (which is what we would consider casually dressy here in Sweden). And importantly, they work AROUND the human body rather than against it - that to me is hugely underrated, and I'm happy that Jim Green also offer more "dressy" options while keeping the ergonomic benefits of a wider fit, and even giving you full custom options to chose size and styling independently rather than as a pre-baked and compromised package deal. The more I see of them as a company, the more I respect and become a fan of them.
I own two sets of Red Wing moc toes currently, and am seriously considering some African Rangers as a better built sneaker alternative + Numzaans where I was thinking about some Iron Rangers before.
I wanted a pair of these. I bought a pair of the limited edition. I returned them. I do not care for the LARGE toe box last they use. I wish they offered OPTIONS on the last,
As a South African I am so proud of this company and the Crouch family. This is what a company should stand for and in a country where our government is a disgrace they show true leadership. Long may they prosper and conquer international markets.
I got the African Rangers in the same size as sneakers and they're fairly loose, but they're still pretty manageable with thick inserts like Timberland Pros. No toe tightness as a result, and only a slight problem with the bend of the toe. Definitely seems most should be going with half size down from sneakers, what their brannock size likely is.
My pair in Cape buffalo arrive tomorrow! So excited! How are they aging now? Always love your reviews!
I haven’t had a chance to wear them as much as they deserve but the leather is wearing well and the toe box is softening
Teik, Quick question not directly related…Which model Fitbit are you sporting on your right wrist? Been curious about the model, and your thoughts on it. Especially since you mention hiking in this video. Thanks!
It’s the most basic Inspire 2. As you can see I wear a watch so I just wanted basic steps and heart rate. It’s ok but the other functions like sleep etc don’t sync very well
Thanks for the speedy response! Your reviews are so thorough and thoughtful, I kind of figured you would have done your homework and thought through the reasons for purchasing the model you did…Again, thanks and know that your reviews, as well as “lifestyle ethos” is making a difference!
I’m retired and refuse to go anywhere my A Rangers are not “appropriate”. Mine are waxed and brushed to a sheen. I wear them in the bush and to dinner with a sports coat. They pair well with a Banjo Patterson or a Palm Cowboy hat. BTW,… American here.
I got these just this week and it's actually quite comfortable. I was kind of surprised by the lower eyelets - the side facing the tongue has a rougher finish that sometimes catch on the laces. Do you find that your boot was finished like this as well? The Jim Green's own "how it's made" video seems to show a slightly different construction where the eyelets are two sided and smooth on both sides.
I don't have mine with me, but I think my speedhooks are backed but the eyelets are not.
Jim Greene boots in general are well made, some are better made than the African ranger but these are made to be more affordable
Thank you for showing the boots on your feet! Watched 3 other videos and couldn’t get an idea of what they looked like on someone.
Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍
When you compare these boots to JG Vellies is there really a difference? They seem to have a lot in common don’t they?
I have these in black. They work great with jeans as well as work pants. The Rose Anvil UA-cam channel cut a pair in half.
This is the first video of yours I've seen. I loved the land acknowledgement and your knowledge on boots is amazing! Great video.
I didn’t really mess up,as I wore my fudge Greenies all day around the house after received them, and they fit me just right.
However, in my I enthusiasm for the fudge coloring, I missed the part about nubuck/suede. 🤷🏼♂️
Strong weatherproofing is necessary in my area and “ now” I understand that I won’t be able to keep the lighter coloring, by method needed to treat properly for my climate. I can live with that. 😁
I actually really like the way they look. I think the wide toe box puts the boot more in proportion then long, thinner profile boots/shoes.
Great review. Appreciate maaan
I just got mine 5 days ago and have been breaking them in around the house. I’m enjoying the colour while it lasts, because I’m also going to need to treat them to resist the rain.
@@popuppete🫵👍 Man, for me, really no break in. The collar had the smallest pressure point ( princess and the pea 😆), at 11 O’clock on left and 1 O’clock on right, - went away before day was over with no red/rub spot on my ankles. I’m on cement and earth, up and down 3D lights of stairs with a load - all day- everyday. No worries with me. I’m truly tickled. Haven’t been this excited about footwear - ever, that I recall and I’m 64.
Man, that fudge is magic. 🤣 Not now, but it’s ok. I HAVE VELLIES IN KAHKI , ROUGH SIDE OUT, COMING NOW! 😆
Only concern, vellies don’t come in 1/2 sizes and so I went up - hope I don’t find out I should have gone down. 🤷🏼♂️ We shall find out.
Thanks for sharing! A guy at work got a pair of Rangers now also. 🤷🏼♂️They just speak to some of us, I guess. Funky- Cool. Enough!Sorry for the novel. Wish you the best with your Rangers!
So glad I found this video. Easily one of the best I've found on my favorite pair of boots.
The problem with jim green boots and shoes is that i would like to own them all.
Hard-wearing and comfortable always
For those of you still on the fence on Jim Green due to their workwear styling, Jim Green has announced they are working on more "dressy" version of their baobab boot. This includes a natural and chestnut coloured vegetable tanned leather baobab pattern boot with a more formal sole.
The Rangers look so sharp.
I can't wait for what's next.
@@DarkMessiah499 They released the new boot. It's called the Numzaan and it looks absolutely gorgeous especially with the lug sole
When he acknowledged the original inhabits of the land I thought to myself....wait the Babylon Bee was serious about that?lol
I’m surprised that rangers in the bush would choice a low shaft boot versus a higher shaft boot for more snake bite protection. Wonder if they tend to wear snake gaiters above these
I own two pairs of African Rangers. They are super comfy. Do not mind wearing them to the office. 😂
Doesn’t quite work for me in an Accountant’s office
@@Bootlosophy i work as a network planner in the telecoms industry. So I guess I can still get away with it. :D
Thank you so much, kindly asking you about the performance against the hard spikes? Most boots that isn't designed for africa are very weak against the spikes and will penetrat the bottom very easily .
Not in Africa and we don’t have spikes on the ground here but they seem tough to me
Greetings Kind Sir. The African Ranger appears to be a sturdy, and well constructed boot. The silhouette is rather nice for a casual boot. However, it is like an Alta running shoe, or Keen hiking shoe, with its unusually round toe box. I understand the importance of toe splaying, and orthopedic-minded design, however, I would prefer a slightly taped toe box. I hope that Jim Green make a more conventional looking toe cap.
Hi Teik, thanks for another incredible review.
I wonder if you have seen the newly announced collaboration on this boot that Jim Green has entered into with another UA-cam creator, "Rose Anvil", and if you have any thoughts/impressions on the design differences between the two versions?
I would value hearing your thoughts on the new model, although I understand if you're hesitant to say anything without having handled the boot yourself.
Yeah, don’t really know enough about it
Eddie bauers are more comfortable in the hiking caregory
They look great
They look better w/ green laces … great video!!!
The buffalo ones looks nicer then the standard rangers.
Your reviews of Jim Green footwear helped me decide to try the African Rangers. Thank you! Here's my feedback after just getting them. FIT: My US Brannock size is 9.5D and went with 9 in my African Rangers.
I told a Jim Green customer service rep my measured size and that my African Rangers would be for walking and for working on my hilly rural property here in the mountains of Virginia, USA. And that I like to wear medium weight wool socks in boots.
They recommended going with a US size 9. The boots fit well and feel wonderful.
Although I am a D width, my feet are right on the line with E, according to Red Wing’s fitting machine. I have high arches and a high instep. My feet are 9.2 and 9.3, per Red Wing, hence 9.5 as my Brannock size. But obviously I am close to a Brannock 9, and in 9 the Jim Green’s give me perfect forefoot volume and a thumb’s width between the toe and the end of the boot.
Wearing my go-to midweight Darn Tough cushion socks, I feel a slight amount of extra room in the waist and heel of the boots. That probably doesn’t matter and also may resolve with break in. I do hope so, as my go-to socks will be more convenient. I plan eventually to try a slightly thicker midweight sock if needed, such as Darn Tough’s full-cushion socks.
I dug out a pair of thicker socks for break-in and they fill up the boots nicely. I thought there was too little space for one of my really thick pairs of Smart Wool socks, so I tried a pair of Redback Steel Toe Crew socks. They seem closer to midweight in the uppers but have thick bottom cushioning. They are only $12 from Redback! Kind of a deal along the lines of Jim Green boots, since my Darn Tough socks cost cost $28 to $30+.
I like everything about my African Rangers, including the firm fiberboard midsole. I removed the iconic green laces because they were a tad short for the way I tie. And though I got them in the lovely uptown cream nubuck, I promptly darkened them with Obenauf’s boot oil. They gonna get wet and dirty!
@@RichardGilbert2727 thank you for the great feedback
Thanks for this vid! Just discovered your channel and damn its a gold mine! You have a calming voice and speak very concisely too, which I really like, love your personality too haha
Your review videos of these boots have been really helpful. I think I will probably order a pair of the 8 inch Rangers so I get more ankle support.
Are you still wearing them?
Would African Ranger be a better choice than Razorback for mixed and casual hiking (as in geocaching) in Sweden. The hard sole is a bit worrying with the Razorback. And I want ankle support, but I don't like my boots to be too high. I like to be able to drive a car without having to change out of my forest shoes.
I don’t have razorback but the sole in the AF is hard too
An easy way to get around the toe pressure is the old shot glass trick. Push one in to where the toe is supposed to be and leave it there for a few days. Thereafter you will have more room in the toe cavity.
What a great idea! Thanks!
Great video. I wear my African rangers every day for work, school, anything and everything.
How have they held up? Sole wise. I know the rest will be great I'm just curious how the soles have held up so far. Thanks!
@@ksajak noticeable wear on the soles but still holding strong, and I’ve done a lot with them.
@@SirBigChungus great! Thanks for the reply. Ordered Saturday night. Can't wait!
Never knew about these boots. Your channel is great.
I manage some land for the family, do lots with brush logs and outdoor work. Zone 4a, so fairly moderate weather. Can anyone still recommend these? They'll be by work boots for the next year at least. It's either these or Danner 600's.
Yes, I too, have toe box issues. I'm going to wear one of my pair of JGs today when I work. I'm not wearing them as much as I would because of this. I would one day like to become one with my boot. I'm glad you mentioned the toe issue.
Just today at work, one of my supervisors asked me what kind of boots I was wearing and I said "JG". I showed him the website and he looked at a pair of AR's and said I got to get a pair of AR.
I own Red Wing Iron Rangers. I would have gladly tried these first, but I just found out about them. The wide toe box is a great feature.
I own two pairs of Iron Rangers and I feel the same way. Don’t get me wrong; I love my Rangers, but I would be satisfied if I bought these first.
@@Houseofden I bought a pair of Lem’s Boulder Boots. Wide toe box, soft flannel lined, and super lightweight. My Iron Rangers are too much boot sometimes. Cheers
@@kgilliagorilla2761 They're just more heavy duty. Barefoot shoes are too weak sometimes
Perfect
I’m going to buy a pair of baeobobs and I have to know where to get those laces
@@thorgodofblunder5928 Amazon
Perhaps we could convince the Chinese to stop purchasing elephant ivory? That would certainly help to shut down the black market for elephant poaching. Just saying.
How do you think we can do that? Some educational videos? A new schooling curricula?
@@Bootlosophy perhaps an infographic poster would work?
In all honesty they will not change, and the black market trade will continue on until there is nothing left. God bless the men who work to prevent that from happening.
What a great video!!!
Tek! My man has an epic boot collection, great review. Hilarious that you knew exactly how an American would react to the boots/shorts combo. I guess we’re just taught that you wear pants/boots to work and shorts to the pool/gym.
😝
Can't get my hands on these boots... They are always sold out
@@REDN0AK use the link in the description area under the video, write to them and reserve a pair in the MTO section
Anyone have a pair of Rossi mulgas as well as these? Would love to see a comparison between the two very similar boots
Love that you install colored laces. Even on dressier boots, I’ve been using red, green and blue laces and the ladies always compliment that detail.
They come with green anyway
Some people might take red or white laces the wrong way
@@kingofpropain7493 only if you’re not confident in yourself or your masculinity.
@@kingofpropain7493 noted and I don’t care. Where I live and work, it’s not like wearing knee high combat jack boots or red/blue bandanas in LA.
@@Bootlosophy If ur white and wear red or white laces on ur boot u can be accused of being a NEONAZI. It has nothing to do with whatever ur suggesting but thanks a lot for ur input 🤡👍
Just discovered this channel, probably because I’ve been doing research on Jim Green products. Less than one minute into this video I subscribed. I see the latest video is about engineer boots. I was very disappointed when redwing discontinued their version. Once again procrastination on a purchase was not smart for me. I’m going to enjoy this channel immensely. Thanks for the videos sir👍🏻 I’ve decided the boot featured here is some thing I need to have and the barefoot version is not going to be the one for me. I have no desire to feel sticks and stones through the soles of my boots.
Summed up, you won't find boots that are built tougher until you move up into the Pacific Northwest brands, and those cost 3x as much.
These look very nice and practical, but I am not sure if they are as good as my Courtney Selous boots, I think these look a bit more industrial.
I like jim greens i just wish they were elephant skin leather with ivory eyelits
Are you being sarcastic?
Just got my second pair of barefoot Rangers…love ‘em. That said, this is a great video, and I could definitely hang out with this guy and have a beer.
Great presentation! Are these made with chrome tanned leather?
I believe so
I recently discovered your channel and have binge watched many videos. I did give Jim Green African Ranger a try but had to reject 2 pair because of QC issues. I still like the design, even though I'm not in love with the lack of veg tan insole or midsole. Number 3 was lucky for me because my JG Razorback was acceptable. I am going to try Grant Stone next. Be well.
the midsole is crappy. very uncomfortable boot
@@edrader It looked like cardboard to me. Crappy is an excellent word to describe what I thought of it. Is a thin piece of leather cost prohibitive?
you don't need a cobbler to resole these, the sole is simply glued to the midsole, all you need to do is pull it off, rough up the midsole and regale the new sole on. You could literally do it in your kitchen. You need to use a good strong barge glue, but as for the new sole, you can use just about anything, in fact Jim Green sells a boot that is soled with tire rubber.
have you tried the barefoot version of this boot?
@@praiseYAHalways no, warned against barefoot shoes by my podiatrist
Have you reviewed the barefoot model?
No I haven’t. Rose anvil seems to like it
Tek, how do you compare these to your Thursday Boots Captains for sizing? I'm looking at their new Baobab at present. Spoke to JG and I'm worried what they suggest could be 1/2size smaller. As you know it's a bit of risk & cost if one needs to return goods. thanks
I found these true to size but in UK sizing. I take a US8 in Captains which translates to UK 7. My true size is US8.5/UK7.5 which is the size I got these in.
@@Bootlosophy Thanks Tek. So you only went down to uk7.5 & it fit ok on the JG?
All good. Just watched your vid again. I will go 1/2 size down based on your opinion. thanks Tek
@@Bootlosophy I've been directed to a Au website & liaising with an Au rep at present
@@Bootlosophy Just ordered a pair of Baobab from JG Au stockist. Hopefully I will get it soon :)
Great timing; I just ordered mine two days ago. These (the fudge crazy horse, specifically) are currently on sale on Amazon (US) for $155 USD!!! Could not pass them up at that price. (I just confirmed.). Teik, I love that they have darkened up a bit. Was that more due to natural patina, or would you say it was the conditioner? I am in the Northeastern US, so I am definitely going to hit mine with a beeswax-based shoe balm, color be damned 😅
That sale's really tempting but I've still gotta add a black pair of dress/semi-dress boots to rotate with my brown ones PLUS I still have a pair of desert boots from supply ...
I haven’t hit them with conditioner yet (just a dab at the toebox to try to loosen the toe pressure) so they just darkened with wear from bush walks etc
I did not see the sale on Amazon, is it over?
@@alberteinstein4547 I still see it!
@@Bootlosophy Alright, Mr, Oh, I received my African Rangers, and have been wearing them for about five days. They’re mostly broken in at this point. After day three, I hit them with a light coat of Renapur, and they’ve turned a nice shade of medium chestnut brown, with a slight reddish hue; it looks great! (As a reference, it’s about three shades darker than your post-patina pair). I have had water bead up nicely on the toe. I wear a 9 US in Nike and Adidas, so I went with an 8.5 US, and it’s perfect. There is no heel slippage when the boots are snugly tied down. Toes have room to spread, although on rare occasion, the tip of my big toe does tap the front or side wall, similar to what you were experiencing. For me, it’s rare enough where it is not a concern at all, and I notice that with wool socks, there’s almost no issue at all. Again, this is after five days, so I do suggest sticking with them through a nice break-in period. I am on the insole they came with, and do not intend to replace it. As a reference, these are about as comfortable as Clarks Desert Boots, with the exception that the five lace holes/hooks on the Rangers allows for a more purposeful activity-ready fit than is possible with the three lace holes on the Clarks. I can wear them close to all day without discomfort, but not quite a full 12-hour stint. Still, even when discomfort does set in, it’s bearable. For those considering these for work, I’d say have at it.
Appearance-wise, they are indeed wide… wider than Clarks, as a reference. I wear them with jeans or five pocket pants for day to day errand running and chores, and I like the way my pants sit bunched up at the top of the tongue. My fiancée approves of that aspect, and she said that she does not think they look overly wide, but they make my feet “look shorter” (which is functionally the same thing as saying they’re wide, IMO), but she does not dislike them, which is important.
In terms of construction, I am impressed with the sturdiness and stitch-down simplicity. As for the materials, the fudge crazy horse leather impressed me; it’s thick enough for real use, but feels quality. The big surprise for me was the sole, which is WAY grippier than I expected. I did not think that the relatively shallow and smooth groves would grip as well as they do.
Have you seen the new African buffalo leather (limited run, apparently) that they’ve just released?
Thanks for your reviews and all of your input!
They look great. And the price on Amazon is very reasonable.
A shank in a wedge sole boot can help with climbing ladders, using shovels, standing on uneven terrain and so on.
What an excellent review. Could I wear these for trekking in the UK?
I love these boots for casual wear, they’ve essentially replaced sneakers for me when it comes to just putting them on to go grocery shopping or playing mini golf with my wife or going on light hikes or camping trips. A very comfy, well built boot that is excellent for work but also excellent for extremely casual wear
Teik, great video. Subscribe!
What a pleasure it is watching your channel and content.
Also, love what looks like a SCRUM set up behind you!
Genuine comfort paired with function is simply never ugly. Great review!
Thank you for the review! I just purchased a pair. I got them yesterday and I had the same issue with the toe as you. They seemed long enough, but at the same time my big toe seemed to be rubbing at the tip. Very strange. However, I decided to order a half size larger. They should be here tomorrow and I'll see how those fit.
After a few months now, I believe the length is right, but it has a flat toebox and with two layers of leather and the stiffener it’s hard in top. After a few months breaking in it’s much better.
Well, I always wear a 10, but the 10 in these just seemed a bit too small, so I sent them back and got the 10.5. They're perfect! I just applied some Obenauf's Leather Oil, and added a set of Keen Utility K-20 insoles and I'm ready to have some adventures with these! I probably didn't need the Keen insoles. The insoles that came with the boots weren't as bad as I expected.
Excellent review brother. I am subscribing right now. Hope you are doing well.
Well done pronouncing Pietermaritzburg!
Would you mind saying what those boots are at 3:56, please?
Jim Green vellies
@@BootlosophyThank you very much. Those are some eye-catching Chukkas :)
I'm not a fan of the looks on the Rambler Vellie. I like the appearance of this boot much more. I'd even consider buying a pair.
Another great review. Ugly boots? Absolutely! They are so ugly that they kind of look cool. I like their story and I will probably get a pair eventually to use as light hikers and yard boots. No boot purchases for me in the near future, though. At least, not until after I recover from Christmas spending.
Totally agree with the ugly/cool thing! As for boots and Christmas spending, how about a few well placed hints and make them someone else’s Christmas spending?😁