Great review of real world use. I've got the same combo Numzaan/AR barefoot - and love them both, putting more miles on the AR. Love the look of that tyre sole. Keep it up, brother!
The bonus with Jim Green is you can custom order your boots for a fair price. Oh the midsole cover with a wax treatment and even the leather which will help boat loads with water resistance. Enjoyed the video Cheers beers and whiskey 🤠🥃
Jim Green makes great boots for great value. You can also get any boot custom made with a variety of leather choices and configurations. The 4 eyelet derby that I am planning on buying is called the Barefoot Shoellie. This is my opinion: a number of boot companies, like Luosjiet, Craft and Glory, Cordobes, Devier and Jim Green, have made Thursday and Red Wing irrelevant.
Thank you! That means a lot. I watch your boot review videos all the time, and definitely learned some information from you about the Numzaan review that you did. I just could not find a review on these ones specifically. Probably because they just started shipping! Cheers
Good video. The celastic/plastic heel counters and toes are great until they do crack, but it sounds like the Jim Greens being enclosed in leather will help. I’ve cracked heel counters in Carolina’s and broken composite shanks in Whites. Your boots look great! And I know what you mean about drying out non waterproof boots, it’s time consuming, true waterproof boots are great until they’re not…liner tearing, hot in the summers, etc. I’ve learned to avoid roughout leather now because of the saturation when working in water, at least I have a fighting chance with smooth leather and treatments of bees wax/obenaufs/sno-seal. Nice job!
Great review. My veg tanned Numzaan boots took 6 months to break in. My wide feet were camped in the toe box but I kept wearing them. They finally feel good all day. I would take out the celastic toe cap if I had them custom made.
I appreciate the info. I think I might grab either these or the new 719's. You said your US sneaker size in these fits well for you, but when I use the JG sizing chart it recommends a full size down from my usual 10 1/2 sneaker size based on my 10.43" long feet. Is your fit extra roomy and do you have any insight into the general fitment consensus amongst the boot community?
@@stephenjohnson3084 they do feel like they fit me really well true to size. However I really like the wide fit and room for my toes, so if you have narrow feet or want a tighter fit maybe go down half a size or recommended by Jim Green. However I have no heel slip or anything and my feet aren’t super wide. I have only owned these and the African rangers and both fit true to size for me.
I totally agree with your comment about the African Rangers. I have a pair and if I'm wearing them inside and it's raining outside, they'll start to leak. Ha! Well, maybe not that bad, but I used Obenauf's to seal the leather, but they still leave very easily from underneath. I eventually got rid of them for that reason.
@@carharttking Agree! I know that when it comes to midsole's there are people who will not buy a pair of boots unless it's leather. And I'm also a big fan of leather insoles. But I think that when it comes to longevity, the Jim Green poly midsole is also a really good (and budget friendly) option. However, longevity aside, it is a sponge. With that said, I have the Jim Green Razorback and I hike in some really wet conditions with it, and it takes a long time for that to let water in.
They do make a version of the african ranger for slightly more that has their new veg tan leather midsole instead of the synthetic. Might solve your problem with it. Might not, who knows. @@craig7887
If you think these are hard to break in wait till you try the Whites Perry. Took 3-6 months to really get comfy. Although I didn’t condition them until a year later and in retrospect that might’ve made a big difference. I’m in the PNW and my toes get really wet at the end of the day when working in the rain. I think you made the right choice
@@paulschneider6202 my apprentice got the White’s Perry moc, and he filled them with water to break them in… I just can’t bring myself to do that to new boots tho! Cheers!
I was wondering if the midsole or the single last is what got your boots soaked since african rangers are single lasted. I’m trying to figure out my jim green boot options since i live in a tropical country with lots of rain. Your the only one with the comment on the poly midsole soaking lots of water so nice to have that perspective. Idk if a double lasted poly midsole would be better or should i go full leather but my options are limited with what i can get shipped. If anyone else can weight in on this i would love your comments.
@@AE1Bat that is a good question. I’m sure a double lasted would make it better, but once the leather is wet water will eventually get to your socks. However none of their boots are truly waterproof so it really depends how wet you plan on getting and if you mind getting wet sometimes
I seen you wore an 8 1/2. I'm a 9D on the Brannock device. Would you say these are true to size or should I go half a size down. I'm interested in a pair of their African trooper roughouts.
I am a 9.5 us size and they do fit me true to size. As well as the African Rangers. However the African Trooped may be on a different last, so I would look at the specs on Jim Green’s website! Cheers
I just ordered a pair it will be here Monday, I am used to the hard lug soles on my Razorbacks and I hope the tyre wedge doesn’t wear too quickly. It looks very soft but it’s hard to tell on camera. I can always get it resoled later with a lug I guess haha Update: It is softer but isn’t not nearly as soft as it looks. Likely I will resole in a year or two and do my razorbacks at the same time. I will probably use the lug soles for both but who knows I may turn out liking this softer compound.
@@MoeFlesher Ok I at one point I thought I had seen that, but then I wasn’t sure. It seems to be wider is that right? Do you know what lasts the two are built on? STC, and ASHM for the wedge sole? Thank you
@The standard numzan is built on the new ASHM last, whilst all the wedge sole varieties are built on the STC last *And yes the STC last on the wedge soles are wider than the ASHM last boots, as the ASHM boots come to more of a point, I personally prefer the STC last as it’s more jim green feeling if that makes any sense
If you want a $70 composite work boot that are very comfortable off the book and is very light and looks tough and old school, get Brazos composite toe Wyatt work books, I can even take my dog for our regular hr walk and no problem.
Wait did the Numzaan boots come with insoles? I see that with the Tyre wedge sole they use a different last (STC) vs the lug outsole (ASHM) and I didn't think the standard Numzaan came with a removable insole as it was more of a play on a Heritage style boot. I actually like the newer insoles; the old ones were "meh". But then squishy insoles make my lateral arches ache. I wish the premium rangers came in other colorways without having to order customs! I was going to grab a pair of the Tyre wedge rangers, but they are polly mids. Might have to check out the Numzaans. Anyway, thank you for the informative video!
Numzaan(s) do not come with removable insoles. I have high arches so I purchased insoles. My suggestion is that you get as thin a heel cup as possible otherwise your heel won’t line up with the cup causing a hot spot. It’s a great boot, but it’s an investment with respect to break-in.
@@Doc.Holiday Thank you; do you have the ASHM or STC lasted versions? I've seen conflicting reports on reddit. Guy who was surprised that his STC lasted Trye wedge Numzaan came with insoles (which is what made me think to ask). I tend not to run insoles in boots that are not designed for it because I have never found one that works and makes your foot fit well. I do not like orthotic style insoles. I do have high arches and instep as well as a 4E foot. But I tend to just make custom insoles out of 3-4mm of veg tan depending on the boot/shoe. Or wool felt in the winter. Anyway, thanks, I was just curious. Idk if I'll pick up a pair regardless but considering it. I have a few pair of rangers (barefoot and regular) and like the shoe like feeling but every once in a while, I like to wear something more boot like in feeling.
How long did you have to wait for delivery? I ordered mine in early Oct, was told delivery in November. Still no Bronco Numzaan at my house.😢 PS. Nice comparisons. I have both the rangers with leather midsole and with out. The ranger with leather is a bit heavy, especially for the light weight leather tops. Both rangers are good for all day hiking and walking. Wish the would double last the rangers to stiffen the uppers on them up a bit.
@@tshooter4419 I ordered mine in August, and received them Nov. 11. This is a brand new model so they don’t have any back stock yet. However Jim Green’s customer service is top notch. I just emailed and asked when to expect them, and a REAL PERSON responded with an update. It was tough to wait, but it was worth it, and you will be one of the first people with these boots!
Did you ask your African rangers? They look just like mine. I waxed them hoping to get some water resistance. But, I have the same issue as you. Even wearing them out on a light rain gets my feet soaked 😢
Not sure if you would get hit with import duty but Urban Shepard from portugal makes v pretty handmade leather stacked heels etc or williamlennon & co in the UK.. again handmade to order (long lead times for both of these) but they do heritage boots for about £220 but their steel toe work boots (still heritage made) are only about £120. Might be worth a look. Love my AR8s from Jim green, just got a normal AR and also find them too low. Probably going to return them and either custom order another pair of AR8s or get a pair of Numzaans when back in stock (eu) and am intrigued by a pair of BATs, I drive loads for work and think they might work well in ankle support (old injury) but more flexible for driving comfort. Also waiting on a pair of Urban Shepard Country boots. Best way to beat wet boots is waxing them and alternating pairs. And the urban shepards are a waxed oily rough out leather, so should be pretty decent at keeping water out.
@@dzzope Thank you for adding to the discussion! I will definitely look into the brands you mentioned. Yes I do use Sno-Seal on most of my boots. I didn’t really mind the leather color changing, I like dark leather, but I’m also using them for work. I always make sure to wax the midsole as well! 🍻
If you like moctose and hate them coming apart like your carhartts did check out thorogood and Red Wing they both do an extra stitch on the front of the toe so that doesn't happen if the Red wings are a little bit too expensive they have a lower brand called Irish setter and they have the same stitch I love the way those Carhartt moctos felt but they are way too cheap and they fall apart way too fast and I started looking more into better quality moc toes
@@zellerized I could barely walk up and down stairs in them initially! They are stiff but believe me they do break in! Actually what softened them the most was doing a full days work in them. All that heat from your feet will really soften the leather. Also if you got the bronco leather like I did, because it has so much light color pull-up, you can put a lot of oil and conditioner, and the pull-up will still come through after a few days! Cheers!
That mink oil will really darken the boot over time if you keep using it. You are better off with a different type of conditioner to soften the boot. As for the boot itself, it is a nice little boot that looks well constructed. My only grip is, like the African Ranger, it looks like it is shaped funny and I have sort of moved on. I like my african ranger but I do think it looks a bit funny. But the price is right and it is a tough little boot.
That bronco brown pullup is stiff but rugged. Just picked up a pair of the Razorbacks in BBPU. Aggressive break-in is accomplished by filling the boot with hot water (remove the innersole first) and wearing them with thick wool socks until dry. Repeat as needed. I had to do this twice with my BBPU AR8's but they are plenty comfortable now.
@@MountainGuerrilla I’m from California I naturally add the “uh” sound when it’s not necessary. Not any words in English with an M & Z next to each other in the middle of a word. But I understand it is annoying to hear me say it wrong so many times. Sorry about that! Hope the video still had some value for you 👍
Numzaan are heavy, and thick. Your feet will be in pain. You will cry like a little girl. They need a lot of oil. Mink oil. Neatsfoot oil. Either one will do.
Great review of real world use. I've got the same combo Numzaan/AR barefoot - and love them both, putting more miles on the AR. Love the look of that tyre sole. Keep it up, brother!
The bonus with Jim Green is you can custom order your boots for a fair price.
Oh the midsole cover with a wax treatment and even the leather which will help boat loads with water resistance.
Enjoyed the video
Cheers beers and whiskey 🤠🥃
The JG custom shop is AWESOME! Hoping my buffalo hide AR8's arrive by Christmas.
Jim Green makes great boots for great value. You can also get any boot custom made with a variety of leather choices and configurations. The 4 eyelet derby that I am planning on buying is called the Barefoot Shoellie. This is my opinion: a number of boot companies, like Luosjiet, Craft and Glory, Cordobes, Devier and Jim Green, have made Thursday and Red Wing irrelevant.
Great review! Nice that you are putting these boots to work
Thank you! That means a lot. I watch your boot review videos all the time, and definitely learned some information from you about the Numzaan review that you did. I just could not find a review on these ones specifically. Probably because they just started shipping! Cheers
Good video. The celastic/plastic heel counters and toes are great until they do crack, but it sounds like the Jim Greens being enclosed in leather will help. I’ve cracked heel counters in Carolina’s and broken composite shanks in Whites. Your boots look great! And I know what you mean about drying out non waterproof boots, it’s time consuming, true waterproof boots are great until they’re not…liner tearing, hot in the summers, etc. I’ve learned to avoid roughout leather now because of the saturation when working in water, at least I have a fighting chance with smooth leather and treatments of bees wax/obenaufs/sno-seal. Nice job!
Great review.
My veg tanned Numzaan boots took 6 months to break in. My wide feet were camped in the toe box but I kept wearing them. They finally feel good all day.
I would take out the celastic toe cap if I had them custom made.
Excellent review. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I really like the Bronco leather. I’m looking for to their new moccasins. 😊
@@SidW-l4z Those new Moc-toe boots do look nice!
Yes their mocktoe boots are looking very promising. Also the 719. Both should be available early next year
That was a really good review… One thing I would mention that everybody is interested in is your Brannock size….
@@Bestdayever22 I am a true 9.5 US mens. Thank you for your comment!
I appreciate the info. I think I might grab either these or the new 719's. You said your US sneaker size in these fits well for you, but when I use the JG sizing chart it recommends a full size down from my usual 10 1/2 sneaker size based on my 10.43" long feet. Is your fit extra roomy and do you have any insight into the general fitment consensus amongst the boot community?
@@stephenjohnson3084 they do feel like they fit me really well true to size. However I really like the wide fit and room for my toes, so if you have narrow feet or want a tighter fit maybe go down half a size or recommended by Jim Green. However I have no heel slip or anything and my feet aren’t super wide. I have only owned these and the African rangers and both fit true to size for me.
@@carharttking Thanks man
I just purchased a pair of Numzaan(s) from the JG web sight and they did charge me CA state tax. I think the JG distribution is in VA.
I’ve that same clicking noise with my Thursday Diplomat.
I totally agree with your comment about the African Rangers. I have a pair and if I'm wearing them inside and it's raining outside, they'll start to leak. Ha! Well, maybe not that bad, but I used Obenauf's to seal the leather, but they still leave very easily from underneath. I eventually got rid of them for that reason.
@@craig7887 it’s a shame because the polywoven midsole is a good synthetic option if it wasn’t a sponge!
@@carharttking Agree! I know that when it comes to midsole's there are people who will not buy a pair of boots unless it's leather. And I'm also a big fan of leather insoles. But I think that when it comes to longevity, the Jim Green poly midsole is also a really good (and budget friendly) option. However, longevity aside, it is a sponge. With that said, I have the Jim Green Razorback and I hike in some really wet conditions with it, and it takes a long time for that to let water in.
They do make a version of the african ranger for slightly more that has their new veg tan leather midsole instead of the synthetic. Might solve your problem with it. Might not, who knows. @@craig7887
If you think these are hard to break in wait till you try the Whites Perry. Took 3-6 months to really get comfy. Although I didn’t condition them until a year later and in retrospect that might’ve made a big difference. I’m in the PNW and my toes get really wet at the end of the day when working in the rain. I think you made the right choice
@@paulschneider6202 my apprentice got the White’s Perry moc, and he filled them with water to break them in… I just can’t bring myself to do that to new boots tho! Cheers!
I was wondering if the midsole or the single last is what got your boots soaked since african rangers are single lasted. I’m trying to figure out my jim green boot options since i live in a tropical country with lots of rain. Your the only one with the comment on the poly midsole soaking lots of water so nice to have that perspective. Idk if a double lasted poly midsole would be better or should i go full leather but my options are limited with what i can get shipped.
If anyone else can weight in on this i would love your comments.
@@AE1Bat that is a good question. I’m sure a double lasted would make it better, but once the leather is wet water will eventually get to your socks. However none of their boots are truly waterproof so it really depends how wet you plan on getting and if you mind getting wet sometimes
I seen you wore an 8 1/2. I'm a 9D on the Brannock device. Would you say these are true to size or should I go half a size down. I'm interested in a pair of their African trooper roughouts.
I am a 9.5 us size and they do fit me true to size. As well as the African Rangers. However the African Trooped may be on a different last, so I would look at the specs on Jim Green’s website! Cheers
I just ordered a pair it will be here Monday, I am used to the hard lug soles on my Razorbacks and I hope the tyre wedge doesn’t wear too quickly. It looks very soft but it’s hard to tell on camera. I can always get it resoled later with a lug I guess haha
Update: It is softer but isn’t not nearly as soft as it looks. Likely I will resole in a year or two and do my razorbacks at the same time. I will probably use the lug soles for both but who knows I may turn out liking this softer compound.
great video 💯
@@minineji7050 Thank you!
I like my numzaan but I have a narrow foot c-d. Jim greens are too wide for me. I still wear them just a little clunky on me.
The numzan on wedge soles are built on a different last fyi
@@MoeFlesher Ok I at one point I thought I had seen that, but then I wasn’t sure. It seems to be wider is that right? Do you know what lasts the two are built on? STC, and ASHM for the wedge sole? Thank you
@The standard numzan is built on the new ASHM last, whilst all the wedge sole varieties are built on the STC last
*And yes the STC last on the wedge soles are wider than the ASHM last boots, as the ASHM boots come to more of a point, I personally prefer the STC last as it’s more jim green feeling if that makes any sense
If you want a $70 composite work boot that are very comfortable off the book and is very light and looks tough and old school, get Brazos composite toe Wyatt work books, I can even take my dog for our regular hr walk and no problem.
Wait did the Numzaan boots come with insoles? I see that with the Tyre wedge sole they use a different last (STC) vs the lug outsole (ASHM) and I didn't think the standard Numzaan came with a removable insole as it was more of a play on a Heritage style boot. I actually like the newer insoles; the old ones were "meh". But then squishy insoles make my lateral arches ache.
I wish the premium rangers came in other colorways without having to order customs! I was going to grab a pair of the Tyre wedge rangers, but they are polly mids. Might have to check out the Numzaans.
Anyway, thank you for the informative video!
Numzaan(s) do not come with removable insoles. I have high arches so I purchased insoles. My suggestion is that you get as thin a heel cup as possible otherwise your heel won’t line up with the cup causing a hot spot. It’s a great boot, but it’s an investment with respect to break-in.
@@Doc.Holiday Thank you; do you have the ASHM or STC lasted versions? I've seen conflicting reports on reddit. Guy who was surprised that his STC lasted Trye wedge Numzaan came with insoles (which is what made me think to ask).
I tend not to run insoles in boots that are not designed for it because I have never found one that works and makes your foot fit well. I do not like orthotic style insoles. I do have high arches and instep as well as a 4E foot. But I tend to just make custom insoles out of 3-4mm of veg tan depending on the boot/shoe. Or wool felt in the winter.
Anyway, thanks, I was just curious. Idk if I'll pick up a pair regardless but considering it. I have a few pair of rangers (barefoot and regular) and like the shoe like feeling but every once in a while, I like to wear something more boot like in feeling.
@ … well, I don’t know the answer to that? I just received mine a couple weeks ago, for whatever that’s worth.
Helpful video, I am thinking of getting a pair, sounds like I would be safe getting the same size as my Danner’s?
@@robertp.6661 yes that worked for me! I wear a 9.5 in the Danner Bull Runs and the Numzaan boots. Thank you for your comment 👍
How long did you have to wait for delivery? I ordered mine in early Oct, was told delivery in November. Still no Bronco Numzaan at my house.😢
PS. Nice comparisons. I have both the rangers with leather midsole and with out. The ranger with leather is a bit heavy, especially for the light weight leather tops. Both rangers are good for all day hiking and walking. Wish the would double last the rangers to stiffen the uppers on them up a bit.
@@tshooter4419 I ordered mine in August, and received them Nov. 11. This is a brand new model so they don’t have any back stock yet. However Jim Green’s customer service is top notch. I just emailed and asked when to expect them, and a REAL PERSON responded with an update. It was tough to wait, but it was worth it, and you will be one of the first people with these boots!
Did you ask your African rangers? They look just like mine. I waxed them hoping to get some water resistance. But, I have the same issue as you. Even wearing them out on a light rain gets my feet soaked 😢
@@Nickporter17 I did wax them, they were actually the Fudge color originally if you can believe that. But yea that midsole is the crux!
Great video
@@wiv3984 Thank you, hope it was helpful!
Not sure if you would get hit with import duty but Urban Shepard from portugal makes v pretty handmade leather stacked heels etc or williamlennon & co in the UK.. again handmade to order (long lead times for both of these) but they do heritage boots for about £220 but their steel toe work boots (still heritage made) are only about £120.
Might be worth a look.
Love my AR8s from Jim green, just got a normal AR and also find them too low. Probably going to return them and either custom order another pair of AR8s or get a pair of Numzaans when back in stock (eu) and am intrigued by a pair of BATs, I drive loads for work and think they might work well in ankle support (old injury) but more flexible for driving comfort.
Also waiting on a pair of Urban Shepard Country boots. Best way to beat wet boots is waxing them and alternating pairs. And the urban shepards are a waxed oily rough out leather, so should be pretty decent at keeping water out.
@@dzzope Thank you for adding to the discussion! I will definitely look into the brands you mentioned. Yes I do use Sno-Seal on most of my boots. I didn’t really mind the leather color changing, I like dark leather, but I’m also using them for work. I always make sure to wax the midsole as well! 🍻
@@dzzope I thought urban Shepard had stopped shipping to the US ?
If you like moctose and hate them coming apart like your carhartts did check out thorogood and Red Wing they both do an extra stitch on the front of the toe so that doesn't happen if the Red wings are a little bit too expensive they have a lower brand called Irish setter and they have the same stitch I love the way those Carhartt moctos felt but they are way too cheap and they fall apart way too fast and I started looking more into better quality moc toes
W video
The numbs really hurt the back of my legs... gotta throw some hubberds on but didn't want to alter the look.. guess im gonna have to
@@zellerized I could barely walk up and down stairs in them initially! They are stiff but believe me they do break in! Actually what softened them the most was doing a full days work in them. All that heat from your feet will really soften the leather. Also if you got the bronco leather like I did, because it has so much light color pull-up, you can put a lot of oil and conditioner, and the pull-up will still come through after a few days! Cheers!
That mink oil will really darken the boot over time if you keep using it. You are better off with a different type of conditioner to soften the boot. As for the boot itself, it is a nice little boot that looks well constructed. My only grip is, like the African Ranger, it looks like it is shaped funny and I have sort of moved on. I like my african ranger but I do think it looks a bit funny. But the price is right and it is a tough little boot.
That bronco brown pullup is stiff but rugged. Just picked up a pair of the Razorbacks in BBPU. Aggressive break-in is accomplished by filling the boot with hot water (remove the innersole first) and wearing them with thick wool socks until dry. Repeat as needed. I had to do this twice with my BBPU AR8's but they are plenty comfortable now.
Numzaan, Num-Zaan.....not Numazaan
@@MountainGuerrilla I’m from California I naturally add the “uh” sound when it’s not necessary. Not any words in English with an M & Z next to each other in the middle of a word. But I understand it is annoying to hear me say it wrong so many times. Sorry about that! Hope the video still had some value for you 👍
Numzaan are heavy, and thick. Your feet will be in pain. You will cry like a little girl. They need a lot of oil. Mink oil. Neatsfoot oil. Either one will do.
Does it darken the leather much,thank you
@@cormac1000 Oil will change the color.
You got really small feet.