I too am anxiously awaiting the moccasin boots! It's going to be a hard choice between the work and casual boot. Thanks to Carl Murowski I've been a member of the JG army since the Razorbacks were introduced in the US. You just can't beat the value of JG's products.
You could get a custom version with the narrower last and a leather mid sole if thats your preference. I like that they give you so much options if you really need or want them.
I have owned the same pair for over and year and after hikes, powerwashes, mechanic things, around the house repairs, and daily use I have found a solution to the water problem is after your first saddle soaping to apply one coat of mink oil to the leather and two to the sticking. let them dry overnight and brush them off in the morning. If you've done this correctly you will have a extremely water resistant Pair of jim green african rangers!
Thank you for this! Love Jim Green and love(d?) African Rangers but am having real trouble with fit. First, as was advised, I got the same as you in a pair sized half size down-big mistake. Walking down our 20% slope driveway, my toes hit the end of the boot. I got the most painful big toenail and thought I was going to lose it; it took lots of tlc to save the nail. Now, I just got a pair in my actual size, 9.5D, and they fit better. BUT-the 1st first time I walked down my driveway, my toes were hitting again. I noticed this a bit in more general walking. My new theory is that the roomy heel and waist allow my feet to slide forward. And while the wide forefoot/toebox are wonderful, the looser back end seems problematic for me. As well, I have a high arch and a bit of a high instep, and the low volume of the forefoot may be part of the issue. It's at least a secondary issue. The toe box is VERY shallow. I'm going to try wearing even heavier socks to try to fix my feet in the boots. Had hoped to use my go-to medium weight wool Darn Toughs. But darn it. I've also tried stretching the toebox with limited effect so far. I have seen no commentary other than here on what seem to be my specific issue. It seems hard to believe no other users, especially those in hill country, haven't faced this issue. Still trying to make it work but am really disappointed. Especially since this second pair is a beautiful custom job with a leather midsole, tire tread outsole, and red stitching. Beautiful workmanship!
I got a pair a couple of years ago. Wore them often they were comfortable. I got the cheapest local leather it has been very nice. A couple of good coats of obernauf and they stay pretty dry.
I have three pairs of AR's and haven't had a serious water issue with the, even wearing them in snow and rain. But if you need to waterproof them better I'd get some Snow Seal and apply it along the stitches going into the midsole. That should add some additional protection against water, and it's recommended by cobblers (including Trenton and Heath).
I agree on the sizing for this last (STC last), true to size worked well for me. For their narrower ASHM last, I have found that going up 1/2 size is actually just right so that it does not squish my toes. The zero-drop last (mostly used on their collab boots with Rose Anvil) is ever wider, but again true to size seems to work well. I love my barefoot African Rangers, they are some of the most comfortable boots I have ever owned.
I live in a wet climate and have not had issues with water soaking in. If I were to pick its flaw, I would say the lack of grip from the original soles. When I wore the soles down to the point where I needed resoling, I ordered lug soles from Jim Green's website and had them put on. So far, so good. Just got a pair of Rugged Troopers and the break in has been pretty tough on my heels, but otherwise has been fine, Love JG's.
I've had a pair of ARs for going on 2 years (and several other JG boots). Were I to identify a flaw, it would be the mid-foot side stitch. This fall (so after 18 months of wear) I spent a couple days on my asphalt shingled roof repairing a couple solar panels. I'm no roofer so I wasn't super confident and spent a good amount of time sitting on my but and sliding around. This movement ended up rubbing that outside of both boots against the shingles and quickly wore away the top of the stitching at that middle seam. Both boots ended up with a hole in the side at the joining of the panels after both rows of stitching separated. This happened in just 2 days of work. It was a bit tricky, but I was able to hand stitch back through the existing holes in the leather, and the boots are now fine. The lesson is that the panel stitching on the outside of the boots is a potential weak point under specific conditions.
I really like Jim Green. I'm not the biggest fan of their lasts and styling for myself personally, at least not enough to put them at the top of my personal to-buy list, but I'd recommend them to others in a heartbeat. In particular, I think that something like the African Ranger or Razorback is perfect for someone coming from a sneaker kind of world who wants to try out stitched leather footwear without spending a ton of money or feeling like a goofball. And the Numzaan looks like a fantastic Iron Ranger alternative.
@@leonardsim5222 Looks like a nice boot but IMO too close to the Iron Ranger to be interesting, and making a direct Iron Ranger homage is entering a very crowded and competitive field. Every Chinese bootmaker makes an 8111 homage, some of which are arguably better than the original Red Wing (I'd personally say this about the XBXS and Shonest homages.) Compared to those two, Jim Green has a far more, well, rustic approach to finishing and QC.
@@Thunk00 I agree with all you say! But, it does provide a good cost entry point, with a good ethical base. I think if your looking at something more unique Numzaan is ideal
I special ordered JG Vellies and have been wearing them every day since mid October. I love them, especially the wide toe box. Mine are the rough out with a leather midsole. These are the first chukkas I’ve ever had. I’m thinking about getting a pair of African Rangers but I think they’re almost like the Vellies.
Jim Green is awesome! I have two pair of the African rangers. Fudge and Buffalo skin. They are my work and walking/hiking boots. I love the wide toe box. I have narrow feet and the wider toe box was such a relief to wear. Spent most of my days wearing shoes that were always a bit to narrow. These boots are comfortable. Just buy some and wear for yourself if anyone is curious.
I wear a US11 in the zero-drop/barefoot last. I have a pair of custom AR8's US11 on the JG last that fit too loosely. The zero-drop last boots are always made with the leather midsole rather than the polyester midsole so I never noticed how the poly absorbs water so much worse.
Great video Ryan👏. I have the same fudge leather African Rangers and a pair of the Barefoot AR boots too. They are great boots for walking in the city or a light trail hike. FYI the barefoot version is amazing!
I love Jim Green but have had issues with their sizing. Certain leathers fit completely different. The fudge ones that you have always fit me smaller and tighter than the Houston blacks that I've bought. I have seen this on multiple pairs of rangers. Not sure why
I have a pair of african rangers. And i live in the UK where iv worn the boots hiking in bogs and garderning etc. The boot is not waterproof. Noting its not made for the UK but africa. I feel that the boot is good but is limited in how you use it. A limit maybe not a flaw. Still i cant wear it to work unless i want damp feet all day. Having said that its a good boot. Its light and comfortable and will last some years.
This isn't a major flaw of the boot. It's like buying a Ford F150 Raptor and complaining about why it soaks up so much gas. These aren't advertised as waterproof boots and aren't made for wet climates. Just like how you wouldn't wear jungle boots to climb Mount Everest
@sschoon86 then why would he base the entire review on the premise that this boot had one MAJOR FLAW that he keeps alluding to. That's like saying a boat has a major flaw because it can't be used on land
@@filthyvibes4768 Ryan (in video): it's not a flaw if you use the boot for what it was designed for, but if you are going to use it other ways it might be a problem You: It's not a flaw if you use it as designed! Me: that's what he said in the video. You: then why did he say it's a flaw?!? I will say this really slow and loudly so you can understand: IF. YOU. USE. IT. DIFFERENTLY. THAN. INTENDED. THEN. IT. MIGHT. BE. A. FLAW. Do you get it now? The title is clickbait, which makes up a small part of a video. It's unfortunate that creators need to do that to get clicks, but that's how it is. The "flaw" part of the video is like 2 minutes, not the whole premise as you say. I can't tell yet if you are a troll or just really stupid. But this is not the first comment of yours that I have found to be missing any logic.
On my budget, I can only afford them when Amazon has a sale. This Black Friday, there was no sale.
I too am anxiously awaiting the moccasin boots! It's going to be a hard choice between the work and casual boot. Thanks to Carl Murowski I've been a member of the JG army since the Razorbacks were introduced in the US. You just can't beat the value of JG's products.
You could get a custom version with the narrower last and a leather mid sole if thats your preference. I like that they give you so much options if you really need or want them.
I have owned the same pair for over and year and after hikes, powerwashes, mechanic things, around the house repairs, and daily use I have found a solution to the water problem is after your first saddle soaping to apply one coat of mink oil to the leather and two to the sticking. let them dry overnight and brush them off in the morning. If you've done this correctly you will have a extremely water resistant Pair of jim green african rangers!
Thank you for this! Love Jim Green and love(d?) African Rangers but am having real trouble with fit. First, as was advised, I got the same as you in a pair sized half size down-big mistake. Walking down our 20% slope driveway, my toes hit the end of the boot. I got the most painful big toenail and thought I was going to lose it; it took lots of tlc to save the nail. Now, I just got a pair in my actual size, 9.5D, and they fit better. BUT-the 1st
first time I walked down my driveway, my toes were hitting again. I noticed this a bit in more general walking. My new theory is that the roomy heel and waist allow my feet to slide forward. And while the wide forefoot/toebox are wonderful, the looser back end seems problematic for me. As well, I have a high arch and a bit of a high instep, and the low volume of the forefoot may be part of the issue. It's at least a secondary issue. The toe box is VERY shallow.
I'm going to try wearing even heavier socks to try to fix my feet in the boots. Had hoped to use my go-to medium weight wool Darn Toughs. But darn it. I've also tried stretching the toebox with limited effect so far. I have seen no commentary other than here on what seem to be my specific issue. It seems hard to believe no other users, especially those in hill country, haven't faced this issue. Still trying to make it work but am really disappointed. Especially since this second pair is a beautiful custom job with a leather midsole, tire tread outsole, and red stitching. Beautiful workmanship!
I got a pair a couple of years ago. Wore them often they were comfortable. I got the cheapest local leather it has been very nice. A couple of good coats of obernauf and they stay pretty dry.
I have three pairs of AR's and haven't had a serious water issue with the, even wearing them in snow and rain. But if you need to waterproof them better I'd get some Snow Seal and apply it along the stitches going into the midsole. That should add some additional protection against water, and it's recommended by cobblers (including Trenton and Heath).
I agree on the sizing for this last (STC last), true to size worked well for me. For their narrower ASHM last, I have found that going up 1/2 size is actually just right so that it does not squish my toes. The zero-drop last (mostly used on their collab boots with Rose Anvil) is ever wider, but again true to size seems to work well. I love my barefoot African Rangers, they are some of the most comfortable boots I have ever owned.
I always wanted a pair of these since Rose anvil. YouShoe thanks again for making these videos.
I live in a wet climate and have not had issues with water soaking in. If I were to pick its flaw, I would say the lack of grip from the original soles. When I wore the soles down to the point where I needed resoling, I ordered lug soles from Jim Green's website and had them put on. So far, so good. Just got a pair of Rugged Troopers and the break in has been pretty tough on my heels, but otherwise has been fine, Love JG's.
I've had a pair of ARs for going on 2 years (and several other JG boots). Were I to identify a flaw, it would be the mid-foot side stitch. This fall (so after 18 months of wear) I spent a couple days on my asphalt shingled roof repairing a couple solar panels. I'm no roofer so I wasn't super confident and spent a good amount of time sitting on my but and sliding around. This movement ended up rubbing that outside of both boots against the shingles and quickly wore away the top of the stitching at that middle seam. Both boots ended up with a hole in the side at the joining of the panels after both rows of stitching separated. This happened in just 2 days of work. It was a bit tricky, but I was able to hand stitch back through the existing holes in the leather, and the boots are now fine. The lesson is that the panel stitching on the outside of the boots is a potential weak point under specific conditions.
Thanks for sharing that, it’s definitely something to think about.
I really like Jim Green. I'm not the biggest fan of their lasts and styling for myself personally, at least not enough to put them at the top of my personal to-buy list, but I'd recommend them to others in a heartbeat. In particular, I think that something like the African Ranger or Razorback is perfect for someone coming from a sneaker kind of world who wants to try out stitched leather footwear without spending a ton of money or feeling like a goofball. And the Numzaan looks like a fantastic Iron Ranger alternative.
Look at the new 719
@@leonardsim5222 Looks like a nice boot but IMO too close to the Iron Ranger to be interesting, and making a direct Iron Ranger homage is entering a very crowded and competitive field. Every Chinese bootmaker makes an 8111 homage, some of which are arguably better than the original Red Wing (I'd personally say this about the XBXS and Shonest homages.) Compared to those two, Jim Green has a far more, well, rustic approach to finishing and QC.
@@Thunk00 I agree with all you say! But, it does provide a good cost entry point, with a good ethical base. I think if your looking at something more unique Numzaan is ideal
I special ordered JG Vellies and have been wearing them every day since mid October. I love them, especially the wide toe box. Mine are the rough out with a leather midsole. These are the first chukkas I’ve ever had. I’m thinking about getting a pair of African Rangers but I think they’re almost like the Vellies.
Jim Green is awesome! I have two pair of the African rangers. Fudge and Buffalo skin. They are my work and walking/hiking boots. I love the wide toe box. I have narrow feet and the wider toe box was such a relief to wear. Spent most of my days wearing shoes that were always a bit to narrow. These boots are comfortable. Just buy some and wear for yourself if anyone is curious.
Love your channel. I wear these boots everyday for long dog walks in all kinds of weather. They’re easily worth $100 more.
@@TumsFestival. thanks!
I wear a US11 in the zero-drop/barefoot last. I have a pair of custom AR8's US11 on the JG last that fit too loosely. The zero-drop last boots are always made with the leather midsole rather than the polyester midsole so I never noticed how the poly absorbs water so much worse.
Great video Ryan👏. I have the same fudge leather African Rangers and a pair of the Barefoot AR boots too. They are great boots for walking in the city or a light trail hike. FYI the barefoot version is amazing!
@@chefrichh thanks for the support
Nice!
I love Jim Green but have had issues with their sizing. Certain leathers fit completely different. The fudge ones that you have always fit me smaller and tighter than the Houston blacks that I've bought. I have seen this on multiple pairs of rangers. Not sure why
I have a pair of african rangers. And i live in the UK where iv worn the boots hiking in bogs and garderning etc. The boot is not waterproof. Noting its not made for the UK but africa. I feel that the boot is good but is limited in how you use it. A limit maybe not a flaw. Still i cant wear it to work unless i want damp feet all day. Having said that its a good boot. Its light and comfortable and will last some years.
What chinos do you like?
I have several
Pairs of rangers and other Jim green custom boots never had a issue
I'm getting a pair of the moccasins when they do come out
@@chrisdiaz7615 same here
Hey no more light switch and doorknob! What's going on haha. Thanks for the video!
@@tony_r_pierce 🤣
I used Sapphir invulner it’s pretty good at repelling water
This isn't a major flaw of the boot. It's like buying a Ford F150 Raptor and complaining about why it soaks up so much gas. These aren't advertised as waterproof boots and aren't made for wet climates. Just like how you wouldn't wear jungle boots to climb Mount Everest
@@filthyvibes4768 good point 👍
3:08 he literally says that if you use the boot as intended then it’s not a flaw
@sschoon86 then why would he base the entire review on the premise that this boot had one MAJOR FLAW that he keeps alluding to. That's like saying a boat has a major flaw because it can't be used on land
@@filthyvibes4768 Ryan (in video): it's not a flaw if you use the boot for what it was designed for, but if you are going to use it other ways it might be a problem
You: It's not a flaw if you use it as designed!
Me: that's what he said in the video.
You: then why did he say it's a flaw?!?
I will say this really slow and loudly so you can understand: IF. YOU. USE. IT. DIFFERENTLY. THAN. INTENDED. THEN. IT. MIGHT. BE. A. FLAW. Do you get it now? The title is clickbait, which makes up a small part of a video. It's unfortunate that creators need to do that to get clicks, but that's how it is. The "flaw" part of the video is like 2 minutes, not the whole premise as you say.
I can't tell yet if you are a troll or just really stupid. But this is not the first comment of yours that I have found to be missing any logic.
@sschoon86 im not reading your essay
The landscaper should have wax his JM like I did then there will be no water getting in.
If Amazon shipping makes this boot great, then all the junk on Amazon is great.