Hey Gareth, how were the frog grip soles on those Numzaans while walking in the snow? I really like the slim profile of that sole, but I want to make sure I would not be slipping and sliding every time I wore them in the snow.
The barefoot was a huge hole in the market. High quality, leather footwear in the barefoot silhouette. Nothing like the Jim Green offering exists. A genius idea! No wonder it has been a success.
Im a police officer in the US and I use the black African Rangers as my patrol boot (the regular version, not the barefoot). Been using them for over a year now. Super comfy and flexible. Love them
This is like the Nike Air Jordan 1 of barefoot boots ! Jim Green is making history and they don’t even know it ! I can see myself wearing these barefoot boots for the next 20+ years and not complaining one bit ! They are literally PERFECT for everything except formal wear ! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have been wearing a pair of barefoots in fudge for about a month now daily. I was so excited to see black but so sad it is nubuck. I need it to take a polish for work purposes. Also I’d love a taller pair of barefoot boots, and an option without toe caps. I love these boots and I’m ordering some in the natural veg now.
I absolutely love this boot, and I'm glad to see more being produced. I wear mine to the office, out on dates with my wife, going on hikes, basically everywhere except hiking in the rain. If I could ask for one thing, make a tall version. I'm honestly on the fence about buying a second pair as a dedicated hiking boot that I can thrash on, and if there were tall option that would be the easiest decision I ever made.
I'm wearing mine now. Absolutely love them. Soaked them in Huberds shoe grease on the first day, turned them dark brown. They are, hands down the best boots I've ever owned. I will be purchasing more in the future as well as recommending them to everyone.
I was there for the site crashing on launch, and since the barefoot rangers have become my primary boot. Glad to see they are going to keep making them
I just ordered the Houston Brown ones like a week ago so I just missed out on this restock with the new colors, darn it. Those new Green and Black ones just look so clean/good.
I purchased my African Ranger barefoot in Fudge color, and they’re amazing. A big thanks to Jim Green and RoseAnvil for the collaboration. Very comfortable, wear mine to the office.
Thank you for making these boots. It has saved my feet on my motorcycle. I was having to swap out of my motorcycle into the barefoot shoes that I made by hand when I got to work/store since the motorcycle boots were squishing my toes so badly. Now I can just wear these boots and get the protection from the genuine leather on my foot but also the comfort of walking around. The shifter is a bit hard on the left top side of the foot, so I zip tied some spare leather I had around shifter and its been since. So a steel toe of this boot would be bang on. I wear these just about every day. Riding motorcycles, skateboarding, business attire, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, everything. I do also wear them without socks when I am doing wet activities so I can take them on and off quickly. So good. Will you come out with the barefoots in the buffalo leather? I think a heavy leather would be a nice inbetween with the standards and the steel toe cap. Or maybe do a 3 layer toe cap like you have on the boots you are currently wearing in this video?
I love the look of those boots and I think I would really like them. My only worry is the toe cap and how it drops to the tip so quickly. I think my toes might feel cramped from the top my my foot enjoys all of the room of the wide toe box. I love wide toe box boots. You mentioned a steel toe, but that is a bit overkill for me.
Please make one for the restaurant workers. I'm a server and I deal with slippery kitchen floors from spilled food, condiments, drinks, etc...I also deal with all sorts of liquids on my upper sole such as cleaning chemicals and hot drinks. I also deal with stubbing my shoes from all sorts of objects and as well as getting stumped by accident from a coworker.
I got a pair of the barefoot rangers in the veg re-tanned walnut. They are amazing. I'd describe them as a leather hiking shoe. They're a great daily beater, and can be dressed up in a pinch.
These are my favorite pair of shoes or boots, normally wore vans and I have whites Danner Georgia boots red wings and others so I’m not playin around here
I love my barefoot boots. I didnt even know about barefoot boots before, and these are now my daily boots. I only wish i waited a few weeks so i could get the new walnut veg tan leather option. Guess I'll have to buy another pair
Yep--I looooove my Barefoot ARs! Exactly what I have been wanting for a few years now, this minimalist feel and aesthetic. Awesome. Am now eyeing a pair of the veg re-tans, but am really hoping for a barefoot style AR with a 6 inch shaft. A custom order, perhaps? Deep kudos to both of you and great interview. See ya, mahalos! 🤙🥾
I think it is interesting that these barefoot boots are getting so much praise (I'm actually a barefoot fan) but are a total opposite from the ultra sturdy tank PNW boots which have taken off in popularity. They are so different in terms of weight, flexibility, sole material, and heel drop
If you're you're a value buyer and you're on the fence about trying Jim Green just buy them. You'll never find a better boot for the money. You won't find a better boot for anything priced $100 more. I own 5 pairs. They're awesome.
Hello, I am looking for some black boots for work and I think that I am ready to buy. My request is with sizing. I am a 12 ee in Trumans (79 last) and also own Allen Edmonds Higgins Mills in 12 e (just slightly snug). The REd Wing sizing robot had me as a 12...I have a nice wide foot and plan to throw in some insoles (I am def considering your new insoles!). Anyway, my understanding is that I should go with 12.5's...Thanks for your input and all the boot content you provide!!!
If you make these boots in steel toe and the toe cap is roomy enough that I can't feel it, I'll buy 10 pair of these boots just too stash in my closet for future use. I tried the steel toe Razorback but they hurt my big toe. Sometimes it's not only how wide the toe cap is but also where it's positioned on the boot.
Ive recently gotten adverstisements for Urban Shepard boots. The tag lines advertised a leather midsole, counter, and heel stack on 360 goodyear welt for less than $300. Ive never heard of the brand before. Any experience with them?
I use a felted alpaca wool insole for my Jim Green barefoot boots and it adds the perfect amount of squish and temperature/moisture control. Highly recommended. I also melted several layers of Red Wing natural leather conditioner into the natural color oily nubuck with a heat gun. It darkened the leather into a beautiful sort of Russet color and they're now completely waterproof to the point that I can stand in puddles of slushy snow and my feet stay dry. Amazing footwear!
@OlympianGift depends what I'm doing. I just use simple polyester/ cotton ones if I'm not really wearing them for long just around town. If I'm doing more outdoorsy activities or wearing all day, I prefer merino wool for the anti smell and moisture wicking.
My barefoot African Rangers are the most versatile and comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I wear them hiking, at the gym, walking around campus, and just about everywhere else. They can do anything!! I love them
I can see these guys making a PROPER barefoot Blundstone replacement. My Blundstones are the only pair of non-barefoot footwear I have left BECAUSE I haven't found a proper replacement that can be both casual AND dressed up. I do have a pair of Lems Chelsea boots, but, IMO do NOT dress up as well as my Blundstones do.
I found I needed an insole to make my barefoot feel less sloppy. I tried the Jim Green insole and had to cut it down a bit to fit. It worked but felt like too much squish. I ended up buying Nicks leather insoles a size too large from Amazon and then slowly trimmed to fit. My feet felt more secure but the shoes were initially a bit more stiff than something with foam. But after about 50 miles of use, the insoles had molded to my feet and are really comfortable. Just got in a new pair of the shoes with Nubuck walnut. Noticed a couple things. The upper around my ankle of the boots I have had since December have relaxed and seem to have a bigger opening. Nothing wrong with that as I find that more worn boot easier to get into. Second, that older pair now has ~200 -300 miles worn on them from daily 9:10 dog walks. That includes about a third of that as hiking. The rest is gravel trails and bike trails that I walk the dog on. I point this out as looking at the outsole. I have worn though over half the rubber in the heel and in the area of the balls of my foot. I suspect z a I will need to have the boot resoled by end of Spring. I love the boot as it has become quite comfortable. But I wonder if the rubber is to soft.
Toward the end of the video... You are completely correct. There isn't ANYTHING like these out there, which is why I not only got one pair in the initial pre-order, but custom ordered two additional pairs in full grain black for work. Keep it up!
2 years into Minimalist barefoot shoes and this is the perfect boot I’ve been waiting for. Wildlings,Vivo,Xero,Lems,Belanka,BearFoot, and now JIM GREEN ! 🐸🥾
I bought my barefoot AR on the presale and have been wearing them 5 months almost daily. Favorite shoe/boot I have ever owned. I work sometimes long hours standing on concrete and found the same thing as was mentioned, instead of feeling a painful sore at the end of the day, my feet feel tired like they got a good workout. After spending so much time on leather, now I really dislike the feeling of foam underneath. I love the sole, great grip in every situation I have tried, I expect it to last a year based on how it is doing 5 months in, will there be an option to purchase the sole material for a resole? I love that they are adding more options and might have to purchase a black pair for casual. Only thing I would change for my personal case is, my feet are super wide, if these were a cm wider would be awesome, might have to size up for my next pair which I hate doing and having extra length. A safety toe option of these would be amazing.
Thanks for the kind words and support, appreciated. Sole are available on Rose Anvil website, and we chatting on a resole option although with the soles should be an easy resole for your local cobbler
Just got mine on Monday. It's my first piece of barefoot footwear and I had read to ease into it but these are so comfortable they're the only shoes I've been wearing all week. Just hit them with some sno-seal and got some leather laces to finish them off. Loving them so far.
Got mine (in fudge) from the German website a few days ago, very comfortable from the get go, also got some vellies not tried them yet as the barefoots are so comfy. Next willget some custom (leather lasting and midsole) AR8. Wish Jim Green would make a really light slip-on barefoot summer shoe!
I've owned a pair of the original African Rangers for several months now and they have become my everyday shoes. Not only are they comfortable on the feet, but more importantly for me, they have managed to completely take away all knee pain I've been experienced the last few years in going up and down stairs. I can't say what has caused the pain, but it is probably a result of many years of running as a youth with awful worn out athletic shoes. If I switch to other shoes for a few days, the pain returns. I know this sounds like something you'd hear on a late-night TV infomercial, but the Rangers have genuinely been one of the best products I've purchased. I've never worn any kind of barefoot shoes, I'm wondering if the barefoot Rangers would further help my knees or not.
👍 Nice informative chat. I am totally happy with my Jim Green Vellies, which I have owned for about 5 months. I just received (3 days ago) my custom order (buffalo hide uppers) of Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot Boot and am beginning to fully appreciate them as well. Great products! Thanks to Jim Green for being so easy to work with. Thanks to Rose Anvil for introducing me to Jim Green and the collaboration on this barefoot boot.
I love the documentary videos Jim Green does with the safaris and the series they did with the Tuk Tuk guys. Oh, and the Ranger boot’s height, regular and barefoot, reminds me of a Vans Half-Cab.
I wish these are available in the Philippines. I am so used to barefoot shoes that regular shoes dont feel good. I recently got some adidas running shoes they feel tight and i cant feel clutch biting point of my car when driving.
Just got mine the other day! I bought brown as thought theyd be a more versatile for me. When they arrived i wasnt sure if i shouldve gone for another colour, but i coated them in renapur (i live in uk) and they look amazing! And super comfy out of the box
Seeing barefoot ARs on your channel is what made me get interested in boots. Bought them first, but had to wait a couple few months until Jan for them to arrive - after a few Rose Anvil videos, ended up getting Grant Stone Field Boots in reverse kudu and Black Chromexcel Diesels with leather outsoles. Love them. Yet once the ARs showed up, somehow i seem to wearing those GS boots only for special occasions, and the Barefoot Rangers are almost daily drivers....
I love my baobabs even though they aren’t super popular. They are like the perfect hybrid of a wedge sole and a grippy hiking boot. They are definitely warm with the 2 layers of leather, so I will definitely get some barefoot African rangers for the summer. Otherwise Im super happy with the Jim green boots 😎.
I highly recommend looking into wool insoles for more squish on a leather insole boot. I got some alpaca wool insoles, and I put them in all my boots now. They form to your feet, they wick away moisture, they don't stink, and they are warm for winter. Best insoles ever.
I just bought a pair today. I got the all black pair. Had to get these when I saw this was built like a normal boot but barefoot with the ability to be resoled. It's awesome, and I can't wait.
I LOVE my Barefoot African Ranger boots! It's kinda annoying because I have 3 other new pair of shoes but always gravitate to the Barefoot African Rangers because of how comfortable they are and how good they look.
The last few La Nina wet winters in North Florida made me get duplicates of every pair of boots I have. May never wear them now. The AR toe box has spoiled me.
As a, fashion, shoe and clothing lover out of South Africa... Heads up to Jim Green and Rose Anvil... Very few shows detailing shoes like you do. BTW.. I grew up as the son of a serious dry cleaner. You guys can always hit me up around vintage audio and camera equipment too. Great show. Greets from Cape Town..
I got the pre orders and have been wearing them every day since. I love these boots and would love to see them do something similar with their chelsea boot.
I picked up one to their black belts back in November and it has been a great belt. It's wearing very well and the buckle is a minimal but classy piece of hardware. Recommended gent's, the micro adjust is gimmicky but it does help with the yoyo around the holidays to get that snug, not constantly pulling your pants up, feel. Also, props for getting Samwise on the show, a real treat.
Got my Jim Green barefoot boots yesterday, really nice looking. I have 8 1/2 EEE feet and usually have to buy 9s anyway, so I took your advice and got the size 9. My feet are swimming a bit in them, which is not a bad thing. It will take some getting used to but liking them so far. UPDATE: thought I'd add that I did end up adding a liner, which makes the boot fit a little snugger. I personally probably would have been better off sticking with my normal size of 8.5, so just an fyi.
Proud to say I own both colors of the barefoot AR from the original release. They are by far my favorite footwear that I can remember owning. I did use a Dr S. heal only “insole” to help with the transition to barefoot all the time, but took it out after 2 weeks and use nothing now. I also waterproofed my Houston brown to have a pair for our rainy season here in California. I never thought I’d feel so strongly towards a specific shoe or boot but you guys got me. Very well done! Thank you!
He's absolutely right that we're thankful for you guys putting the barefoot boots together. I'm super stoked to see the nicer leather, as one of my biggest wishes for my barefoot rangers is better leather! The other wish is for the same boot with a taller shaft, there are times that I wish it weren't low cut. I've actually been wearing mine through the winter in Colorado, and with some nice wool socks, they've performed beautifully. But for comfort's sake in cold conditions, I would love to have a taller version. Not crazy tall, maybe eight or ten eyes compared to the existing five. Also excited about the steel toe version! When I told my friends about these boots, their first question was if there was a steel toe version. I love an unstructured toe box myself for the sake of comfort and a more natural looking break-in, but for some folks who are used to wearing steel toe boots, it's obviously a non-negotiable feature.
Just got my barefoot African ranger boots a couple days ago and they are so perfect. I’m really interested in a steel toe for the trades. Those could save my career with my flat arches. I’m currently saving up for the African troopers after feeling the rangers. Thank you for making a quality boot in this genre. These will save my back and knees.
These boots are in my future. I just need to go through all the boots I have. After 26 years in the backcountry law enforcement and construction previously, I have gone almost really barefoot and sandals. Need something a bit more civilized again.
I LOVE my African rangers!! But I can say without adding my own insoles they wouldn't be very comfortable at all. Not underfoot at least..you'll feel most everything esp in the ball of your foot. I couldn't even imagine the feel of absolutely everything while wearing the barefoot rangers. They must be crazy uncomfortable without your own insoles and even then they're so thin on bottom you're still going to feel most everything. I feel like it's an around the inside of the house kind of shoe or going out grocery shopping shoe..or check the mail shoe. Going to work or doing everyday things with them I feel like will be very uncomfortable. The way you can flex them and fold them in half makes them seem like they'd be horribly uncomfortable. I don't know how people wear the regular African rangers without an aftermarket insole let alone these! And I was able to add my insole on top of my rangers. Not swap them out. If I just swapped the insoles I'm pretty positive they'd be too uncomfortable for me to wear. Gotta have a nice thick soft insole for them to be comfortable. For me anyway. Which makes me think they'll never break into my feet perfectly because the insoles I use are like are memory foam so they're quite squishy. Won't form to your foot like the insole they come with. I like them though..a lot! I also have them set up great for me right now. Finding a nice flat insole to put in 1st then a nice cushioned one to put on top would be ideal. I'm still looking to figure that out. My heel would sit lower that way too although not needed. They feel great how I have them atm
Hi Mate, Just got my pair of barefoot rangers and they're great! I just wanted to know if there's a difference in leather between the Houston Brown's & the Houston Black? Black's look a little furry?
I love the Adventure videos the most! Got two pairs of barefoot rangers. Only thing I would change is to make the soles less soft - I wore them out in only a few months. Edit: WRT being soft underfoot - like discussed towards the end of the video, you totally get used to having less squishy soles. You will stop bashing your feet when walking, and since the shoes are flexible you will move around more when standing around. I think a slightly harder outsole on these won’t affect the long term comfort but having them last longer for us walkers would be awesome. Especially when it would be hard to find a sole to resole with outside of SA or US.
My original barefoot African Rangers just came in today, but I’m wondering if the new veg re tans are “better quality” being veg tan instead of the porous nubuck. Help!
Looked at buying a pair of Numzaam but the price point in England took them into Crockett and Jones and Trickers territory, shame i fancied a pair but ended up at Trickers factory shop buying their country boot at £100 less
Always a pleasure stopping by the shop, thanks for having me and for the support of our boots
What did you put underneath the haft sock liner
Bought the green and Walnut Veg already ❤
Hey Gareth, how were the frog grip soles on those Numzaans while walking in the snow? I really like the slim profile of that sole, but I want to make sure I would not be slipping and sliding every time I wore them in the snow.
Please start carrying smaller/women’s sizing!!
Can I PLEASE get a suede style?!? I want to wear a pair at work but it has to resemble the US Army "coyote brown" boots
The barefoot was a huge hole in the market. High quality, leather footwear in the barefoot silhouette. Nothing like the Jim Green offering exists. A genius idea! No wonder it has been a success.
A hard toe would make it even more rare
Composite toe
Im a police officer in the US and I use the black African Rangers as my patrol boot (the regular version, not the barefoot). Been using them for over a year now. Super comfy and flexible. Love them
That’s badass!
This is like the Nike Air Jordan 1 of barefoot boots ! Jim Green is making history and they don’t even know it ! I can see myself wearing these barefoot boots for the next 20+ years and not complaining one bit ! They are literally PERFECT for everything except formal wear ! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have been wearing a pair of barefoots in fudge for about a month now daily. I was so excited to see black but so sad it is nubuck. I need it to take a polish for work purposes. Also I’d love a taller pair of barefoot boots, and an option without toe caps. I love these boots and I’m ordering some in the natural veg now.
I would get an all black shiny AR8 with barefoot soles too, especially with black hardware.
@@ek-nz I hadn’t even thought of that. I agree
I absolutely love this boot, and I'm glad to see more being produced. I wear mine to the office, out on dates with my wife, going on hikes, basically everywhere except hiking in the rain. If I could ask for one thing, make a tall version. I'm honestly on the fence about buying a second pair as a dedicated hiking boot that I can thrash on, and if there were tall option that would be the easiest decision I ever made.
I'm wearing mine now. Absolutely love them. Soaked them in Huberds shoe grease on the first day, turned them dark brown. They are, hands down the best boots I've ever owned. I will be purchasing more in the future as well as recommending them to everyone.
I was there for the site crashing on launch, and since the barefoot rangers have become my primary boot. Glad to see they are going to keep making them
I just ordered the Houston Brown ones like a week ago so I just missed out on this restock with the new colors, darn it. Those new Green and Black ones just look so clean/good.
I purchased my African Ranger barefoot in Fudge color, and they’re amazing. A big thanks to Jim Green and RoseAnvil for the collaboration. Very comfortable, wear mine to the office.
I'm curious how wide the toe box is? Do you know if the toe box is wider than the regular?
@@shrakasomething like 2-3mm wider
@@shraka yes, they’re wider. They almost resemble clown shoes, because of how wide they are, but still look good!
Thank you for making these boots. It has saved my feet on my motorcycle. I was having to swap out of my motorcycle into the barefoot shoes that I made by hand when I got to work/store since the motorcycle boots were squishing my toes so badly. Now I can just wear these boots and get the protection from the genuine leather on my foot but also the comfort of walking around. The shifter is a bit hard on the left top side of the foot, so I zip tied some spare leather I had around shifter and its been since. So a steel toe of this boot would be bang on.
I wear these just about every day. Riding motorcycles, skateboarding, business attire, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, everything. I do also wear them without socks when I am doing wet activities so I can take them on and off quickly. So good.
Will you come out with the barefoots in the buffalo leather? I think a heavy leather would be a nice inbetween with the standards and the steel toe cap. Or maybe do a 3 layer toe cap like you have on the boots you are currently wearing in this video?
I love my jim greens! Wide and comfy ❤
I have a pair of Jim GREENS and I REALLY LIKE them
I love the look of those boots and I think I would really like them. My only worry is the toe cap and how it drops to the tip so quickly. I think my toes might feel cramped from the top my my foot enjoys all of the room of the wide toe box. I love wide toe box boots. You mentioned a steel toe, but that is a bit overkill for me.
I got some custom all-blacks before they launched the new color. I wear them as sneakers.
Please make one for the restaurant workers. I'm a server and I deal with slippery kitchen floors from spilled food, condiments, drinks, etc...I also deal with all sorts of liquids on my upper sole such as cleaning chemicals and hot drinks. I also deal with stubbing my shoes from all sorts of objects and as well as getting stumped by accident from a coworker.
I got a pair of the barefoot rangers in the veg re-tanned walnut. They are amazing. I'd describe them as a leather hiking shoe. They're a great daily beater, and can be dressed up in a pinch.
These are my favorite pair of shoes or boots, normally wore vans and I have whites Danner Georgia boots red wings and others so I’m not playin around here
I love my barefoot boots. I didnt even know about barefoot boots before, and these are now my daily boots. I only wish i waited a few weeks so i could get the new walnut veg tan leather option. Guess I'll have to buy another pair
Rose Anvil sold me on the barefoot AR's. My barefoot AR's sold me on the original AR in buffalo hide. Now I want a pair of the 8" barefoots.
Yep--I looooove my Barefoot ARs!
Exactly what I have been wanting for a few years now, this minimalist feel and aesthetic. Awesome.
Am now eyeing a pair of the veg re-tans, but am really hoping for a barefoot style AR with a 6 inch shaft. A custom order, perhaps?
Deep kudos to both of you and great interview. See ya, mahalos! 🤙🥾
I think it is interesting that these barefoot boots are getting so much praise (I'm actually a barefoot fan) but are a total opposite from the ultra sturdy tank PNW boots which have taken off in popularity. They are so different in terms of weight, flexibility, sole material, and heel drop
I just ordered my first pair of jim greens bearfoot on Saturday! Can't wait to get' em
Other than the low instep, I have been loving my Barefoot boots.
If you're you're a value buyer and you're on the fence about trying Jim Green just buy them. You'll never find a better boot for the money. You won't find a better boot for anything priced $100 more. I own 5 pairs. They're awesome.
I hope someday you guys will do an Onitsuka Tiger review. I'll keep asking until you guys do it.
I'm excited about these. They may be my next boot purchase. Always looking for shoes that allow my feet to move naturally.
I have been waiting for those OD barefoots to come out! Absolutely will be picking a pair of those up
Wish these were available in smaller sizes for us ladies to buy
Weston, thanks for this video and slipping in a quick review of the new JG Numzaan.
Hello, I am looking for some black boots for work and I think that I am ready to buy. My request is with sizing. I am a 12 ee in Trumans (79 last) and also own Allen Edmonds Higgins Mills in 12 e (just slightly snug). The REd Wing sizing robot had me as a 12...I have a nice wide foot and plan to throw in some insoles (I am def considering your new insoles!). Anyway, my understanding is that I should go with 12.5's...Thanks for your input and all the boot content you provide!!!
clarification: the barefoot african ranger boots...thanks!
If you make these boots in steel toe and the toe cap is roomy enough that I can't feel it, I'll buy 10 pair of these boots just too stash in my closet for future use. I tried the steel toe Razorback but they hurt my big toe. Sometimes it's not only how wide the toe cap is but also where it's positioned on the boot.
Ive recently gotten adverstisements for Urban Shepard boots. The tag lines advertised a leather midsole, counter, and heel stack on 360 goodyear welt for less than $300. Ive never heard of the brand before. Any experience with them?
I want them in black
Broadwinger square toebox > Jim Green round/pointy toebox
Just bought a pair, missed it the first time!
I need a pair of barefoot AR8's!
4 March 2024 - Just received my Numzaan's 🥾🐸
Mine are broken in wear no inserts
barefoot outback boot when also in black please thank you
Jim Green is best girl
For the love of God check the original Polish army boots
African Ranger Barefoot 6 inch? Or 8 even.
Is sizing normal or is it a half size down like a lot of other boots?
According to their website, they're true to your Brannock device size. If you'd like to wear thicker socks however, half a size up from that.
sign me up for those Insoles you are making!
Composite toe no steel
I use a felted alpaca wool insole for my Jim Green barefoot boots and it adds the perfect amount of squish and temperature/moisture control. Highly recommended. I also melted several layers of Red Wing natural leather conditioner into the natural color oily nubuck with a heat gun. It darkened the leather into a beautiful sort of Russet color and they're now completely waterproof to the point that I can stand in puddles of slushy snow and my feet stay dry. Amazing footwear!
I have Jim Green African Ranger boots but not the barefoot version. I also use felted alpaca insoles and I'm with you. I absolutely love it.
What socks are good? Or just any socks?
@OlympianGift depends what I'm doing. I just use simple polyester/ cotton ones if I'm not really wearing them for long just around town. If I'm doing more outdoorsy activities or wearing all day, I prefer merino wool for the anti smell and moisture wicking.
My barefoot African Rangers are the most versatile and comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I wear them hiking, at the gym, walking around campus, and just about everywhere else. They can do anything!! I love them
I can see these guys making a PROPER barefoot Blundstone replacement. My Blundstones are the only pair of non-barefoot footwear I have left BECAUSE I haven't found a proper replacement that can be both casual AND dressed up. I do have a pair of Lems Chelsea boots, but, IMO do NOT dress up as well as my Blundstones do.
Please make that steel toe barefoot ranger. I’ll be a buyer for sure.
I found I needed an insole to make my barefoot feel less sloppy. I tried the Jim Green insole and had to cut it down a bit to fit. It worked but felt like too much squish. I ended up buying Nicks leather insoles a size too large from Amazon and then slowly trimmed to fit. My feet felt more secure but the shoes were initially a bit more stiff than something with foam. But after about 50 miles of use, the insoles had molded to my feet and are really comfortable.
Just got in a new pair of the shoes with Nubuck walnut. Noticed a couple things. The upper around my ankle of the boots I have had since December have relaxed and seem to have a bigger opening. Nothing wrong with that as I find that more worn boot easier to get into. Second, that older pair now has ~200 -300 miles worn on them from daily 9:10 dog walks. That includes about a third of that as hiking. The rest is gravel trails and bike trails that I walk the dog on. I point this out as looking at the outsole. I have worn though over half the rubber in the heel and in the area of the balls of my foot. I suspect z a I will need to have the boot resoled by end of Spring. I love the boot as it has become quite comfortable. But I wonder if the rubber is to soft.
Toward the end of the video... You are completely correct. There isn't ANYTHING like these out there, which is why I not only got one pair in the initial pre-order, but custom ordered two additional pairs in full grain black for work. Keep it up!
What I need, and I suspect a lot of other guys need as well, is a pair of barefoot boots with a safety toe option.
2 years into Minimalist barefoot shoes and this is the perfect boot I’ve been waiting for. Wildlings,Vivo,Xero,Lems,Belanka,BearFoot, and now JIM GREEN ! 🐸🥾
I bought my barefoot AR on the presale and have been wearing them 5 months almost daily. Favorite shoe/boot I have ever owned. I work sometimes long hours standing on concrete and found the same thing as was mentioned, instead of feeling a painful sore at the end of the day, my feet feel tired like they got a good workout. After spending so much time on leather, now I really dislike the feeling of foam underneath. I love the sole, great grip in every situation I have tried, I expect it to last a year based on how it is doing 5 months in, will there be an option to purchase the sole material for a resole? I love that they are adding more options and might have to purchase a black pair for casual. Only thing I would change for my personal case is, my feet are super wide, if these were a cm wider would be awesome, might have to size up for my next pair which I hate doing and having extra length. A safety toe option of these would be amazing.
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Thanks for the kind words and support, appreciated. Sole are available on Rose Anvil website, and we chatting on a resole option although with the soles should be an easy resole for your local cobbler
Just got mine on Monday. It's my first piece of barefoot footwear and I had read to ease into it but these are so comfortable they're the only shoes I've been wearing all week. Just hit them with some sno-seal and got some leather laces to finish them off. Loving them so far.
Got mine (in fudge) from the German website a few days ago, very comfortable from the get go, also got some vellies not tried them yet as the barefoots are so comfy. Next willget some custom (leather lasting and midsole) AR8. Wish Jim Green would make a really light slip-on barefoot summer shoe!
I'd be really interested in how you think the vellies compare to the barefoots.
I've owned a pair of the original African Rangers for several months now and they have become my everyday shoes. Not only are they comfortable on the feet, but more importantly for me, they have managed to completely take away all knee pain I've been experienced the last few years in going up and down stairs. I can't say what has caused the pain, but it is probably a result of many years of running as a youth with awful worn out athletic shoes. If I switch to other shoes for a few days, the pain returns. I know this sounds like something you'd hear on a late-night TV infomercial, but the Rangers have genuinely been one of the best products I've purchased. I've never worn any kind of barefoot shoes, I'm wondering if the barefoot Rangers would further help my knees or not.
The next logical step would be Shoellie barefoots!
Best pair of boots I’ve ever wore! So comfortable
Nice boots but i wish i looked up the import pricing before ordering to Canada 😅. Turns out we don't have a trade agreement with ZA lol.
That’s what’s held me back, as a canuck.
Peep the Stanley on your desk 😂😂 Not saying you're a white girl some times, just sayin ❤️
I think he had it before it was trendy
👍 Nice informative chat.
I am totally happy with my Jim Green Vellies, which I have owned for about 5 months.
I just received (3 days ago) my custom order (buffalo hide uppers) of Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot Boot and am beginning to fully appreciate them as well.
Great products! Thanks to Jim Green for being so easy to work with. Thanks to Rose Anvil for introducing me to Jim Green and the collaboration on this barefoot boot.
I love the documentary videos Jim Green does with the safaris and the series they did with the Tuk Tuk guys.
Oh, and the Ranger boot’s height, regular and barefoot, reminds me of a Vans Half-Cab.
I wish these are available in the Philippines. I am so used to barefoot shoes that regular shoes dont feel good. I recently got some adidas running shoes they feel tight and i cant feel clutch biting point of my car when driving.
Love my razor backs
Just got mine the other day! I bought brown as thought theyd be a more versatile for me. When they arrived i wasnt sure if i shouldve gone for another colour, but i coated them in renapur (i live in uk) and they look amazing! And super comfy out of the box
I love this shoe, but that fudge leather that I have is butt ugly. I wish I had gotten this boot in the newer veg tanned leathers.
You need to collaborate with origin on a barefoot boot. American made would be awesome and I would buy them for sure
Seeing barefoot ARs on your channel is what made me get interested in boots. Bought them first, but had to wait a couple few months until Jan for them to arrive - after a few Rose Anvil videos, ended up getting Grant Stone Field Boots in reverse kudu and Black Chromexcel Diesels with leather outsoles. Love them. Yet once the ARs showed up, somehow i seem to wearing those GS boots only for special occasions, and the Barefoot Rangers are almost daily drivers....
Hows the fit? Where are your toes in the toe box, how much space?
I hope rose anvil does a video on the ar8 boot soon, I think it'd be a very interesting boot to learn more about
I love my baobabs even though they aren’t super popular. They are like the perfect hybrid of a wedge sole and a grippy hiking boot. They are definitely warm with the 2 layers of leather, so I will definitely get some barefoot African rangers for the summer. Otherwise Im super happy with the Jim green boots 😎.
Buffalo Buffalo Buffalo!
Buffalo leather barefoot AR please
I wish these were available in my country
What brand is that flannel Weston's wearing?
I hope more companies make barefoot products that are functional in more situations.
I highly recommend looking into wool insoles for more squish on a leather insole boot. I got some alpaca wool insoles, and I put them in all my boots now. They form to your feet, they wick away moisture, they don't stink, and they are warm for winter. Best insoles ever.
I just bought a pair today. I got the all black pair. Had to get these when I saw this was built like a normal boot but barefoot with the ability to be resoled. It's awesome, and I can't wait.
I LOVE my Barefoot African Ranger boots! It's kinda annoying because I have 3 other new pair of shoes but always gravitate to the Barefoot African Rangers because of how comfortable they are and how good they look.
The last few La Nina wet winters in North Florida made me get duplicates of every pair of boots I have. May never wear them now. The AR toe box has spoiled me.
As a, fashion, shoe and clothing lover out of South Africa... Heads up to Jim Green and Rose Anvil... Very few shows detailing shoes like you do. BTW.. I grew up as the son of a serious dry cleaner. You guys can always hit me up around vintage audio and camera equipment too. Great show. Greets from Cape Town..
Great shoe. But, the story behind it is what makes it interesting for clients. Great marketing concept.
Where can I buy a pair in the UK? Can only see options where I have to pay heavy VAT and delivery charges from SA, USA, or continental Europe.
I got the pre orders and have been wearing them every day since. I love these boots and would love to see them do something similar with their chelsea boot.
Absolutely love mine. Was worth sitting through the website crash.
Can’t wait for a black 8”
I picked up one to their black belts back in November and it has been a great belt. It's wearing very well and the buckle is a minimal but classy piece of hardware. Recommended gent's, the micro adjust is gimmicky but it does help with the yoyo around the holidays to get that snug, not constantly pulling your pants up, feel.
Also, props for getting Samwise on the show, a real treat.
Got my Jim Green barefoot boots yesterday, really nice looking. I have 8 1/2 EEE feet and usually have to buy 9s anyway, so I took your advice and got the size 9. My feet are swimming a bit in them, which is not a bad thing. It will take some getting used to but liking them so far. UPDATE: thought I'd add that I did end up adding a liner, which makes the boot fit a little snugger. I personally probably would have been better off sticking with my normal size of 8.5, so just an fyi.
Proud to say I own both colors of the barefoot AR from the original release. They are by far my favorite footwear that I can remember owning. I did use a Dr S. heal only “insole” to help with the transition to barefoot all the time, but took it out after 2 weeks and use nothing now. I also waterproofed my Houston brown to have a pair for our rainy season here in California.
I never thought I’d feel so strongly towards a specific shoe or boot but you guys got me. Very well done! Thank you!
He's absolutely right that we're thankful for you guys putting the barefoot boots together. I'm super stoked to see the nicer leather, as one of my biggest wishes for my barefoot rangers is better leather!
The other wish is for the same boot with a taller shaft, there are times that I wish it weren't low cut. I've actually been wearing mine through the winter in Colorado, and with some nice wool socks, they've performed beautifully. But for comfort's sake in cold conditions, I would love to have a taller version. Not crazy tall, maybe eight or ten eyes compared to the existing five.
Also excited about the steel toe version! When I told my friends about these boots, their first question was if there was a steel toe version. I love an unstructured toe box myself for the sake of comfort and a more natural looking break-in, but for some folks who are used to wearing steel toe boots, it's obviously a non-negotiable feature.
Just got my barefoot African ranger boots a couple days ago and they are so perfect. I’m really interested in a steel toe for the trades. Those could save my career with my flat arches. I’m currently saving up for the African troopers after feeling the rangers. Thank you for making a quality boot in this genre. These will save my back and knees.
These boots are in my future. I just need to go through all the boots I have. After 26 years in the backcountry law enforcement and construction previously, I have gone almost really barefoot and sandals. Need something a bit more civilized again.
I LOVE my African rangers!! But I can say without adding my own insoles they wouldn't be very comfortable at all. Not underfoot at least..you'll feel most everything esp in the ball of your foot. I couldn't even imagine the feel of absolutely everything while wearing the barefoot rangers. They must be crazy uncomfortable without your own insoles and even then they're so thin on bottom you're still going to feel most everything. I feel like it's an around the inside of the house kind of shoe or going out grocery shopping shoe..or check the mail shoe. Going to work or doing everyday things with them I feel like will be very uncomfortable. The way you can flex them and fold them in half makes them seem like they'd be horribly uncomfortable. I don't know how people wear the regular African rangers without an aftermarket insole let alone these! And I was able to add my insole on top of my rangers. Not swap them out. If I just swapped the insoles I'm pretty positive they'd be too uncomfortable for me to wear. Gotta have a nice thick soft insole for them to be comfortable. For me anyway. Which makes me think they'll never break into my feet perfectly because the insoles I use are like are memory foam so they're quite squishy. Won't form to your foot like the insole they come with. I like them though..a lot! I also have them set up great for me right now. Finding a nice flat insole to put in 1st then a nice cushioned one to put on top would be ideal. I'm still looking to figure that out. My heel would sit lower that way too although not needed. They feel great how I have them atm
Hi Mate,
Just got my pair of barefoot rangers and they're great! I just wanted to know if there's a difference in leather between the Houston Brown's & the Houston Black? Black's look a little furry?
I love the Adventure videos the most! Got two pairs of barefoot rangers. Only thing I would change is to make the soles less soft - I wore them out in only a few months. Edit: WRT being soft underfoot - like discussed towards the end of the video, you totally get used to having less squishy soles. You will stop bashing your feet when walking, and since the shoes are flexible you will move around more when standing around. I think a slightly harder outsole on these won’t affect the long term comfort but having them last longer for us walkers would be awesome. Especially when it would be hard to find a sole to resole with outside of SA or US.
My original barefoot African Rangers just came in today, but I’m wondering if the new veg re tans are “better quality” being veg tan instead of the porous nubuck. Help!
I love my African Ranger Bearfoot boots. Glad that you are bringing on some new leather options. I would like to have one of each.
Looked at buying a pair of Numzaam but the price point in England took them into Crockett and Jones and Trickers territory, shame i fancied a pair but ended up at Trickers factory shop buying their country boot at £100 less
I cant believe that there are no safety toes built for wide feet. This is the problem with a lack of competition.
will there be a water resistant/waterproof barefoot shoes that can be used for wet weather hiking?
Looking for an answer to this question as well
Just use some Hubbards shoe grease on these boots and they should be fine
Have yet to see a video of anyone actually walking in them, with full hallux extension and with the leather fully broken in. They look cool no doubt