So UGLY they're cool! - Jim Green African Ranger
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2024
- Jim Green has cemented their place as high quality, yet affordable boots. This South African company is also giving back to their community in unique ways, like with this African Ranger boot.
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Jim Green African Ranger: bit.ly/3pIu8pi
Another interesting video on Jim Green and their conservation efforts: • THE PEOPLE SAVING OUR ...
-The Carl Murawski Podcast: spoti.fi/39HXcFM
-Website: www.carlmurawski.com
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Timestamps
0:00 Jim Green African Ranger
1:10 Construction
3:22 Comfort
4:47 Durability
5:30 Value
6:28 Style
8:15 Conclusion
Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well and allows you to own less and own better. 
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BUY HERE:
Jim Green African Ranger: bit.ly/3pIu8pi
Going to be doing a one year review? Would love to see how they're holding up.
@@nickrowan I agree I heel strike very hard and would be interested in how these perform in commercial construction environments
I actually think they look quite cool
Agreed
Hahahaha beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
There's something about them that feels well thought out (probably because they are well thought out) and that gives it a great look
Yeah I bought these as my first boot over the razorback specifically because I thought they looked really nice
Agree. I think they look far better than many of the more extreme PNW boots with their weird Cuban style heels and ridiculously thick and heavy soles. The lower profile sole and rough and ready uppers makes them look good.
Great to have the videos back and even better to kick it off with our African Ranger. Just a few months in and we have already kitted out over 500 rangers with a solid set of boots. Thanks to all for the support so far.
The video had a great flow and style to it, I love the reference to the AMC Eagle. I happen to really like the look of that car too so it ties in perfectly with our boot - Unique and does the job💪
I would definitely buy a pair for an 8" shaft version of this --I actually like the looks. And maybe, on a Honey Vibram sole?
@@BruceWayne-sf2de thanks for the feedback, it has been a thought to do something along those lines.
Currently our only 8inch is our AR8 boot which specs are more in line the Razorback boot.
An 8 inch boot is not a popular option here in South Africa hence our lack of this style offering, as we establish in the US maybe we will look at introducing another 8 inch to the range
Is there any way to buy your products in Europe or ship them here?
@nja Seconded. Is there a plan to make wide sizes?
@@MisterKnightly the boots are wide (the razor back is atleast)
I actually love the way they look. Perfect blend of boot and sneaker and they have that hand made look. Rugged and unique.
I personally think the shoe has a unique look to it which is not ugly.
Here in South-Africa Jim Green is even cheaper, the African Ranger only cost $103 or 1900 rand.
And people also wear their work boots to any occasion whether formal, casual or at the beach, even to their wedding.
As an American living in South Africa for over 9 years, two thoughts--the explanation regarding their aesthetics are, in my opinion, all about function, sorta like Africa's favoured Landy Defender vehicle. It ain't pretty, but it was designed for very difficult environments. Having walked the Namibian desert, camped the Okavango Delta, gotten soaked at Vic Falls, and having cruised Kruger, among many others, this makes total sense to me. It needs to get you there and back again.
The second thought--your point about the insole being a place to cut costs also makes a huge amount of sense to me when one realizes that many of our indigenous Rangers grew up often with no shoes or few, in very harsh and demanding pedestrian environments, and their feet are conditioned, tough as nails. As such, survey answers from them may not have included regard for the comfier aspects as perhaps I would have demanded from my upbringing where shoes and tennis shoes/tekkies were the norm. Even the school shoes required of our South African government schools are wearable forms of daily torture. (ask my 3 daughters.) All in all, I couldn't be prouder of Jim Green footwear and their regard for our guys and gals out in the bush, and am saving up for my own pair of "function over form" Rangers.
i thought Toyota Land Cruisers were the favoured vehicle in Africa, or maybe that is only South Africa. Defenders are not known for their reliability... unlike Land Cruisers
The classic Defender is the most beautiful vehicle of all time. I'm glad the new Ineos Grenadier looks similar while being a much higher quality and capable vehicle.
LMAO at calling LRs dependable. Good clue that someone has never owned one.
@@z.w.7292 I just drove my '08 Defender from the bottom of South Africa to north of Maputo, Mozambique, nearly 2000km of driving in mud, sand, urban sprawl, and African switchbacks. So far, so good. Are they as reliable as a Toyota? Nope. But mine got me here, and we head further north in the coming days.
@@Murtagh653 The cruiser is definitely the most sought after vehicle for farmers and people who live work in the bush. Having driven both Cruiser and the Defender, extensively for work, the Defender is without a doubt the worst vehicle I have ever driven. I would rather walk than drive another defender.
my philosophy has always been "beauty in function" so these boots are pretty much a dream come true. they look perfect to me. they're just very raw and rugged; the only aesthetic addition being the logo burned into the back
I'm a year late to this but I own a pair and love them for my job in conservation/land management. They're durable enough to build trails and boardwalks, but comfortable and lightweight enough to hike miles for bird surveys or land inspections. Absolutely love them, perfect middle ground!
My dad, a 61 year old south african farmer has been wearing these boots for as long as i can remember. Loves them! I ven had a pair for a while.
Personally I don't think the ranger boot is ugly ,I've grown to enjoy the wide toe box look and everything else. I don't own a pair but hoping to one day , things are tight. I love Jim Green 🐸 and love what they stand for.
I actually think these boots are one of the best looking boots out there in my opinion.
I love the look of these. £95 in Britain, shipped from SA. A very good deal.
I don’t find these to be ugly at all. I really like the look of a wider boot.
Great video! I am a Game Warden and always on the hunt for the perfect boot for the job. When I stumbled across these boots and did a little research, I knew I had to try them. I reached out to customer service and they were great at helping me with the correct sizing. The wide toe box is an excellent feature that affords all day comfort in the woods or on the street, especially for my wide foot. Glad I found them. Also the fact that they donate a pair of boots to African Rangers is a cause I am glad to support. Thanks for the video and information. Keep it up !
Been a Jim Green fan since I was 15. Bought a pair of these a few months ago as a heavier duty, more smartish casual wear boot for the wet winters in Cape Town, where my lighter duty vellies slip and slide all the time. The African Rangers grip better in the wet than the vellies, but are also comfortable and cool on warm, dry sunny days. I found break-in to be much easier than previous pairs of Jim Greens I had, but I'd recommend you change the insoles immediately after purchasing. The stock insoles are too hard for my liking. I agree that they aren't the prettiest boot, but in a way they look good to me. I'm certain they will last many years if looked after properly. Very happy that Jim Green has finally got onto the USA scene. They are good, durable, hardy boots and deserve recognition.
How does the thread hold up on concrete?
@@j-boy9256 I wouldn't use them extensively on concrete. The tread is a bit soft for that, but they are resoleable, so at least when they wear out, you just have to replace the sole instead of getting a new pair of boots.
@@Mikey4808 Thanks for the information. As a teacher I do see a good amount of concrete, I appreciate the feedback.
On another note - I am amazed your AMC Eagle looks as good as it is and still runs. You have done a great job keeping it up.
There is a little bit of body rot, but all in all shes in great condition!
@@CarlMurawski I would imagine you don't drive it after a snow and the roads are salted. In Montana they do not salt the roads so cars remain in great shape until they hit a deer.
I feel the same way I feel about square toe western boots, they are so utilitarian and comfy that whatever perception of ugly is replaced with a sense of functional charm, it’s all about how you carry yourself in them imho.
Wear what you want, how you want. Forget the fashionistas.
The parallel with the automotive world was a nice touch. Nice work, Carl.
Great video and I love the tie-in with the AMC Eagle! I own a pair of African Rangers in the brown and they're great! Very comfortable! I just pre-ordered an 8-inch black pair that will join the other three Jim Green shoes/boots I own. If it weren't for you, Carl, and Rose Anvil, I wouldn't have known about Jim Green. Thanks for all you do!
Welcome back, Carl. Excellent review and thoughts. Thanks for introducing us to this boot.
My pleasure! Its great to be back!
"Own less and better". That´s such an awesome tagline and really captures the essence of this channel. Great work
Edit: is that AMC yours? What an absolute beauty! Wouldn´t mind a video about that 😉
Thank you Nick! The Eagle is actually my sisters, she has a couple old cars so I guess it runs in the family!
I love that you Mentioned the AMC Eagle, I've never owned one but have always kind of loved them. Great review thank you.
Love this video. I watched your video and Jim Greens on the Making of these Boots. All of this boot is hand made. Love the two row stitching. Have to buy me a pair.
I got these in crazy horse leather as my first leather boots for my 18th birthday, and man I was waiting MONTHS for people to actually talk about these, also I like how they look...
I've had mine for a week now and they are fantastic. Highly recommended.
Been waiting for a review of these for a while, and I am glad it was reviewed by the best :) thanks, can't wait to get a pair!
You're too kind! Thank you so much!
Good to have you back man. Your videos are always top knotch.
Much appreciated, its great to be back!!!
I've just bought a pair of these and having wide feet, they fit wonderfully. Super comfy straight out of the box!
some beautiful shots in this video
Thanks a lot!
I've been waiting for this video. My Razorbacks have been a game changer for me on the job and I have been thinking about this model since I've seen them on the Jim Green website. My parents owned a GMC Eagle, it was our family car growing up. You gotta love 4wheel drive on a hatchback
No doubt! Its like the Subaru outback before it existed here in the states!
I have had mine African Rangers for 8months now, I absolutely love them! Fantastiscly comfortable and cool looking!
If I wear 10.5 in a shoe should I get 10.5 in this boot or a 10? Thanks
Great to hear!
I've had a pair of suede Velles for a couple of years now. Love the wide toe box. They are the most comfortable shoes I have.
I have a pair of these in the crazy horse leather, too. Sized up and put a cork Birkenstock insole in them. They’ve very comfortable with very little break in. I get compliments on them every time I wear them. Thanks for another great video. Glad you’re back!
Thank you for the feedback, and its great to be back!!!
Which Birkenstock insole did you use?
Courteney is a fabulous South African ranger boot brand too. Solid, staggeringly durable and long lasting.
Have a pair of Vellies myself and they are very similar to these just in a lower profile. Perfect for yard work or just as slip ons!
If been wearing mine for 2 moths I upgraded the insoles and added generation parachord laces in green .. it’s a great boot especially in crazy horse leather .. I actually want another pair .. I sprayed them with Saphir waterproofing and conditioner
I had been thinking of checking these out and I saw your review so I decided to give them a shot. So far I love them, probably the first boots I have purchased that are pretty comfortable right out of the box. I agree with you that the insole kind of sucks but that is an easy fix and I think the construction of the tongue is kind of odd, will probably be better once it’s broken in a little. Will be interested to see how they perform over the long haul, but for the price it is hard to fault them on anything.
Awesome review!
Hey man , awesome video. I'm from South Africa and I'm another brand which is awesome is Courtney from Zimbabwe. My dad has worn them for many years and he says there's nothing better.
100% agree, Courteneys are fantastic
Thank you! I'll definitely check them out!!
I just got a AMC Eagle 1980 from matchbox just to put it next to my Jim Green AR lol thanks for the video, I got my boots after watching your and rose anvil video and they are one of the best shoes I have ever buy,
I have a pair of these in brown and I love them. I'm a big fan of wide toe box shoes/boots and these really let your feet keep their normal shape. I've been messing around with different insoles trying to find what works best for me.
How is the thread wear on concrete? Are they holding up well?
I have been wearing my African Rangers for about 3 months now and love them! The insoles are comically bad but I am happy to change out an insole for a good custom fit.
Agreed!
I have a pair on the way (coming this week). Did you swap out the insoles?
@@RoyalFizzbin you pretty much have to, my recommendation is to cut your own out of thick veg tan leather, most insoles will be too narrow for the wide toe box and thick leather makes a great insole.
Been looking for some good summer weather boots to wear with shorts and between your review and a few others I'm sold on getting a pair of these!
Me too! I just ordered last night. Can't wait for them to arrive! You order a pair yet??
@@ksajak not yet, hopefully soon.
Finally, got a pair in olive green loving these boots!!!
@@Magos_Daishi awesome! Let's goo!! 😎
I was today old when I learned of first, Jim Green, second African Ranger Boots. I love, functional, durable boots. I believe these fit the bill.
You rock man!
I have two pair of ‘vellies’ and I feel they are the best shoe buy I’ve made, great, comfortable shoes. I will have to give the rangers a try.
I took these to the top of Mt. Sneffels in Colorado. They did great! Very comfortable.
My only complaint is that the stitching that holds the piece of reinforcing leather that the hooks are attached to is already failing. I can probably stitch it back together, but for boots that are only a few months old it’s a little disappointing.
Thanks for the report. Are you wearing these much on pavement? If so how are they wearing on concrete?
Considering these as an OTR truck driver. Mostly driving but out at truck stops, dirt, gravel lots every day. Snow 2-3 months per year but not regularly. They seem flexible enough to operate pedals easily.
I like the way they look too. As a kid watching nature shows I used to see these and wondered where could I get a pair , now I know! Thanks bro, I definitely will be buying a pair.🌍
I think my Jim Green Vellies are gonna need a friend in my boot rotation
Hahahah they're like two peas in a pod! I still like the Vellies for a light summer boot, but these are tougher.
I think they look awesome! Trying to decide between these and the Razorbacks for my next work boots. And it's super cool that the Rangers get boots.
Get the razorbacks. Best pair of boots I've owned. Until my staffie pup got hold of them ... They're tough but not staffordshire bull terrier tough. 🤣
@@keaganairey1413 I have a pair of razorbacks now. They're just broken in and doing great! Still might get a set of Rangers for casual wear. The razorbacks are my work boots
The darker rangers are great lookin! Need a pair
Been missing your videos Carl so it’s great to see a new one. In this currently even madder world we are living in at the moment watching one of your videos is like putting on a well worn Makinaw jacket and sitting by a camp fire with a mug of warming coffee, thanks so much Carl.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Its great to be back, and I'm definitely looking forward to the cooler weather to sport those great wool pieces again.
What an awesome company they are. One of the few outside america I really want to buy from and support.
I agree, and its why I like to keep talking about their stuff. They don't claim to be anything they're not, and I get a real sense that they're trying to make a difference in their community. Did you see their video on the rhinos? Its fantastic.
Another great video as always. They had the preorder start about a month after i bought my razorbacks and the buyers remorse set in immediately. A cap toe wedge would have fit my needs so much better but thats the way she goes. Love my razorbacks though, with some nice wool socks they did very well in milder winter weather and in my refrigerated warehouse. If the toebox is the same it would be a touch shallow for how much toe wiggle i like anyhow. Still dreaming of the day i buy some nicks wedge workers, might get them in the new 365 stitchdown.
lol so I literally have all three models
Believe it or not I find the toe box in the African ranger to have more vertical toe room than the Razorback (with both having the same foot bed inserts)
Now that my wedge workers from Nicks have broken in I can tell you they have the most toe room of the three.
I think about the 360 degree sometimes. They mention more foot bed flies flex which I kinda wish I had. But also mention needing an insert (which at that point is getting less different from Jim Green)
Another note is that the sole for the wedge workers is wearing quicker than the African Rangers
Ultimately I have zero regrets for any purchases, and even if you go for the Nicks you can Still go for a comfy pair of Jim’s
Welcome back buddy, we missed you
So good to be back bro, thank you!!!
They are very cool love the look.
I'm surprised there are so few reviews of this boots on YT. They look like a fantastic utilitarian, no fuss, well made boot. I reckon they wouldn't look too out of place to be worn casually also.
Never heard of Jim green but I'm glad I came across your & rose anvil's video on them. I bought a pair for my wife and I just to support the company 👍🏽 I actually like the way they look lol. Idk if that will change when they get here
I’ve been wearing the Rangers for work since the beginning of summer. I love the way they feel and look. I work on custom homes so having a lightweight boot with no heel is good for going up and down scaffolding and walking on roofs or walls. My feet don’t get nearly as hot and sweaty as when I wear my other pairs of boots which are taller or have a liner. One of my eyelets came out but it does not seem to be a problem at this time.
Overall I have no complaints and I can see myself getting a new pair next summer if I wear these out. Thanks Jim Green
Thanks for the kind words and feedback, much appreciated.
We pride ourselves on our quality and customer service so drop us an email and we will assist you further
Fantastic feedback! Thank you!
I have the gamechanger orthotics from footprint insoles, definitely one of the best insoles I have tried.
I dont know why more people dont bother with those!
Absolutely love mine
Carl liked the video. I have the vellies and really like them. The ranger will be my next purchase.
My razorbacks are fast becoming one of my favorite daily non work boot.
I eventual plan on ordering ar8's next spring and see how they work for a summer work boot
I'd be interested in hearing how they fare in the heat.
@@CarlMurawski i am in the PNW so heat isnt really an issue but dryness is, which is why i am waiting until spring
I’ve got a pair of their African rangers. They’re quite nice boots but I’d still like to see them produce a version or option with a more aggressive deeper threads than the shallow ripple/wedge that it comes with.
Maybe not on the level as the Courtney Selous tyre treads, but I think the boot can be even more appreciated with treads that have a bit more bite in the field without being too overt for “casual” use.
I think they look great. A bid wide looking when looking down at them, but the fit and build quality has been great. Love mine and I’m actively putting them through their paces (pun intended)
Cool looking boot I think I’ll try a pair
I’ve been eyeing these boots for sometime. Thank you for bringing Jim greens to my attention. Have you seen what they’re doing on their channel? Another similar boo like the red wing Work chukka would be the red wing weekend or Chaka which I have and are comfortable. Very similar aesthetic but with a great value proposition for the Jim green.
I certainly have, that rhino video was exceptionally powerful.
As a tradesman, they look how they should. And, in the right surroundings can fulfill some offbeat style both on and off the job site. I like them. Thanks
Like a fine wine. I can’t think of a more perfect pairing to go with my cargo shorts
Love my pair.
Very comfortable boots👍
My mother fell in love with the AMC Eagle when it was briefly seen in the beginning Back to the future 1. Getting one here in Germany was quite hard in the 80s but she managed to get two 4.2l cars.
I tink I am getting a pair of those boots, they don't look that ugly in my opinion.
So these look quite interesting, thanks for the video. Your comments on these in the video made me draw up a comparison to my Palladium Pampa Hi boots for some reason. Have you ever checked out Palladium boots? I have had my pair for over a year and wear them all the time, hiking, camping, walking, all of it and these things just seem to take a beating and keep surviving. I only say this because now I want you to do a video on Palladium boots. ;)
Just ordered a pair
Those are sweet + so is that wagon!!!!!!
Theres no doubt about that!!!
My Buffalo African Rangers arrive tomorrow -can't wait! My buddy fell in-love with the Rangers (fudge) and ended up with a pair of Razorbacks and Vellie. This prompted me to get a pair of the Vellie - and they are incredibly wonderful shoes. When I told him I was ready to get the Buffalo African Rangers, his FOMO kicked in and he got a pair too. Jim Green boots are top notch. This won't be my last purchase from them.
Just bought a pair last night… the AMC Eagle is a legend! The ultimate beater car, but of course now it would be a crime to destroy one.
I honestly am looking into these as hiking boots, only change would probably be changing the insole.
They look awesome
I wouldn't say ugly at all, however, maybe a few less seams would make for a cleaner design?
I think if the issue is the wide toe box, that's the best part of the fit and you only notice it looking top down.
Picked up a pair of these about a month ago in 12.5, they’re well made for sure. I wish I’d spent more time indoors trying them out as i get some toe rub that I can’t seem to get broken in.
Damn, thats the one issue with a synthetic toe structure as compared to leather. Leather would eventually conform to your foot, but its more expensive and difficult to work with.
@@CarlMurawski agreed. I have a pair of the Vellies that has just a touch more toe box room and no issues at all. If I were more confident in my cobbler skills I’d see if the plastic could be removed in the Rangers.
The AMC EAGLE!!! A vehicle ahead of it's time.
I love my rangers. I was thinking they would be badass with a vibram lug sole upgrade.
I love the Jeep Eagle!
AMC made some funky cars, but the Javelin was pretty badass.
They’re not ugly in the least bit. I really dig the look!
I’m loving the Vellies, these may be next.
The Vellies are my go-to for summer. Fantastic boots, and even though they've gone up in price (what hasn't?) they're still a great buy.
To me they look like a super durable sneaker. I like it a lot and want a pair so bad!
Wow, been looking this kind of boot silhouete because several years back i found a similar leather boots in my hometown but i didnt buy it. The boot is a local indonesian outdoor brand who usually copy another famous design so i thougt i'll buy the original/authentic one.
Been looking where they got the design from and now i know because your video. Thanks brother.
This to me is a great minimal hiking/bushcraft / camp boot. Beat it up and it will develope the asthetic through use. I would swap the laces for leather ones. Not feeling the green laces. Would love brass eyeles and maybe one other pair of speed hooks. Can't wait to see them when they patina.
These actually look great.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Just got my African rangers the other day, and I can attest that these are some beautiful hand made boots from a very respectable company for a very fair price. And as someone who’s been into the wide toe box/minimalist shoes for a while, I really dig the wide toe box, and also being very tall I like the relatively low heel. Some boots I was considering had giant heels that if you’re over 6’ would just be awkward.
Mine are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Any tips or thoughts on the boots now that you have had them for a month?
These now come in a zero drop barefoot configuration! Mine are on order :)
Something similar happening with the Clarks wallabees. They seem ugly at first, but the more you look the cooler they get
I got the Numzaan boots in wallnut colour from Jim Green Footwear with 🐸 sole, next up perhaps a custom in horween leather or reversed out Buffalo leather. Not sure of style yet.
Hey you gotta do a review of Russel Moccasins! They make some pretty great boots for hunting and casual wear
Perfect comparison to the AMC
Had mine about a yr. Good boot, not a heavy work boot. Not for ladders and such. Comfortable shop boot, walking and normal daily use. If I ever need another boot ill go greens.
I think it looks quite nice actually. Seems like a pretty decent boot.
Your comment on having a high instep interests me - I really need a set of new boots, and I have thought about these Jim Green African Rangers. I also have a high instep and have been having a hard time sliding my feet into boots at test fittings, so much so that I am very leery of buying online. The wide style with soft leather leads me to believe I might be heading in the right direction by ordering a set of the Rangers - any input? I will likely be wearing these on Saturday outings to local parks, doing light hiking (no backpack)...