African Ranger Barefoot - Houston Brown

Shoe size specifications are often confusing, even for us after 25 years in the industry. So we came up with this chart, which reflects a long experience in selling shoes. We hope it will provide clarity.

1. Measure your feet on a sheet of paper. Hold the pen vertically and draw your foot on the sheet of paper. Then measure the maximum length.

2. The shoe last is always slightly longer than the wearer's foot, this has to do with the fact that the foot moves up to 1.5 cm in the shoe during the rolling movement, so it needs space accordingly. But, that is only valid for broken shoes. While buying new, welted handmade leather shoes, and that's what our chart is made for, the internal freedom of movement should be more tight than snug, which means a 1 cm movement is enough as the shoes become wider when broken in. So when you measure your feet, you should add this 1 cm length allowance to the measurement result to arrive at the required inside measurement of the shoe and convert this inside measurement into the correct shoe size.

3. Another important parameter is foot width and instep height. Our chart is build on a regular width and instep height. Choose a half size larger for wide feet's and/or high instep height. So, if you are in between two sizes.

Please call us if you have some doubts. Shop with confidence as you can always exchange your size.

JG Sole – This sole is our lug version and is designed for grip. It's made from real rubber and feels firm to provide stability underfoot. The JG Natural Rubber option is softer but still offers the same properties. Best suited for loose gravel surfaces, rocky terrain, uneven terrain and challenging landscapes.

OR Sole – This sole is designed for a combination of grip, comfort and speed. This is made of real rubber and offers a softer feel for more walking comfort. Best suited for sandy areas, longer days on feet, quick hikes, urban areas. A great, lightweight hiker.

BR Sole – Our all-rounder option, this sole is designed for durability in the city and outdoors. It is made of real natural rubber and has a firm grip to provide stability under the foot. Ideal for days between the office and outdoors.

FA Sole – Our lightweight comfort option, this sole is designed for comfort and a sleeker look. It is made of real rubber and has a softer feel for comfort. Best suited for casual days in the city or light walks or camping trips

KH Sole – This sole is designed not to absorb mud and dirt during your daily activities, hence its “Flay” design. It's made from real rubber and feels firm to provide stability underfoot. Best suited for muddy soils or sandy areas.

Step 1) First remove the loose dirt with a
dry brush.

Step 2) Use an old toothbrush that is less abrasive to clean the hard-to-reach areas and seams

Step 3) Apply saddle soap in circular motions with a damp brush or sponge. Carefully rinse off the soap without soaking the shoe and wipe it with a dry cloth.

Step 4) Allow the shoe to dry in a ventilated place for at least two days. Not near a heater.

Step 5) After the boot is clean, it's time to care for the leather. Use beeswax to maintain the water-repellent properties of the leather and to create a silky shine (only after brushing). At first the leather will be dark, but after about 3 days, as the polish absorbs and dries, it will gradually lighten.

A natural leather balm nourishes the leather equally,
However, not as water-repellent as with beeswax. The advantage, however, is that the leather does not darken as much.

For our suede options repeat Steps 1
to 2 and then select one of the following two options:

Option 1) If you prefer a lighter look and want to preserve the rough texture of the suede, we recommend using a suede cleaner and/or waterproofing spray.

Option 2) If you prefer a darker look, use beeswax or a leather balm. First, the leather becomes very dark with beeswax and dark with leather balm. After a few days it will become a little lighter as the polish absorbs and dries.

Please note that with this option the leather is smoothed, but the water-repellent properties of the leather are increased.

Do steps 3 and 4 and 5.