TLDR: The African Rangers are my second pair of premium leather boots, and I would absolutely buy them again.
Dear Jim Green,
You make wonderful boots that are meant to be worn and used. The craftsmanship and durability are outstanding, and they’ve quickly become my go-to footwear for everyday use and long walks. The only minor issue I had was with the sticker included in the box—it didn’t stick properly, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker.
For those considering buying the African Rangers, here are a few insights from my experience:
I chose the Fudge leather version. On its own, the color is decent, but it truly comes to life after applying the Jim Green Leather Balm. Thanks to the beeswax in the balm, the leather takes on a beautiful light brown tone, which I personally prefer. It’s a subtle transformation that adds character to the boots.
One thing I disliked initially was the strong chemical odor when I first opened the box. It smelled heavily of adhesive. Fortunately, that smell vanished completely after the first treatment with the Leather Balm.
Regarding the break-in period: many reviews claim these boots don’t need one. In my case, it took about 20 kilometers of walking before the leather fully adapted to my feet. After that, they became incredibly comfortable.
I have very wide feet and usually need to size up with most brands (especially Sneakers). For these boots, I followed the sizing advice on Jim Green’s website, even though I already knew my Brannock size. It’s important to note that the UK sizing used by Jim Green doesn’t directly match the Brannock scale. I’d recommend trusting the manufacturer’s guide unless you plan to wear thick socks regularly.
Once broken in, the boots are perfectly fine to wear with thin socks. They’re great for everyday use and perform well on long walks across all kinds of terrain. I’ve worn them in the rain after treating them with the Leather Balm, and my feet stayed completely dry—no issues at all.
A few tips for future buyers:
- If you opt for the version with the leather midsole, consider removing the insoles occasionally. Sweat can collect underneath and keep the leather damp, which in extreme cases might lead to mold.
- Upgrading to paracord laces is worth considering. They’re gentler on the leather than standard nylon laces. I personally will probably be buying Pisgah laces in the future even though they dont have the Jim Green Green which I've grown accustomed to.
- After walking through mud or dirt, brushing the boots off helps a lot. Very little sticks to them, and they clean up easily.
In short, these boots are built to last. With a bit of care, they’ll serve you well in all conditions. Thank you for making a product that’s not only rugged and reliable but also a pleasure to wear.
Kind Regards
A very happy Customer
