This is the fourth post in a loosely-connected series of posts about boots as I seek out something better than the cheap disposable footwear I've been buying for years. Is it also the last?
I like my Red Wing Iron Rangers, but while they are superbly supportive, they're also a bit stiff around the ankle and inflexible along the sole for comfortably driving with a clutch, and it's almost impossible to walk quietly on a wood-framed floor. I also like my Jim Green Vellies, but while they are supremely comfortable for walking and driving, and the last is the best I have found thus far on the commercial market for my feet, they lack the support I want for longer hikes or serious work.
What if there were something which split the difference? What if there were a shoe or boot which mixed the support and sturdiness of the Iron Rangers with the perfect (for me) shape and flexibility of the Vellies? There probably wouldn't be a reason to write this if I didn't think so! Meet the Jim Green African Ranger.
Left to right: Jim Green Vellie, Jim Green African Ranger, Red Wing Iron Ranger
Jim Green is a company in South Africa using South African materials to build some unique footwear that has caught the attention of internet boot enthusiasts over the last few years. The African Ranger was purpose built for, well, rangers in Africa. In fact, for every 10 pairs sold, they donate a pair to a ranger. How does this boot stack up?
What I like:
The last fits my foot, and is much closer to an anatomically accurate shape. I like the wide toe box, but this is very much a matter of personal preference and fit.
Extra lacing hooks and taller cuffs provide much more security. They feel more like a mid-height sports shoe than a dress shoe or boot in that regard, and I like that.
The sole has a good tread pattern for everyday use or hiking. It offers enough flex for ground feel, and is just a bit softer overall without feeling flimsy. The wedge shape has only a slight drop from heel to toe.
A true double toe cap adds some protection and wear resistance to the toes, much like the design of the Red Wing Iron Rangers. This should not be considered a substitute for a true safety toe.
The tongue seals the shoe all the way up to the cuff, resulting in greater water resistance. Stitchdown construction sealing the upper to the rubber midsole also minimizes water intrusion. They aren't waterproof, but I don't need them to be.
Price. Seriously. These are better quality for the cost than almost anything I have seen, and considerably cheaper than any comparable made-in-the-USA product, in spite of this burdensome nonexistant uh... transitory hmmm... corporate greed driven inflation driving up the costs for everything that isn't subject to easy skimpflation/shrinkflation/elasticity. Pay no attention to the Federal Reserve behind the curtain.
What could be better:
The insole is nothing special. To be fair, if you want something special, you'll be buying those separately anyway.
I'd like to have a proper leather midsole. Again, in fairness, that would add significant cost, and is less necessary in a boot or shoe designed with removable insoles. It would also stiffen up the sole in ways that might compromise the design intent.
A slightly taller 6" boot shaft is more my preference, but yet again, would add costs. It might also compromise ankle articulation this height allows.
I want a bootstrap loop on the back. I can't excuse this omission. Minimal materials and minimal labor are saved in leaving this feature off. There is a small tab, but not enough to really grab. I may see whether a local saddle shop can remedy this.
Other notes:
I got the standard African Ranger, but there is also a "barefoot" version with no drop from heel to toe instead. Opinions vary regarding the benefits and drawbacks of each, and I am not at all qualified to weigh in on this.
These boots are very utilitarian. They're unobtrusive enough in my area and work environment, but do not fit in with a more formal suit-and-tie workplace.
These three are all unlined, but I consider this more of a pro, not a con. They're less likely to get waterlogged if they do get wet, and I can wear wool blend hiking or work socks for better comfort in all conditions.
Break-in is a thing, but nowhere near as much of an obstacle as a taller boot with more leather throughout, such as my experience with the Iron Rangers. I also need to condition the leather soon across the board. Leather has some extra care considerations. Not a lot, but it is not to be neglected.
So, are these the perfect boots?
I don't plan to discard the Iron Rangers or Vellies. However, the Jim Green African Ranger is the most well-rounded of the trio. I don't think the internet hype in the boot community is wrong here. As always, your mileage may vary. There are a lot of options in the heritage boot market for any price range, fit, and fashion preference.
There are times I want the superior support and traction of Red Wing. There are times I want something more shoe and less boot like the vellies. But most of the time, I think the African Ranger is the best boot I have found so far for my needs. There are tradeoffs in everything, bit on the balance, these just work. That makes them the perfect boot for me, at least among those I have found so far, based on my preferences.
Links (non-affiliate): Jim Green USA - Jim Green RSA - Red Wing Shoes
