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Gen X Introvert
September 12, 2025
My husband is obsessed with these boots
My husband started getting a bunion from wearing normal shoes w/ narrow toes. I got him these boots to replace his traditional chukka boots and let me tell you, he is obsessed with these Ranger boots. I was a little put off by the price but I will say that they seem to be very high quality and durable. The leather is thick and luxurious. The stitching is solid and clean. The fit is true to size, and the toebox is wide, allowing for a natural toe splay. My husband felt rapid relief for his bunion and it's even starting to go away as a result of switching to barefoot / natural foot shape shoes. These boots do not have any cushioning as they are barefoot shoes, which are not cushioned by design, but he swears they are more comfortable than traditionally cushioned shoes or boots. Lastly, they just look super cool -- not like goofy duck shoes in the way that many barefoot shoes tend to do. He gets compliments all the time on the boots, and they look great with jeans, chinos, or other dress-casual pants. Overall, these boots were absolutely worth the investment.
✔ Verified Purchase
H
huntinghawk
September 27, 2025
Very good boots, do not add insoles
I made the mistake of thinking I needed to buy insoles because these boots don't have any removable inserts. My fear was that they would get dirty or stinky and I wanted to be able to easily remove them and throw them in the washing machine or replace. So, I bought a pair of insoles and tried them on.At first, they felt good. A little snug but the length was perfect, and they felt comfortable enough. I gave them some light use at the supermarket, shooting range, office and shopping mall. My feet started getting sore from being squeezed from toe to heel, and by right ankle joint was getting cut into. My first solution was to wear longer and thicker socks to protect my ankle, and that helped. But it kept feeling sore. I looked at the boot and there was a knot that was tied off from the stitching that was almost like a thorn. I cut off the knot using nail clippers, and that helped, but my feet were still being squeezed sore even though the laces were left loosely tied.Then I finally accepted the original recommended use of the boot: a barefoot boot. That means no insoles. So, I took out the insoles, and all the problems went away. My feet felt relaxed, and my ankle was no longer being torn into. I could feel the ground as I walked, and I could feel my feet getting tired. My feet were getting tired from exercising. All those little muscles and tendons in the feet were getting exercise that you never get from normal shoes and boots that have sole support. My feet are getting stronger, and that's pretty cool.As for my ankle, now that the insoles are removed, the boot can ride a little higher up my ankle so that the rim of the boot doesn't cut into my ankle joint. It's like removing a splinter, and the boots feel amazingly comfortable.What have I learned? Jim Green Barefoot African Ranger Boots are designed to be worn without insoles. The insoles will affect how the shoe wraps around your entire foot and ankle. The insoles will also interfere with the barefoot experience and will prevent your feet from getting stronger and healthier. At least that was my experience.
✔ Verified Purchase
Unique
I want to start off by saying that I knew what I was getting when I bought my Rangers. I did my research and knew they were for me before ever taking the leap. If you are unsure of what these are when you run across them, google them and do your research first because I feel that they are particularly useful for the people who they are intended for but may not work out well for those who are uninformed. That out of the way, let's get into the review.I will start with build materials and quality. These are a working-class boot. Good leather and construction and particularly for their price point. Stich down construction, leather and rubber. Not much more too it. My speed hooks are nice and not sharp. The laces are great. No runs, snags or blemish in the leather. The stitching all seems good too. The trim where the leather is stitched down is a bit rough around the edges but some burnishing with a spoon and that is solved. The exposed leather midsole seems unstained, but also not an issue. To sum up, well-made but slightly unfinished.Next, I want to address how these boots function and feel for me. I use them as an EDC shoe for shopping, working in the yard, walking the dog, fishing and the lot. Basically, a sneaker replacement. I feel that they are good for this yet rugged enough to handle some work and light hiking. Maybe I can dress them up to a pair of chinos and an oxford but probably not beyond that.Now I want to look specifically at the individual parts that makeup the boot. Starting with the outsole. It is soft and squishy and almost seems to have a hollow to it in the middle. It is comfortable underfoot and grippy enough for my uses (asphalt, tile, gravel and dirt). The leather sock liner is nice and tappers down from about 2-3mm to about .5mm. I really wish it extended, in the thinner portion all the way to the front of the boot as the insole itself is a bit rough in texture but this isn't my first rodeo with a partial sock liner, and it is on par if not above.Moving on to the leather. I got the Huston Brown which, I guess, is a nubuck. I brushed mine out, a lot, and now it is more of a matte. I love it. Super soft and supple. The lack of a structured toe in this boot and the soft leather means no pain in your toes or toenails!Okay, now on to the fit. I am a 9.5 4E on a Brannock and that is typically what I wear in a sports shoe. For work boots I am often a 10EE and for boots or shoes that only come in a standard D(F) width I wear an 11. In the barefoot rangers I went with a 10.5 and could almost get away with a 10. Those might be a tad short. So, these run pretty true to Brannock. The 10.5 is basically an EEE and I am a 4E so going up half a size makes sense for me. If you are not an extra wide, I don't think that would be a smart move though.I want to address the width separately because I cannot stress enough just how high volume these boots are. Again, I am a 4E with high arches and instep and these boots still have enough volume for a mid-heavy weight wool hiking sock! Wide but not too wide heel, the padded collar helps keep the volume down there. Wide midfoot, which as a wide footed person, I love this. Wide forefoot. And wide but rounded toe box. I want to reiterate that the toe box is rounder than it is anatomical, I know that is important to some people who are really into barefoot shoes.To sum up: Well-made but a bit of a diamond in the rough asthenic going on. Comfortable upper and outsole. Nice sock liner but I wish it extended over the rest of the unfinished midsole. Super high volume but true to length. Round spacious but not anatomical toe box. Close to but not 100% zero drop and a fairly high stack height. Resoleable. Oh, and a good value. I can't speak to longevity, yet.I hope this helps you decide if these are the boots/shoes for you.
✔ Verified Purchase
My favorite boots ever!
I’ve always disliked boots for being too heavy & clunky and my feet would always sweat. But these have been a dream to wear. Typically, it takes weeks for boots to break in for me but it has been a full week and already they fit like a glove. It’s funny how the leather is thicker and better quality than the cheap ones that I used to get, yet they are way more comfortable. I wanted the zero drop version and I really like the anvil sole. Has good grip and a variety of surfaces. It has the feel of a mid top sneaker but the durability of boot. The wider toe box is a huge plus for me too. Can’t beat it.
✔ Verified Purchase
