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African Ranger – Fudge

(28 customer reviews)

$179.00

For every 10 pairs sold we donate a pair to a Ranger

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Fudge
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The Boot that Puts Boots onto Rangers

50% of Rangers don’t have access to sufficient Boots and Gear and over 40% are required to purchase their own Boots.
With the future of our wilderness areas in the hands of those with boots on the ground Jim Green Footwear and The Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) have come together to make sure this issue is addressed.
Inadequate gear for rangers leads to a low morale and effects rangers wellbeing. With Rangers being on the front line of our conservation areas a quality pair of boots is essential for everyday tasks
We put out a survey to Rangers from Across Africa and from that pulled together various focus points as to what is needed in the ultimate all round Ranger Boot. From that we give to you the African Ranger – A Boot Designed By Rangers For Rangers
Follow our journey through our social channels or contact us for further information.
  • The boot is designed with 3 main focus areas: Comfort and Durability while at an Affordable price
  • The wedge sole is designed to grip while the softer rubber compound keeps the Ranger quiet when walking through the African bush
  • Toe, Heel and Eyelet area manufactured with a double layer of 2.2mm full grain leather for added durability
  • Heel and Toe stiffeners for added durability, support and protection
  • Soft leather collar and tongue for comfort and weight reduction
  • A steel shank between the insole board and sole offers extra support and stability
  • Heavy duty hooks and eyelets to secure feet
  • Insole is secured to the upper with a double stitched 2.2mm braided nylon cord
  • Can be resoled – Stitch down construction
  • Last: STC (This is a wide fit and offers a roomy and rounded toe box)
  • Sole: OR (This sole is designed for a combination of grip, comfort and speed. It is a genuine rubber and of a softer feel to provide comfort under foot)
  • Weight: 1.24 kg (Size 8)
  • Laces: 120 cm
The best way to preserve your Jim Greens is through regular and correct polishing. Water, heat and wear remove the natural oil from the leather, so when the tiny fibres dry out they become hard, brittle and break easily, thereby shorten the life of the leather.
For our leather boots we recommend any natural shoe polish found at your local store. For our suede options we suggest light brushing to remove dirt and a scotchguard for longer protection.
After a long day in wet conditions and you requiring your boots early the next morning, the worst possible solution is to artificially dry your boots. Leather fibres burn easily – especially when wet and therefore should never be left near a heater, placed in your oven or left in direct sunlight. For the best results, footwear should be dried out slowly and never subjected to any extreme heat. Should you work in constantly wet conditions, it is best to alternate between two or more pairs of our Jim Green boots.
We realise that buying footwear online is a daunting task and we are often asked to recommend a size by new Jim Green customers. If you happen to purchase a pair of Jim Green boots online and they do not fit, we will happily exchange them for you. If the measurements fall in-between the lengths provided, we do offer half sizes on certain styles. We can recommend a size but we can’t guarantee the fit.
Foot Length (Inch) US
9.65" 7
9.75" 7 ½
9.85" 8
10.125" 8 ½
10.24" 9
10.4375" 9 ½
10.63" 10
10.75" 10 ½
11.02" 11
11.125" 11 ½
11.42" 12
11.81" 13
12.20" 14
Reviews (28)

28 reviews for African Ranger – Fudge

  1. Rich (verified owner)

    The Rangers are so comfortable! They were delivered a few hours ago, I can already tell these will be my most versatile boot. The leather looks great, feels great and the soles are very soft and grippy.

  2. Jeff Lowe (verified owner)

    I’ve had mine for a few days now and honestly, I don’t want to take them off. They are extremely well designed and well made. Not only are they one of the most comfortable boots I have ever had, they’re also one of the most comfortable shoes in general. They also look great and have a unique visual design compared to others. So far I couldn’t be happier.

  3. Jason T. (verified owner)

    My Ranger boots arrived yesterday and after just a few hours’ wear are breaking in beautifully. I couldn’t be more pleased.

  4. Zach (verified owner)

    These boots have been phenomenal. I’m a navy vet with a lot of experience in boot. These are the only boots I feel like I could wear all day. They’re pretty lightweight and incredibly comfortable. The boot to value is exceptional and don’t see myself going anywhere else for boots.

  5. Jim (verified owner)

    Received my Rangers earlier this week and after wearing for the past few days, I can say that without a doubt, these are- THE MOST COMFORTABLE shoes I have ever worn. Well constructed, high quality, all leather footwear are an extreme rarity these days amongst the “sea” of synthetics, plastics and foam. My Rangers will last for many, many years; the way shoes are meant to be. Don’t take my word for it, buy a pair and you can find out for yourself.

  6. Dusty R. (verified owner)

    These shoes fit my feet better than any shoe to date. No break in time. I wouldn’t hike the PCT in them but for every other situation….perfect. Size 12 was spot on, feet are wide at the ball and normal at heel. The sole is stiff and is of a higher quality than the picture looks…..Really, I can’t believe how good they feel.

  7. Steve (verified owner)

    Change the insoles when you get them and you’ve got one of the most comfortable boots on the market today. I’ve worn (and own) boots from just about every major US boot brand and find myself reaching for my Rangers more often than not. You probably won’t win a fashion contest with them due to the wide toe box, but if comfort and functionality are more important to you, you won’t be disappointed. I personally love the wider toe box, it feels like a more natural fit and it’s great bunion relief too. They’re as good on concrete as they are in the woods, really such a versatile boot. They are VERY well made with quality materials, if I ever wear this pair out I will buy another without hesitation so long as they keep the quality standard.

  8. Earth Pig

    Just received these via Amazon. Boots are well made, no loose threads or obvious defects. Although the boots are re supposed to be wide, my 10D feet fit just about perfectly. I replaced the insole with a much thicker one. Later today I’ll treat them with Leather Honey to protect and soften further the already comfortable leather.

    Well done, guys!!

  9. Ian Reichbach (verified owner)

    I love these boots!

    I can’t say this enough, I love these so much I had to buy 2 pairs. (One in fudge CH and one in dark brown)

    For the price, I don’t think you can beat these, they are built well and can be made into a premium feeling boot with just a little effort.

    Wide toe box: amazing. I don’t have wide feet for the most part, but my toes are long and need to spread, I hate the feeling of my smaller toes rubbing the side of a boot or shoe and this toebox makes that a non issue (as long as you get the right size)

    Sizing: I see some people say that these run large. While they are certainly roomy, I think the length is accurate.

    I am generally somewhere between 12 1/2 and 13 (US) in most shoes and boots, and the 13s fit me well.

    The 12 1/2 we’re almost perfect but I felt my toes were too close to the end and when I tried to splay my toes they rubbed the side, and the 13 rectifies this.

    The 13s were a bit roomy elsewhere, so I added 8oz leather insoles which you can make yourself or buy from nicks or something for like 20 bucks. But this will also change with what socks you wear. Heavy wool socks are a much more snug fit.

    I also remove the top layer of leather from the insole that comes with the African rangers and remove the foam from the back of the yellow leather (a bit tedious) but I am able to place that leather over whatever replacement insoles I use and still have that cool yellow leather look. Plus it also acts as an additional thin layer of you need a slightly snugger fit.

    There will sti be some stickiness to them as well, so after you wear them the yellow leather will slightly stick to whatever you’re using under it (in my case 8 oz leather slabs) and it will help keep everything in place.

    I’m sure this all sounds like a bit much, but it wasn’t really all that much work. And I feel like I have an amazing boot now that fits me right, something I’ve had issues with in the past, for still only around $200

    But this is certainly not necessarily to enjoy this boot. Replacing the insoles with your preferred insole will probably be enough for most people.

    Leather: Both leathers are great, but I personally think the crazy horse will get less creases compared to the slightly more loose feeling dark brown and will patina very nicely.

    The fudge crazy horse looks really good.

    I also added roughout leather kilties to mine, because it looks nice and adds a bit more padding to the instep area.

    After a slight buff, roughout brown leather kilties and leather laces on in my dark brown African rangers, I was able to get away with wearing them to a wedding and even got compliments.

    The boot is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with a little customization.

    I love these. They are the perfect blend between a sneaker and a true capped boot.

    I foresee myself wearing these as my daily go-to shoes and rotating between the 2 pairs.

    Stichdown construction and Water; these are not waterproof, but you can make them much more resistant with some wax or whatever your choice would be.

    I recently went to an Oktoberfest where it was muddy and pouring rain and the only moisture that got in was through the leather itself absorbing it. Which of course some snoseal would solve. (It will darken the leather significantly though).

    I highly recommend these for anyone looking for a good solid low cut boot for the non wintery seasons. Although you could likely wear these in the winter too, the low cut nature makes them not ideal.

    Alterations not necessary, but I enjoy customizing everyone I own.

    I generally wear these in northeast US on everything from dirt roads to dense forests to boggy lowlands and they really get the job done well.

    Keep in mind that the softer soles may wear out much quicker if you’re wearing these in an urban environment, but they will still hold up better than most sneakers for sure.

    Again, highly recommend these.

    Im loving JG (also own steel toe razorback)

  10. WZ Couch (verified owner)

    Fit and finish straight out of the box is great. I put them on in front of the post office and wore them for the half mile walk home. Stiff at first, to be expected, but they started loosening up quickly. No hot spots, which is amazing for a brand new pair of leather boots. I’m very impressed, and will give another review in a few months once they’re well broken in.

  11. Nate

    These are fantastic – I was looking for something lighter my than steel toed work boots but that still felt solid and comfortable. I’m a 9.5 US in red wings and the Jim Green 9.5 fits me well with enough room for heavier socks.

  12. travis wiggins (verified owner)

    Very comfortable, wide toe box but it isn’t as wide as i’d expected based on some of those goofy boot review youtube videos out there. Only knocking off a star because the soles are slippery like Clarks in wet weather. I wouldn’t be worried walking in wet mud or grass, but river rock walking and wet concrete seem like bad ideas. I’ll likely try to get a less slippy sole on when i eventually get them resoled. That said, i can not over emphasize how comfortable these boots are!

    I’m a USA Mens size 12 in Adidas, Vans and Doc Martens and these USA 12 Jim Greens fit great.

  13. Chris Smith

    I’ve had mine for around a year now, and am still in love with them. Just for background, I am a fisheries biologist and wear these as an everyday shoe that is used on gravel, concrete, and in the forest. They are roomy at true to size sizing, but because I spend a ton of time on my feet, and average 6 miles a day I put insoles in them and they fit perfect. I have also oiled mine, so they are much darker now. The leather is tough and has withstood scratching well and they just look cool. I get compliments all of the time.

  14. Scott

    They are comfortable and well made. Plenty of room in the toe box, and they seem like they’ll hold up to whatever I throw at them. I recommend them!

  15. Cole H. (verified owner)

    I’ve had them for a week and so far they’re amazing. They’re quite soft and flexible. They’re also very comfortable even though I’m standing and walking on cement all day. I wear a 9.5 in Red Wings and a 9.5 Jim Green Ranger fits perfect. I have wide feet and they fit my wide foot perfectly.

  16. Eddie

    I absolutely love these boots. I work in law enforcement and needed a boot that was lightweight, versatile, and durable. This boot has not only met but exceeded all of my expectations. They are incredibly comfortable, very well made, and I love the look of them. I own other more expensive American made boots and find myself wearing these all the time. In fact, I love them so much that I got one in every color. (I also purchased a pair of Vellies) Jim Green has now become my favorite boot manufacturer and you have a customer for life. You can’t beat these boots in their price range. Do yourself a favor and get them You wont’t regret it.

  17. Malcolm Matusky

    I hate you Jim Green!
    I now have two pairs of Italian hiking boots I’m going to donate. I bought the Rangers for an everyday boot and now will likely buy the Razorback for trail hiking. The wide toe box was something that my other boots don’t have and that’s the difference for me in comfort. Does the wide toe look strange? Yes, but only because we torture ourselves for fashion. In my other boots my toes can’t wiggle and they were always uncomfortable, I even went to a hiking store to have them “fitted” when I bought my second pair which was useless as they only had one width and suggested getting larger ones which was never really a solution to the problem that most shoes are too narrow at the toe. I understand that high volume manufacturing relies upon making the exact same thing in huge quantities, but if you really don’t fit the average size then ordering boots made in South Africa is not out of the question at all today. Prior to trying these boots I was seriously considering a pair of custom made Nick’s boots at $700+, just to get a boot that fits. Now I don’t need to go that route and have an affordable option with Jim Green.

  18. Mark (verified owner)

    I have these for about a week or so now. They are super comfortable out of the box. I have worn them every day since getting them. They clean up nice with a basic horsehair brush. I did replace the insole with a bit of an upgrade. Most comfortable boot I have ever owned.

  19. Scott

    Excellent Boot. It’s somewhere between a chukka and a service boot, with the rigidity and toughness of the red wing iron ranger. The only real improvements that could be made are the insole and the lasting board, but that would increase the price to the point where they wouldn’t be such a great deal. I would also love a version built around a sleeker last, but they are excellent for what they are. Very much worth the buy.

  20. Zac Parks of Wired Customs

    I love my African Rangers! I collect leather boots and have been wearing quality leather all my life, so when I say I love the quality of these boots I really mean it. I’ve waited two months to write this review to make sure. The brake in period was short, I think it took me just over two weeks of daily wear. The stitching, eyelets and sole all seam great quality. They are easy to put on and comfortable to wear without being too heavy. I feel like I got more for my money on the African Rangers for sure. Lifetime customer now.

  21. Mark (verified owner)

    I have been wearing my Ranger boots for 1 year! The longer I wear them, the more I love them and they have been great since day 1! They even look better ! I am on this sight shopping for pair #2.

  22. Jason (verified owner)

    Love the background and design of these boots. The crazyborse leather is on par with a good work leather, lightly buffed and no heavy layer of pigment. They are a true double layer toe cap. Fit and finish is good. I went initially off their size chart. My foot was 10.75″ and I got a 10.5 US. Had to size up to an 11, which the same as most of my tennis shoes and doc martens. They are fantastic value for money.

  23. Josh

    Great value, seems well made. The wide-footed man’s shoe. Finally a club where you narrow-footed bastards don’t belong. Always had troubles finding a shoe that fit my hobbit feet. Not anymore. I would compare fit to merrel Moab or Erie wide sizes, just a bit wider. Excellent. Just ordered my 2nd pair of JGs, going to try the Vellie.

  24. Eli Tilton (verified owner)

    I love my fudge African rangers! The nubuck texture on them is beautiful and they’re very sturdily built. Perfect for hiking or outside work. I have high arches so I have to use some inserts but I’d imagine someone with normal shaped feet wouldn’t have any issue with the insoles. I’m super happy with these boots. Well worth the price. Absolutely recommend picking some up

  25. Cody Petersen (verified owner)

    My toes have never had so much room. I have been rotating through Keen, Salomon, and Merrill boots for years and as comfortable as those boots are in the short term, they don’t tend to go more than a year before I wear through the tread and there is no option to re-sole them. The African Rangers give me that option and plenty of toe space without having to buy a size up. I will be picking up a pair of razorbacks at some point for variety.

  26. LandLocked (verified owner)

    WILL FIT E/EE WIDTHS. Wanted to put that first because I was didn’t see many reviews address it. These boots won’t be winning any beauty contests but the materials and construction are great. I would recommend changing out the insole but wow this boot is miles above it’s price point. Took 1 day of use for it to really break-in. Functionality over form makes great footwear

  27. Cole Malone (verified owner)

    First pair of quality boots I have ever purchased after all the recommendations off of YouTube videos such as Rose Anvil in the comment sections. I didn’t really know if a pair if leather boots for 170 bucks would have been worth it to me (I was naive as to how expensive premium boots were) and man I was blown away. I literally wear then all the time bc of how comfortable they are and the nubuck leather has been so great. Great construction and I cam wear them all day with no issues. I also think they look great even with the wide toe box that has been a gane changer. I plan to purchase a pair of the chelsea boots for my birthday this week. Love the story if anim Green boots and apreciate the self marketing videos that are so honest and genuine

  28. Seth Zachek (verified owner)

    I absolutely love these boots. The quality of the materials is amazing. I live in a small mountain town. I wear these every day; at work downtown and then to hike to go rock climbing after work. They are stylish at work and great for trekking through the thicket to get me to the climbing area. The more I use them, the better they get. The fudge leather has the most beautiful patina now after a month of hard daily use. I would love to see an option for a lugged sole with eva foam for my most hard core outdoor adventures. Thanks Jim green. I look forward to my next pair

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Shipping & Delivery

SHIPPING

Jim Green proudly offers free shipping to the 48 contiguous United States and shipping is done via UPS. Tracking number & details delivered via e-mail after order is processed.

Free Standard Shipping on all orders to the 48 contiguous United States

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Shipping Fee $25.00 will apply

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All orders will be processed within 48 hours of receipt and sent from our warehouse
Orders are processed and packed on normal business days (Monday through Friday)

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

60 DAY RETURN/EXCHANGE WINDOW

In the event something doesn't quite work, we'll gladly accept unworn or defective merchandise for return or exchange.

RETURNS AND EXCHANGES ARE EASY!

 

Locate your order number and ship-to zip code.
This info is in your order confirmation email, on your shipping label, and on your packing slip.

This will take you to the returns/exchange portal. Just follow the prompts.
You'll be able to choose what you'd like to do and get a USPS return label.

Print up the USPS return label you've just created and give the package to your postal carrier.

 

EXCHANGES AND RETURNS - FREE RETURN LABEL

The fastest and easiest way to get the correct size, color or style is to place a new order. The cost to return your order is on us!

Create a prepaid return label (using the #2 button above)

If you are just wanting to return your order then please follow the same steps.

Your original order must then be sent back to our depot in their unworn condition with their original box and inserts within 60 days of their delivery.

Once received at the depot your order will then be refunded by a credit to your original method of payment, provided all the above criteria is met.

Once received all refunds will be processed within 10 business days.

REFUNDS

  • All refunds will be credited back to the original form of payment.
  • If you paid with a Gift Card, your refund will be issued back to that gift card.

If you having issues processing your return please email [email protected]