New Boots

[Schmidty]

Did a lot of reading regarding boots in this forum. I decided to purchase Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot boots in Cape Buffalo hide. I definitely want to try Courteney's some day but these will be my boots for my fist buffalo hunt next June 2025.

 

[KurtVH]

How do you like them so far?

 

[Spearhead]

I have a pair of the buffalo too. Tad heavier than the bovine rangers, but indestructible. I took their insert out and replaced with a Sole brand cork one. Super comfortable.

 

[Schmidty]

How do you like them so far?

So far, so good. I've got 6 miles on them and i like them.

 

[112Savage]

I’m torn between the regular rangers and the barefoot. Did you put an insole into the barefoot? If so was it just for cushion or for structure?

 

[Red Leg]

The design seems like an intriguing idea for a true stalking boot. My only question is how my feet would do unsupported on a long hike trying to walk down an eland or buffalo. My other concern would be in thorn country like Namibia and parts of Zim. I have put acacia thorns all the way through a Courteney sole and pulled out many that didn't quite make it through. It will catch one's attention.

 

[Schmidty]

I’m torn between the regular rangers and the barefoot. Did you put an insole into the barefoot? If so was it just for cushion or for structure?

I have not put any insole in

 

[112Savage]

I wear Danner tachyon boots which are a super light desert boot and have wondered if the barefoot sole would be similar in flexibility and support

 

[KurtVH]

So far, so good. I've got 6 miles on them and i like them.

I have probably 150 miles on mine (wedge sole and not buffalo leather) in the last 3 weeks or so and I think I’m gonna like them.

 

[375Fox]

I’d like to try these, but I think I will go with the standard ranger boots. I bought my first pair of Courtney’s this year they are way too heavy in my opinion. I think these would give better thorn protection than many might think. That layer of leather as a midsole would be better than the foam in many US hiking boots people take over regularly.

 

[KurtVH]

I’d like to try these, but I think I will go with the standard ranger boots. I bought my first pair of Courtney’s this year they are way too heavy in my opinion. I think these would give better thorn protection than many might think. That layer of leather as a midsole would be better than the foam in many US hiking boots people take over regularly.

I haven’t weighed my Jim Greens but they are on the heavy side. I don’t have any Courtney’s to compare them to, but significantly heavier than the Merrell hiking boots I typically wear when I’m just kicking around and sometimes hunting. Not to the point of being a problem, but noticeable.

 

[Hunter4752001]

I believe the buffalo hide ones are heavier than the cow hide versions, unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much in the way of published details. The one review I saw quoted a particular weight but didn't indicate if it was for an individual boot or for a pair.
Can any owners provide details eg model, size, material weight and whether for a pair or single boot.

 

[poco]

1 mm more thickness in the leather shouldn’t be enough to complain about?
mine are light as a feather compared to my redwing boots

 

[Rare Breed]

The design seems like an intriguing idea for a true stalking boot. My only question is how my feet would do unsupported on a long hike trying to walk down an eland or buffalo. My other concern would be in thorn country like Namibia and parts of Zim. I have put acacia thorns all the way through a Courteney sole and pulled out many that didn't quite make it through. It will catch one's attention.

I’m going to find out given I just ordered a pair. On my April hunts I absolutely loved my Solamons but they were very loud with even my PH saying he liked them but they were loud. I will put these into my power walking rotation and let everyone know how they do. In concept they sound great except for Acacia thorns

 

[Denvir Tire]

I’d like to try these, but I think I will go with the standard ranger boots. I bought my first pair of Courtney’s this year they are way too heavy in my opinion. I think these would give better thorn protection than many might think. That layer of leather as a midsole would be better than the foam in many US hiking boots people take over regularly.

I agree, the Courtney's are quite heavy

 

[KurtVH]

I believe the buffalo hide ones are heavier than the cow hide versions, unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much in the way of published details. The one review I saw quoted a particular weight but didn't indicate if it was for an individual boot or for a pair.
Can any owners provide details eg model, size, material weight and whether for a pair or single boot.

I weighed my JG Razorbacks with the wedge sole: ~4.5 lbs for the pair (UK size 11.5).

I’ve put something over 300 miles on them in the last 5 weeks or so and I really like them. A lot of those miles have been on pavement but I probably have 50-75 on trails and in the woods. Very comfortable and very quiet boots.

I plan to get a pair of the barefoot African Rangers when they have my size back in stock.

 

[Green Chile]

Many of these boots are too heavy and stiff to be quiet in Africa. If you can't feel sticks under your boots then you will be making a lot of noise. Two of the comments I hear the most from PHs are the client doesn't get on the sticks and ready for a shot fast enough and clients walk too loudly. I think those 2 comments are within the ability of anyone to remedy.

 

[Rare Breed]

Did a lot of reading regarding boots in this forum. I decided to purchase Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot boots in Cape Buffalo hide. I definitely want to try Courteney's some day but these will be my boots for my fist buffalo hunt next June 2025. View attachment 614973

I just bought the same pair only green

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Many of these boots are too heavy and stiff to be quiet in Africa. If you can't feel sticks under your boots then you will be making a lot of noise. Two of the comments I hear the most from PHs are the client doesn't get on the sticks and ready for a shot fast enough and clients walk too loudly. I think those 2 comments are within the ability of anyone to remedy.

I think the problem with noisy clients speaks more to their lack of conditioning and experience in the field. A flabby hunter who's out of gas will be more prone to stumbling and staggering. Not speaking from experience ... of course.

 

[Kharn]

I think the concept of "Quiet" & "Protective" do not go well together for shoes/boots, one must be sacrificed for the other, so it seems.