Jim Green
Recommended 68× on r/BuyItForLife
Shop Jim Green
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Jim Green
68 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 31, 2025
What Are the Best Travel Shoes That Are Actually Worth It?
Jim greens African rangers, the break in period is a nightmare but once you get through that, you’d wonder how you went anywhere without them, their shoellies are a good alternative too
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 30, 2025
LL Bean Engineer boots (2013, top) vs 2025 "Bucksport" (bottom). Am I crazy or are these a drop in construction quality?
J i m G r e e n
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 25, 2025
Jim Green Trooper alternative?
great choice, they're awesome !
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 7, 2025
Does anyone have a lifetime work boot?
Check out Jim Green boots. Handmade in South Africa and very high quality at a reasonable price. They can be resoled and, if you periodically treat the leather with a decent leather balm, should last a long time. They have one slip on option but also have lace up boots with reinforced toes, depending on his needs.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Dec 6, 2025
First of time blundstone buyer
Jim Green, Nicks Boots
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Dec 5, 2025
First of time blundstone buyer
If by "sold to private equity" you mean purchased by the Cuthbertson family in 1932, then yes. But I think they did end up outsourcing production to lower-cost regions around 2007, so stands to reason the boots seem cheaper these days. I don't have any experience with the old made-in-Tasmania ones, but I will say the current ones seem less durable and repairable compared to similar boots like Jim Green.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Dec 4, 2025
First of time blundstone buyer
Jim Green stockman
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Nov 4, 2025
ISO my perfect winter boots: Elegant, zero-drop/flexible, zip-up, and NOT suede.
1. All boots with side zipper will last you half a year max of daily use. There is plenty of slip on options - chelsea, chulla, jackboot, engineer boot, or cowboy boot. 2. Its better to go half a size up and wear thick wool socks - all insulation wears up fast at the heel 3. No barefoot shoe is elegant - its stupid but we as a society have fetish with heels and narrow toeboxes. 4. Checkout Jim Green barefoot chelsea + wool socks(preferably ~80% wool, ~1% spandex and rest nylon; generics are fine).
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Oct 10, 2025
Jim Green boots: anyone have experience with these ?
These are the best boots in the world in my opinion. Supports an awesome cause and they are able to be re soled and great quality. Breath of fresh air in a world where high quality boots are usually unreasonably priced. These are very affordable relative to what else is on the market
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Oct 6, 2025
Winter Boots for a Lot of Walking (France)
Not very good quality. They are stylish but the goodyear welt is rubber not leather, and they use felt instead of cork inside. Check out Jim Green. But those are made in South Africa and not very warm. Maybe the razorback model.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Sep 7, 2025
Best Workwear Brand?
Darn Tough socks. Red Wing, Nick’s and Jim Green boots. I still think Carhartt makes decent coats, but I know not everyone agrees with that.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Sep 4, 2025
Best walking shoes for men: which ones do you recommend?
Offbeat suggestion, but Jim Green Shoelies. Wider than typical leather shoes, it has a soft wedge sole so good on hard surfaces, and the sole can be replaced.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Sep 2, 2025
Blundstones or Vagabond Chelsea Boots?
Counter option, Jim Green Stockmans. Great quality for the price and they're comfy. You could also do a custom build as well.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Aug 12, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
Check out the Jim Green Razorback boot for a classic hiker style, or the Jim Green African Ranger for a very lightweight one.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Aug 11, 2025
Prolonging the life of shoe soles
The Jim Green boots look super nice, could be a winter option. Thanks!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Aug 11, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
But it's not true. I have some jim greens that are explicitly aimed at hiking, "outdoorsy" redwings that absolutely work for hiking and some hiking boot companies like meindl still make goodyear welted hiking boots (i.e. https://meindl.de/product/super-perfekt-en/?lang=en)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Aug 11, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
Jim Green. If into quality built with quality materials. Leather and rubber, no synthetic BS. All I wear are leather boots/shoes now..idk if I will ever need a new pair again. (Besides workout shoes)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Aug 11, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
Jim Green boots!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Aug 11, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
Jim Green boots!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Aug 11, 2025
Asolo is garbage and their customer service sucks donkey d!ck; what's my next boot brand?
Jim Green is a solid boot brand !
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Aug 7, 2025
Thank you blundstone for 8 great years
Check out the Jim Green Stockmans
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Aug 6, 2025
Men's Ankle Boots for PNW Wet Months
Look into the Jim Green Stockman.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Aug 2, 2025
Docs vs. Solovair vs. AllSaints
I'm personally saving up for a pair of Jim Green African Rangers. Resolable, made in S.A., tough as apparently.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Jul 9, 2025
Stuff you will continue buying for life
Have you tried Jim Green boots? Better price point and are absolute beasts. A lot of outback/safari guides recommend them
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Jul 6, 2025
Looking for 3-season hiking boots with low stack height, that are made with leather and available in the EU.
First, what do you mean by stack height ? And you should check either the Razorback or African Ranger by Jim green, for the price they are far superior than any other hiking boot you can find.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Jul 5, 2025
Tired of shoes lasting 6-12 months. What to get?
Check out Jim Green. I really like the African Rangers.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Jul 5, 2025
Tired of shoes lasting 6-12 months. What to get?
I second this. Jim Green's Numzaan or 719 boot (iron ranger competitor)if you want a short height. Honestly tanks and easily resolable by any cobbler. People are sleeping on JG. Redwing is good but the value proposition of JG is better.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Jul 5, 2025
Goth/Punk-style combat boot recommendations?
I was really interested in Solovair. Tried them out. Not great for wide sizing (if you need wides). Customer service was also an absolute nightmare when it came to returning them. I saw Nick’s / Whites mentioned in the comments. Can’t speak on Nick’s—never had them. I have a pair of Whites 8” Perry (probably not what you’re looking for). They are nice and thick (and can be resoled) Maybe check out [Jim Green](https://jimgreenfootwear.com/product-category/african-ranger/). Their AR8 or their RATs might be up your alley. I picked up a pair of the RATs in brown. Absolutely excellent boots. Leather all around. Stitch down, so they can be resoled. Little pricey, but…$300 and some care—you’ll have them for a long time.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Jul 5, 2025
Tired of shoes lasting 6-12 months. What to get?
Jim green African rangers. I have 3 pair. I love them
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Jul 5, 2025
Tired of shoes lasting 6-12 months. What to get?
You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't at least consider Jim Green boots. The Numzaan has a similar look to the ones you mentioned.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Jul 2, 2025
What do you think of Danner’s boots in 2025?
yup same here my feet are square and than taper to point at ankle with narrow heel. i wear jk boots 5e width. great. leather forms to foot so no heel slippage or toe squish. jim green barefoot rangers very wide toe box. also leather very good boots for cheap price
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Jul 2, 2025
What do you think of Danner’s boots in 2025?
junk. ive owned several pairs and really wanted to like mountain lights. seems like bean counters nit picked and than upped the price. want true bifl get jk boots. best boots out of pnw area imo for breakin comfort ruggedness etc. also have a pair of jim green barefoot rangers. i use these like sneakers great company.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Jun 12, 2025
Very sad to say Blundstones are no longer BIFL. I had a pair in my youth that lasted me a decade. Now after a few short months the soles of this pair has literally turned to dust!
[Here's my](https://imgur.com/gallery/jim-green-stockmans-after-year-half-X0y39Tm) Jim Green boots a year ago. They were worn for about 1.5 year at my farm, mostly on dirt, gravel and in the forest, and on the paved yard in front of the house. The cuts in the leather are from forestry work, the deeper one was when I accidentally dropped an axe once (did not swing, it just fell on the foot). Now, a year later, the outsole is getting really flat and I will have to get it swapped out. I wear these boots about 4 days in the week on average. Every weekend and once or twice through the workdays. I have a job and never wore those there. I typically probably do 10k-15k steps per wear. I would not say I wear them all the time at all... However that is what easily makes me doubt any crazy stories about Blundstones. Especially cause they use softer outsoles (these are just rubber on a stitchdown construction, no foam anywhere...)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Jun 12, 2025
Very sad to say Blundstones are no longer BIFL. I had a pair in my youth that lasted me a decade. Now after a few short months the soles of this pair has literally turned to dust!
> go get some Jim greens if you want a lasting shoe atm Yep, better in every possible way including what the company stands for.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Jun 12, 2025
Very sad to say Blundstones are no longer BIFL. I had a pair in my youth that lasted me a decade. Now after a few short months the soles of this pair has literally turned to dust!
bluntstones are now made in Vietnam they are not the same shoe as they were. the only boots still made in Australia today are red backs and mongrels and rm Williams. they all carry a different look tho. dont get the rm's they are trash construction for the price compared to what they used to be but i guess they are resoalable the mongrels and spiders are not resoalable as the soles are bonded. my suggestion is go get some Jim greens if you want a lasting shoe atm (made in south Africa)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Jun 5, 2025
While not for life, 8 years of daily wear is pretty good for boots
Well, on the upside, there way WAY more worse shoes than blundstones :) I just find them a bit overhyped. The really cool Chelsea ones in the moment are probably Jim Green Stockman boots - made in South Africa, from really quality local leather, and the company supports the local community and wildlife preservation very directly by regularly gifting boots to nature reserve park rangers. Plus they use an old school stitchdown construction that is easy to resole, and the boots are double lasted (meaning they are fully lined with leather, so you have two layers of it throughout the whole boot, and the inner part is curved under your foot while the outer part is flared out and stitched down to the midsole layer - which also makes them quite water resistant, as long as the leather itself is waxed to not allow water through).
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Jun 5, 2025
While not for life, 8 years of daily wear is pretty good for boots
Check out Jim Green Stockmans, they're way better in terms of construction and leather quality and what the company stands for. If you want specifically this style, the Redback boots are better than Blundstone. Blundstone sold out a while ago and their quality nosedived.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Jun 4, 2025
While not for life, 8 years of daily wear is pretty good for boots
Checkout Jim Green Stockman’s
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Jun 2, 2025
Your BIFL item from third world and developing countries?
My pair of Jim Green boots. Made in south Africa. I've had a pair of razorbacks for 2 years now, used pretty much every week or two, either hiking or fishing or something like that. I always brush them off when I get home so mud doesn't stick to them for a long time and polish them once a month, and they still look brand new. I'm expecting them to last at least a decade and survive 3 or 4 resoles. I've been mightily impressed, and just orded a pair of stockmans to be my work boots
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
They have a lot of nails. The upper will deteriorate after 4-5 resoles. They are sturdy but actually walking daily makes ANY soles wear out in a year or two depending on your weight. Boots are only bifl if you do not wear them. Also, Jim Green does about the same while being much better as a company and they charge way less. The only advantage Nicks has is they're American, but JG being African and what they do for the environment and agains poqchers is also super cool and in my mind beats anything US brands can really offer.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41May 4, 2025
Durable Trail/Walking Mid Boots
Jim Green Razorbacks. I have a pair and they are my favorites of all my collection. They are super durable yet very comfortable once broken in. They aren’t waterproof per se, but they are double lasted leather. So with a good water resistant treatment like Obenauf’s LP, Huberd’s Shoe Grease, or Montana Pitch Blend, they are very water resistant. Plus, they can be re-soled. With proper care they will last well over a decade and probably more. This is the US site: https://jimgreenfootwear.com/ If you are in South Africa, UK, Australia or continental Europe they have separate sites for those customers. They may have others as well that I don’t know about.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42May 1, 2025
Thorogood’s BFL? Even though I found them in the dumpster?
Jim Green Stockmans are really good too, even more rugged but less springy. Although the female version comes with an EVA midsole and my SO is over the moon happy with them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Apr 12, 2025
Boots that will last a long time
I have all kinds of boots and I'd say these are in some ways better than PNW or Redwings. Especially the fudge versions. Way easier to break in because the nubuck/fudge leathers are softer and absorb oils easier. They use thinner leather that's still very durable. I mean, excessive thickness can be just for show and may even have negative consequences in being too stiff - after all, I sincerely doubt you're wearing through Jim Green boots because the leather is still very thick. And a lot of Jim Greens are double lasted and more water resistant due to that. The lining is decent leather too, and with that included there is a lot of leather between the feet and the outside... Also, PNW are hindered by heritage. These generally aren't. They go for functionality. For example, the Numzaan, the Baobab or the new meander moccasin (actual real moccasin, not a regular construction boot with a moc toe like what redwing sells) - they use large sections of leather. Traditional cuts are different cause they were saving on leather... That's why the Jim green 719 which copies traditional US style boots has smaller sections stitched together instead...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Apr 12, 2025
Boots that will last a long time
I would also recommend Jim Green, I have a pair of their boots that I got for $200 that are built well and comfortable
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Apr 12, 2025
Boots that will last a long time
Jim Green would be another option for decent boots for a more affordable price. I would call them 80% of nicks boots at 30% the price.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Apr 11, 2025
Best all day/everyday BIFL boots narrowed down between these two
Absolutely love Jim Green boots, but I also happen to have particularly wide flat feet. They’re by far the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Apr 10, 2025
Best hiking boots for men - Suggestions needed.
I like my Jim Green Razorbacks. They're heavier and don't have a ton of fancy materials but they're very solid boots, affordable and have solid ankle support and stability.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48Apr 10, 2025
[Request] Shoes that last longer than 5 months for people who actually work physical jobs?
I’ll throw Jim Green boots into the ring. Leather, resoleable, tough, cheap, variety of choices
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49Apr 9, 2025
Looking for a similar boots but high quality
If the straps are not 100% requirement, you could look at the jim green stockman boots.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50Apr 9, 2025
Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?
Jim Green African Ranger. They come in regular leather and a limited quantity run of water Buffalo leather that lasts an eternity. Can also be re-soled easily.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51Apr 8, 2025
Sneakers or boots for daily wear.
I work in a warehouse and I've worn Thorogood moc boots and Jim Green AR8's. They both hold up well, but the latter are much more comfortable due to the wider toe box. I recommend getting some aftermarket insoles like Superfeet Green and some good thick socks (I use Darn Tough Socks). Boots take awhile to break in and you will get blisters - buy some Leukotape P to help with that.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52Apr 1, 2025
Looking for boots similar to these
Either Jim Green AR8, or Duckfeet Faborg are what you are looking for.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53Apr 1, 2025
Looking for boots similar to these
Jim Green AR8's are not far off (as being basically nicer army boots) [https://jimgreenfootwear.com/store/ar8-buffalo/](https://jimgreenfootwear.com/store/ar8-buffalo/)
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54Mar 11, 2025
Merrel Moab 3s are tough as nails
you might like the Jim Green African Ranger. a great walking / day hiking (or more) shoe.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55Mar 9, 2025
Breathable work boots for someone with flat feet?
Jim green boots!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56Mar 7, 2025
Ladies, what are the MOST comfortable boots you’ve worn for walking 10k+ steps a day?
I discovered Jim Green about 5mo ago - watched all the youtube reviews, and plundged in. My goal is to replace my hiking shoes/boots for something more long-lasting. Currently have their African Rangers and Razorback boots. FREAKING FANTASTIC. Been using them to walk the pups, hiking on weekends, and just a good all-around boot. Wore them all winter and they havent let me down! Some context - northern IL, minimum of 5mi hike every weekend, walk pups everyday 3mi+
View on Redditopen_in_new - #57Mar 4, 2025
New shoes for every day walking and gym?
Jim Greene African rangers, for walking at least
View on Redditopen_in_new - #58Mar 4, 2025
Looking to replace a pair of chunky Chelsea boots (m)
Absolutely recommend Jim Green. They don't make a boot like this out of the box, but you can go to their custom boot tool and get a boot with the Stockman upper, Jim Green last, and Black Lug sole that should be pretty close to what he's looking for. Won't be as sleek as the ASOS boot, but that (and the price) is what you pay for durability.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #59Mar 3, 2025
Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?
Cup soles can be replaced anyway, you definitely don't need a goodyear welt to have replaceable outsoles... TBH the Jim Green African Rangers are probably the closest to high top sneakers you can get with traditional boots. They're stitchdown instead of a goodyear welt, and they are very pliable for a leather boot. Of course, nowhere near a running shoe. More of a replacement for everyday sneaker use.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #60Mar 2, 2025
Suggestions for long last work boots
It might be worth looking into the jim green razorbacks? More of a mid-hiking boot height though. Not sure if that's tall enough for you.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #61Feb 1, 2025
Going to Europe, suggestions for comfortable, not-ugly walking shoes that will last?
Jim Green - African Ranger
View on Redditopen_in_new - #62Jan 10, 2025
Comfortable boots that'll last?
Your budget is gonna make it tough. I’m a boot nerd and I swear by the redwing super soles. They are true bifl but are a bit outside your budget. I like redbacks as they are comfortable and good for walking, but not really bifl. The above mentioned Jim greens are ok. I find them a bit clown show looking and their sole is a bit thin but for the money they are a good choice.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #63Jan 10, 2025
Comfortable boots that'll last?
Jim Green African Ranger. Mine are excellent, as with any boot you will need a resole eventually but can opt for harder, more durable soles.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #64Jan 10, 2025
32 years and still going strong…
There's a lot of nice brands on the market. Very good for value are also Thursday and Grant Stone. In the US, the Thorogood moctoe boots are really nice. Redwing heritage line like the Iron Rangers and the Moctoes are very well made too but a bit stiff and tight for me. Then further on on the price scale there's the really pricey boot makers from the US like Whites and Nicks and Franks and JK boots that are very heavy duty (a bit over the top in some ways). But my favourite is Jim Green, I own quite a few from them. Most of those traditional brands (the US ones like Redwing) evolved those boots out of the necessity for work. Now they continue making them to this day in that same way. While some others like Thursdays and Grant Stone copy them but make it cheaper by outsourcing labour to make them. Well Jim Green does not. They're made in South Africa and that's their primary market where they sell those boots to workers. They do not focus on heritage and branding, and more so on actually making comfy and durable footwear for working. The people who make them are the people who wear them. Also they seem to invest into their local community and have that ranger boot project where they gift boots to wildlife nature reserve rangers (those people who also combat poachers). Jim Green boots are either completely unlined to make them light and breathable or fully leather lined to make them durable and more water resistant. They are all made using the stitchdown construction (same as all the expensive top end brands in the US like Whites). They also all incorporate a proper steel shank. They offer really nice quality leathers too. And all of them have quite wide lasts, these are not dress boots - but they are comfy. A lot of their boots come in "barefoot" version with an extra thin outsole and less stiffening (no shank). I never tried those and am not sure about them because I like some support under my feet. So my recommendation depends on what kind of a boot you want. If you want to replace sneakers, then the "African Ranger". They are very flexible and breathable. Nice to wear year round but especially in the summer. For hiking, their oldest boot is ideal - the Razorback. It is fully lined and much more durable. They also make more of a military style tall boot somewhat like the Dr Martens, called the AR8. I do not own these but I've seen them and they are very solid. They sell a chelsea style called the Stockman. For farm work or garage work, these are very comfy and fast to slip on or off. Fully lined with leather too. But their top of the line boots are the Baobab, the Numzaan and the 719. 719 came out recently. It is made to copy the typical western/US style boot. They use the top quality materials on them. They have the typical side stitch that attaches the two main parts of the boot together at the tongue and all the leather panels are very similar to e.g. the Iron Ranger from Redwing. The Baobab and Numzaan are their own South African designs that deal with some shortcomings of the traditional western design of the 719. Don't get me wrong, all of these three are very nice. But the Numzaan and the Baobab leather panel cuts are much bigger, they use a single large slab of leather to cover most of the boot, it is only stitched together at the back and that stitch is covered with an extra layer. When making boots the traditional way by hand, these would be much harder to stretch in this way so the traditional designs aren't like this due to cost. But eliminating the stitches eliminates the weak points and places where water could get in. Then on that shape they sew on panels for laces, and the numzaan also gets a toe cap. The numzaan also has an extra stitch on most places (three lines instead of two). The Baobab uses a cool hybrid outsole with a layer of foam and rubber. But they're just as resoleable as any other boot. Such use of foam incorporated in the rubber outsole is rare among leather boots. The Numzaan is a bit more traditional and has a full rubber outsole. Both are very thick, they use high end leathers and are fully lined in the inside. Sorry for the long post :)) I own quite a few boots. It really depends on your feet shape. I own Solovairs and Docs and Redwings and Thursdays too. But Jim Green is on a different level for me for sure...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #65Jan 9, 2025
32 years and still going strong…
Yes, but there is also the actual Docs factory in that city down the street, where they make the "made in UK" Docs today. They always made them there as well, but they used NPS to keep up with the demand. The "crazy horse" leather is probably the best leather you can get these boots in from Solovair (or DM, but Solovair is better). It will absorb conditioners and won't crack as the typical shiny plastic-topped leathers. The Astronaut boot style from NPS is a much better design than the derby style, but the latter is the iconic one. If one is interested in something different than the derby style, I'd have a much easier time recommending something like the Jim Green Numzaan boot which is on a completely different level of quality for that price range, plus what the company does and stands for is awesome...
View on Redditopen_in_new - #66Jan 7, 2025
What's your most comfortable and durable piece of clothing?
My Jim Green Razorbacks
View on Redditopen_in_new - #67Jan 4, 2025
My friend goes through shoes/boots within a couple months, are there comfortable, lifetime quality options for restraunt workers in the 300usd range? Please advise, thank you
Jim Green African rangers: resoleable wedge soles, double toe, unlined, and good leather should make for a long lasting shoe for that kind of work.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #68Jan 1, 2025
Unpopular Opinion: "BIFL" as an excuse for overspending
Solovairs are nowhere close to the level of quality for the money you get from something like Jim Green - but considering they're made in the UK and are using an iconic and fashionable design they're certainly not bad for the money. Whites and other PNW boots are very traditional, in some ways to their detriment. In terms of work boots, I think there are some very valid improvements to be gained by combining traditional construction with some modern approaches. For example I mention Jim Green again - the Baobab combines stitchdown upper similar to Whites, but using a hybrid outsole where the outer layer is rubber but there is a foam layer in between. They're not as held back as tradition, but they are way more comfy without giving up anything that makes traditional boots so cool (an outsole replacement also replaces the foam).
View on Redditopen_in_new