Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot Boots

[BBob]

I only have the Ranger, I’ve not purchased Troopers.

 

[id_jon]

I've really only worn them for different uses, so it's hard for me to compare. I like the troopers and the rangers both a lot. I wear them for work and around town, and wear the vivos for shooting/hiking.

JG's might be an easier transition for a first pair of barefoot boots just because the sole offers a bit more protection from rocks/pebbles.

@BBob @id_jon @Lawnboi any feedback on the Trooper? I was going to order my first pair of vivos but @Jimbee steered me towards JG.

For a first barefoot boot recommendation, JG Trooper or vivobarefoot tracker forest esc?

 

[BBob]

JG's might be an easier transition for a first pair of barefoot boots just because the sole offers a bit more protection from rocks/pebbles.

Completely agree. I’m finding I wear the JG’s more and more over the Vivo. Mostly due to where I go and the terrain. The soles on the JG just work better overall down here in the dry loose rocky terrain.

 

[rharbaugh]

Completely agree. I’m finding I wear the JG’s more and more over the Vivo. Mostly due to where I go and the terrain. The soles on the JG just work better overall down here in the dry loose rocky terrain.

Thanks @BBob and @id_jon. I’m going to get a pair of troopers coming. Also going to inquire about them putting a more aggressive sole via their custom boot builder.

 

[Lawnboi]

@BBob @id_jon @Lawnboi any feedback on the Trooper? I was going to order my first pair of vivos but @Jimbee steered me towards JG.

For a first barefoot boot recommendation, JG Trooper or vivobarefoot tracker forest esc?

I don’t have the troopers. I want the troopers and will get some eventually. While both barefoot boots the JG and vivo are very different. I’d really pick based on your use. I everyday wear some barefoot African rangers

JG
-Heavier duty. Think work boot, more structured upper.
-Thicker sole, less ground feel.
-Take a break in of a typical stiff leather boot.
-Sole better for dry/non snow conditions.
-I reccomend ordering the insoles with them.
- I’d classify them as an in between boot. You don’t get a full barefoot experience because of the thickness of the sole, and structure of the upper . They wear like a work boot, and once broken in are very comfortable.
-If JG offered a beefier outsole on these boots they would likely be my everything solution.

Vivo trackers
-lighter, more barefoot feel other upper and outsole
- Thin flexible leather, very supple, feels almost like an athletic shoe.
-They don’t hold up like the Jim green to things like trade work, I wouldn’t purchase them as a work boot given the JG offering.
-Lower service life, higher price.

 

[Voyageur]

@Lawnboi Please explain the JG insole to me. I've exchanged emails with them and am still not understanding the difference between their standard "half sock" and their "leather footbed" option.
Thanks.

 

[Lawnboi]

@Lawnboi Please explain the JG insole to me. I've exchanged emails with them and am still not understanding the difference between their standard "half sock" and their "leather footbed" option.
Thanks.

The boot comes without an insole. Half the boot has a softer side leather in place permanently, the rest is just rough side leather midsole. I had some rubbing without an insole, and I do like a little bit of cushion.

Dosnt have to be their insole, but I’d recommend finding something to put in there, because they come without basically.

 

[Voyageur]

The boot comes without an insole. Half the boot has a softer side leather in place permanently, the rest is just rough side leather midsole. I had some rubbing without an insole, and I do like a little bit of cushion.

Dosnt have to be their insole, but I’d recommend finding something to put in there, because they come without basically.

Thanks for the explanation. That's what I was thinking, but wanted to make sure I was understanding it correctly.