Question About Boots

[Neophyte]

Really curious how the Jim Green Ranger Boots compare to the Courtney Boots.

How’s the fit, quality, and anything else you care to mention about the two brands.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have worn Courtney's for everyday and work wear plus safaris for last 6-7 years. I like them a lot. But now have ordered a pair of Jim Greens to try since I can't get the Courtney Safaris with the ripple sole anytime soon or possibly at all now that I wear as my daily shoe.

 

[Rare Breed]

I have worn Courtney's for everyday and work wear plus safaris for last 6-7 years. I like them a lot. But now have ordered a pair of Jim Greens to try since I can't get the Courtney Safaris with the ripple sole anytime soon or possibly at all now that I wear as my daily shoe.

I just got my new Jim Green boots. I just gave up on Courtney’s after trying three pair…outstanding quality just could never get a good fit no matter what I tried. I will post once the Jim Greens are broken in

 

[jpr9954]

If I remember correctly, Jim Green had a booth at the Dallas Safari Club convention. If they do again, I'll try on a pair or two.

After my recent hunt in RSA, we stopped at Safari Outdoor in Pretoria. My PH was considering Jim Green's and showed me a pair of their African Ranger barefoot model. Those boots were more flexible than my Brooks running shoes! As I wear orthotics I'm not sure if a barefoot model is for me but I do like the looks of their boots.

 

[Doubleplay]

I've been wearing Jim Green buffalo hide boots since last year and put a lot of mileage on them in Africa.
I changed the insole and inserted an aftermarket one.
They served me well with no problems.
My son also wears them and he also have Courtneys.
There's not much difference between but Courtney seems a little better made.
One word of advice: If you can buy them in South Africa, you'll save a ton of money.

 

[sgt_zim]

By way of additional tip, I ordered my PH a pair of Courteney safaris.

I'll get a pair of the Jim Green Rangers for my next trip over. My great challenge is narrow feet. Depending on who's doing the measuring and cutting, I wear 13B or 14A.

Whichever way I go, I'll need to get some fat orthotics.

 

[PARA45]

I just got my new Jim Green boots. I just gave up on Courtney’s after trying three pair…outstanding quality just could never get a good fit no matter what I tried. I will post once the Jim Greens are broken in

Where did you order them from?

 

[sgt_zim]

@PARA45 - looks to me like you can order them direct

African Ranger - Fudge - Leather Midsole - Jim Green

For every 10 pairs sold we donate a pair to a Ranger https://www.gameranger.org

jimgreenfootwear.com

 

[Bill J H]

I've got several pairs of both. The Courtneys are more rigid and heavier; the JGs are immediately broken in for me, more flexible and quieter...unless I step where I shouldn't.
L-R: 6 month old ARs that I wear for church or nice outings; 2 month old AR Barefoots (these are my favorites and I have been wearing them almost daily); 4 year old Courtney Safaris (these haven't seen a ton of field time but I do like them); 6 year old Courtney Selous (seen a ton of field time, they are heavy, but comfy).
On my feet are a 2 yr old pair of ARs that have seen a ton of field time and within a couple hours will be on the Red River stalking hogs.

The JGs have held up very well, but as I stated, they are more flexible in uneven terrain.

If I were forced to choose, I'd go with the ARs and more specifically, the Barefoot version. I base this on the miles I've put on both brands. The ARs get the nod due to comfort and weight. Although the Courtneys "may" be more durable, based on my oldest pair of ARs, they are certainly durable enough.

They are both such good boots and come from great companies, I'd say you really can't go wrong with either brand.

 

[mcaustin]

One word of advice: If you can buy them in South Africa, you'll save a ton of money.

This. I bought a pair of Rangers at Safari Outdoor before leaving Joberg in May for around $108.

 

[Rare Breed]

Where did you order them from?

lol…can’t remember

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I ordered my Jim Green from Amazon yesterday. I had enough unused points that they didn't cost anything

 

[sgt_zim]

I just ordered a pair directly from Jim Green.

 

[towserthemouser]

I've got several pairs of both. The Courtneys are more rigid and heavier; the JGs are immediately broken in for me, more flexible and quieter...unless I step where I shouldn't.
L-R: 6 month old ARs that I wear for church or nice outings; 2 month old AR Barefoots (these are my favorites and I have been wearing them almost daily); 4 year old Courtney Safaris (these haven't seen a ton of field time but I do like them); 6 year old Courtney Selous (seen a ton of field time, they are heavy, but comfy).
On my feet are a 2 yr old pair of ARs that have seen a ton of field time and within a couple hours will be on the Red River stalking hogs.

The JGs have held up very well, but as I stated, they are more flexible in uneven terrain.

If I were forced to choose, I'd go with the ARs and more specifically, the Barefoot version. I base this on the miles I've put on both brands. The ARs get the nod due to comfort and weight. Although the Courtneys "may" be more durable, based on my oldest pair of ARs, they are certainly durable enough.

They are both such good boots and come from great companies, I'd say you really can't go wrong with either brand.

@Bill J H you are doing the Lord's work wearing those AR's to church

 

[Neophyte]

Looking around on their website, Jim Green, it seems you can order custom boots with a narrower last. That’s probably what I’ll have to do.

 

[poco]

Courtney has become more of a status symbol brand IMO
When I go to pigeon shoots or a safari banquet I noticed there is a little click
That stays brand specific, and Courtney supplies those guys that have to go with expensive exotic leather.
I really love Jim green price and quality ( and they do make boots for fancy boys in their custom order department)

RSA also has a special tariff agreement vs Zimbabwe having a higher % keeping the price right with JG
I don’t know if I want some barefoot rangers because I wear mine so often and home is very rocky terrain and I don’t know how good they are in rock

The fancy Courtney are kinda gosh

 

[sureshot375]

I just got my new Jim Green boots. I just gave up on Courtney’s after trying three pair…outstanding quality just could never get a good fit no matter what I tried. I will post once the Jim Greens are broken in

Same here. I bought 1 pair of Courtney’s but the fit wasn’t right.

Just picked up some Jim greens and I’m a fan. I want to try some with the thinner soles.

My favorite African hunting boots are made by Tarzan shoe co. I like the tall ones with the buckles. I don’t think they have a us distributor.

They most comfortable shoes I have bought maybe ever are Russell moccasin. I picked up a pair of boots as backups for a trip to Argentina. They have become my everyday footwear. Quality and comfort are outstanding.

 

[steve white]

Same here. I bought 1 pair of Courtney’s but the fit wasn’t right.

Just picked up some Jim greens and I’m a fan. I want to try some with the thinner soles.

My favorite African hunting boots are made by Tarzan shoe co. I like the tall ones with the buckles. I don’t think they have a us distributor.

They most comfortable shoes I have bought maybe ever are Russell moccasin. I picked up a pair of boots as backups for a trip to Argentina. They have become my everyday footwear. Quality and comfort are outstanding.

Which model from Russell?

 

[sureshot375]

Which model from Russell?

“The professional hunter”

 

[cms62236]

While I would love to try a pair of the Courtney's my budget dictates I am more of a Jim Green guy...lol. I just got back from 12 days in Limpopo, Free State and North Cape. The Jim Green African Ranger barefoots were on my feet everyday and performed perfectly whether it be brush, plains or mountains(14 miles in the mountains for Eland!). I would give them a perfect score in every condition. Quiet, comfortable, durable and much more affordable. Not sure what more Courtney's could offer me so I will be ordering another pair of African Rangers in the barefoot....just in case.