African Ranger

The African Ranger represents a collaborative effort between Jim Green Footwear and The Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA), addressing the widespread issue of inadequate footwear among African conservation rangers. For every ten pairs sold, Jim Green donates one pair to game rangers, with over 2,000 pairs donated as of 2024.

The African Ranger was developed following a survey distributed to rangers across Africa to identify the essential characteristics needed in an all-around ranger boot. Gareth, who joined Jim Green Footwear in 2013, led the design process and personally field-tested prototypes for six months, making continuous improvements based on real-world usage.

The development process included extensive field testing in Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park, where sixty pairs were distributed to rangers for a year-long trial period. Following the successful trial, the rangers purchased 150 pairs, and Jim Green matched this order by donating an additional 150 pairs to support conservation efforts.

The African Ranger features a double-layer construction using 2.2mm full grain leather on high-wear areas including the toe, heel, and eyelet regions. The boot employs stitchdown construction methods, providing durability while maintaining affordability. Heel and toe stiffeners are integrated for enhanced protection and structural support in rough terrain.

The wedge-style rubber sole is specifically designed for stealth movement, utilizing a softer rubber compound that reduces noise when walking through vegetation. This design consideration addresses the need for quiet movement during anti-poaching operations and wildlife monitoring activities.

The boot incorporates a wide toe box design to accommodate extended wear periods and reduce foot fatigue during long patrols. The water-resistant full grain leather construction provides protection against moisture while maintaining breathability. The stitchdown construction method offers field-repairable durability suitable for remote operational environments.

Available in multiple color variants including black, brown, and fudge, the African Ranger also includes specialized versions such as buffalo hide options and barefoot variants with zero-drop profiles for users preferring minimal footwear designs.

The African Ranger model is central to Jim Green Footwear's conservation support initiatives. Research conducted with The Game Rangers Association of Africa identified that approximately 50% of rangers lack access to adequate footwear, with over 40% required to purchase their own boots. This equipment shortage affects ranger morale and operational effectiveness in protecting endangered wildlife.

Through the one-for-ten donation program, Jim Green has supplied over 2,000 pairs of boots to African game rangers working in national parks and conservation areas. These rangers operate across territories covering areas equivalent to the size of Massachusetts, often facing well-armed poaching operations targeting elephants and rhinoceros.

All African Ranger boots are manufactured in South Africa using locally sourced materials and components. Jim Green Footwear, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, maintains its commitment to supporting the local economy and providing employment within South Africa's footwear manufacturing sector.

The company's manufacturing approach emphasizes traditional construction methods while incorporating modern materials and design principles. This combination ensures the boot meets contemporary performance standards while maintaining the durability characteristics that established Jim Green's reputation in the South African market since the company's founding in 1992.