About
The Jim Green Bantam is a versatile safety and work shoe manufactured by Jim Green Footwear, a South African footwear company established in 1992. Designed to bridge casual and work environments, the Bantam combines durability with style while maintaining safety standards for occupational use. The shoe is certified to ISO 20345 SB (Safety Basic) standards and features full-grain leather construction with a steel shank for enhanced support.
About
The Jim Green Bantam is a versatile safety and work shoe manufactured by Jim Green Footwear, a South African footwear company established in 1992. Designed to bridge casual and work environments, the Bantam combines durability with style while maintaining safety standards for occupational use. The shoe is certified to ISO 20345 SB (Safety Basic) standards and features full-grain leather construction with a steel shank for enhanced support.
Design and Construction
Materials
The Bantam is constructed with a single layer of 2.2mm full-grain leather upper, providing durability and weather resistance. The shoe features a genuine rubber sole that can be resoled, extending the product's lifespan. The construction incorporates locally sourced South African materials as part of Jim Green's commitment to supporting the domestic economy.
Structural Features
The shoe includes several reinforcement elements for enhanced durability and support:
Steel shank: Positioned between the insole board and sole for additional support and stability
Thermoplastic toe puff: Provides toe box structure and protection
Heel stiffener: Offers rear foot support and stability
Double-stitched construction: The insole board is secured to the upper with double-stitched 2.2mm braided nylon cord
Fit and Sizing
The Bantam utilizes Jim Green's JG last, which provides a 3E wide fit design. This last offers a snugger feel throughout the shoe while maintaining a roomy toe box to accommodate wider feet. The shoe is available in sizes 3-12, catering to a broad range of foot sizes.
Safety Specifications
Certification
The Bantam is certified to ISO 20345 SB (Safety Basic) standards and holds SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approval. The SB classification represents the fundamental level of safety footwear, meeting basic requirements for workplace protection.
Protection Features
Under the SB rating, the Bantam provides:
200 joule impact protection for the toe region
Basic safety footwear classification suitable for general workplace environments
Protective toe cap for impact resistance
A steel toe cap variant is also available for enhanced protection in more demanding work environments.
Intended Use
The Bantam is positioned as a versatile shoe suitable for multiple applications:
Work environments: Meets basic safety requirements for general workplace use
DIY projects: Durable construction suitable for home improvement tasks
Casual wear: Stylish design appropriate for everyday use
Light outdoor activities: Robust construction suitable for casual exploration
Manufacturing Heritage
The Bantam is manufactured by Jim Green Footwear in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, continuing the company's tradition of local production that began in 1992. Founded in a backyard garage with the intention of creating durable, long-lasting, and affordable shoes, Jim Green has maintained its commitment to South African manufacturing for over three decades.
The company sources all components locally, supporting the South African economy and maintaining quality control throughout the production process. This manufacturing approach reflects Jim Green's heritage as a preferred brand among South African farming and hiking communities.
Product Variants
The Bantam is available in several configurations:
Standard Bantam: Basic model with SB safety rating
Bantam Steel Toe Cap (STC): Enhanced protection variant with steel toe cap
Color options: Available in tan finish
Maintenance and Longevity
The Bantam's construction allows for resoling, a feature consistent with Jim Green's stitchdown construction method used across most of their footwear line. This design enables local cobblers to easily and affordably resole the shoes, extending their useful life and reducing environmental impact.
The full-grain leather upper can be maintained with standard leather care products to preserve appearance and water resistance over time.
Market Position
Within Jim Green's product lineup, the Bantam serves as an entry-level safety shoe that maintains the company's reputation for durability while offering an accessible price point. The shoe represents Jim Green's commitment to creating footwear that "far exceeds the performance of everyday shoes" while remaining affordable for working professionals.
The Bantam continues Jim Green's legacy in the South African outdoor and work footwear market, complementing established models like the Razorback, which has been a choice of South Africa's safari lodges and outdoor enthusiasts for over 30 years.
References
"Bantam S1". Jim Green Footwear South Africa. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"About Us". Jim Green USA. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"Jim Green S1". Bush and Bundu. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"Jim Green Bantam Safety Shoe STC". AST Safetywear. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"Jim Green Bantam Boot". Californian. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"Jim Green Bantam MOQ 10". ZDI Safety PPE. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"ISO 20345:2011 Personal protective equipment — Safety footwear". International Organization for Standardization. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"ISO 20345 - Everything You Need to Know About Safety Footwear". Safety Jogger. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
"EN ISO 20345 - European Standard For Safety Shoes". Fortdress Group. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
