Shoellie

The Shoellie features a single layer of 2.2mm Oily Nubuck leather upper, providing durability while maintaining flexibility. The leather is sourced locally in South Africa as part of Jim Green's commitment to supporting local suppliers and economy.

The shoe utilizes Jim Green's OR sole, designed for a combination of grip, comfort, and speed. The sole is made from genuine soft rubber compound that provides comfort underfoot while maintaining traction. The sole construction allows for resoling, extending the shoe's useful life.

A steel shank positioned between the insole board and sole provides additional arch support and stability. The shoe also incorporates a thermoplastic toe puff and heel stiffener for structural integrity and protection.

The midsole is secured to the upper using double-stitched 2.2mm braided nylon cord, following traditional stitched-down construction methods. This construction technique contributes to the shoe's durability and repairability.

The Shoellie is built on Jim Green's ASHM last, which presents a narrower appearance while maintaining a traditional D-width fit. The last features a slightly tapered toe box. Jim Green recommends sizing up half a size for individuals with wide feet or those planning to wear thick socks.

The original Shoellie is available in multiple leather colors:

Jim Green also produces a barefoot variant of the Shoellie, which features:

User reviews consistently report minimal break-in time, with many wearers experiencing comfort immediately upon first wear. The soft rubber sole compound and leather construction contribute to out-of-the-box comfort.

The Shoellie has demonstrated durability across various conditions in real-world testing. Users have reported successful wear on concrete, asphalt, gravel, mud, and field conditions in both dry and wet environments. The resoleable construction extends the shoe's functional lifespan.

The Fudge leather variant is particularly noted for its patina development characteristics. The oily nubuck leather ages naturally with wear, developing character while maintaining its protective qualities. Minor scratches and scuffs can be easily addressed due to the leather's oil content.

The Shoellie's oily nubuck leather benefits from regular brushing to maintain its appearance and remove surface dirt. The natural oils in the leather provide some water resistance, though conditioning may be beneficial for extended leather life. The resoleable construction allows for professional sole replacement when needed, significantly extending the shoe's usable lifespan. Users report that basic leather care practices are sufficient to maintain the shoe's appearance and performance over time.

Jim Green Shoellie shoes are handcrafted in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, maintaining the company's commitment to local manufacturing and employment.

The Shoellie is produced by Jim Green Footwear, part of the Crouch Footwear family business. The company was founded in 1992 in a garage with the goal of creating boots that "last and last." The business evolved from serving local farmers needing durable work footwear to developing lifestyle and outdoor footwear for international markets.

The Shoellie is positioned as a versatile shoe suitable for:

The shoe embodies Jim Green's approach to footwear design, emphasizing durability, repairability, and versatility. The Shoellie represents an attempt to create a single shoe that can transition between formal and casual settings while maintaining the robust construction associated with work boots.