Jim Green Barefoot African Ranger Walnut Veg Tab

MSRP: $225
URL: jimgreenfootwear.com
OG Rating: 8 out of 10

NOTES
Your feet carry you, so you should take care of them. That’s particularly true when every step matters and every mile counts.

That said, modern conveniences and comforts have led to modern weaknesses. Jim Green’s Barefoot Rangers buck the modern trend.

The Barefoot Rangers are a vegetable-tanned leather boot with a tough but flexible sole. There’s no padding, arch support, or even a liner. The goal is to get you as close to the ground as possible.

That might not sound very comfortable, but the Barefoot Rangers have served me well for just shy of 18 months now. I’ve taken them through the Michigan woods, the Nebraska prairie, range days, training classes, and even a couple jumps from 15,000 feet.

They’re not insulated boots, and thus not for deep winter use, but barring that, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their performance.

The Barefoot Rangers are just that, ranger boots. They’re meant to let your feet do what they’re supposed to do. Your heel strikes the ground first when you walk, and then your foot rolls forward and your weight shifts from the outside of your foot to your big toe. When that happens, your toes need room to spread, which most shoes don’t give them. In fact, most shoes squeeze your feet, causing hot spots and blisters and, over time, can lead to more serious problems like infection and ingrown toenails.

By contrast, the Barefoot Rangers have a wide toe box that gives your toes room to move and breathes better, and has room to spare if you want to wear thick socks.

Let’s face it, once your feet start to hurt, that’s all you’re going to think about. You’re not going to be thinking very clearly or moving very well when that happens, because your mind is as much out of the fight as your feet are. Returning to more natural footwear is a good first step.

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