The Jim Green Baobab goes up against the likes of Red Wing with their first “Heritage” boot, but did they pull it off?
Right off the bat I want to tell you my own biases
Jim Green provided this pair of boots for review, I happen to really like the brand, and even got to meet Garret this summer when he visited the US. Really nice and genuine guy with an accent that makes every word sound way cooler.
So even though I’ll do my best to remain neutral, I think it’s important you know where I’m coming from.
Construction
The Jim Green Baobab is a bit of a mutt, being a combination of their flagship Razorback (still the best value work boot available today) and the African Ranger I reviewed last year.
The one-piece leather vamp and full leather lining of the Razorback combined with the lacing reinforcement of the African Ranger come together to create a unique yet familiar member of the Jim Green family.
Jim Green then added a dash of heritage boot quality with a veg-tan leather lasting board and an all-new sole which combines wedge comfort with lugged traction.
The last is a bit different as well
While people like me with wide feet appreciate the signature Jim Green fit, others felt it was too spacious in the toe box. The Baobab would be considered a wide boot by most standards, but by Jim Green standards it’s narrowed down quite a bit.
All the good stuff is still here
360-degree double row stitchdown construction, South African components, and a gusseted tongue which tucks in neatly beneath the lacing reinforcement.
You may also notice the absence of Jim Greens logo which was featured very prominently on previous models. The decision to reduce branding for a cleaner look is all part of the Baobab objective- to create a South African heritage boot.
In light of that challenge, it’s understandable that some high-end components are absent like a leather heel counter and toe stiffener. Would I prefer these components? Yes. Would it make sense to make their boots less affordable to the people who need them? No.
The leather is typical of Jim Green, being more about function than aesthetics
No crazy grain or hot stuffed pullup here. The Houston brown is 2.2mm (5.5oz) full grain leather, lined with 1.6mm (4oz.) calf leather. But as we saw in the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome, Jim Greens leather ages beautifully, taking home fifth place in the work category. Their leather tends to develop a beautiful sheen and tons of character as you wear them, a look that can only be earned, not bought.
If you would like to see how this boot is made, Jim Green has a video detailing the entire build process and they even break down the components for you.
The Challenge
Jim Green faces a unique challenge in South Africa, and that’s balancing cost and quality. The median annual income in South Africa is the equivalent of just under $17,000 USD. For context, here in the US median annual income is about double at $31,000, and in the northeast US where I live its $77,000.
Being able to make boots that people in South Africa can afford and will last a long time is the brand’s top priority. I’m always impressed with how Jim Green manages to navigate these waters, and how in touch they are with the South African community. Their conservation efforts are worth reading about!
In Use
I received these boots in the spring of 2023 and have been wearing them regularly both on and off the jobsite. The most immediate thing I noticed was the shock absorption of the sole. This won’t be anything new if you’re used to wedge soles, but the fact that they also combined a good amount of traction makes these exceptional hybrid soles.
One of the most frequent questions I get is what sole is best for walking on concrete, to which my response is always wedge soles for their ability to distribute your weight across the bottom of your foot. They’re typically softer as well, making strides easier on your knees. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of traction, since the Cristy Wedge was originally developed for farmers who were looking for a sole that would be supportive while not tracking mud everywhere. That means no aggressive tread or lugs.
These soles combine the best of both worlds, and for those of us who traverse a wide range of terrain they are spectacular. While not the prettiest soles compared to polished leather stacked heels, their function far outweighs any aesthetic shortcoming.
Break-in was minimal, and I had no issues wearing the Baobab all day from the start. I found the width to be comfortable, and the toe box is also a little taller than the Razorback which provides a nice bit of room. For those who felt the toe box was too short on the Razorback, these will be a welcome change.
Just a quick word about that lining
It provides a nice bit of grip via its textured surface. This locks your foot in place and even allows loose lacing if desired. It’s a feature I wish was present on my more expensive lined boots like my Whites Bounty Hunters which tend to be somewhat slippery inside.
The one thing that threw me a little was the shape of the boot on the medial side. There were times I looked down and thought I had my boots on the wrong feet. The narrow “waist” of a boot historically indicated a pair of custom-made footwear. So, this is just an aesthetic thing for me but doesn’t affect the functionality at all.
At $229 the Baobab is the most expensive boot in the Jim Green range. So expensive in fact, that Jim Green has gotten some pushback from the South African community. However, I’d like to point out that this is still FAR less expensive than comparable boots from Red Wing, Danner, or Courtney. Jim Green maintains their position as one of the best values in work boots today. Sure, they’ve gone up in price over the past few years but what hasn’t?
Final thoughts
To me Jim Green is such a refreshing take on rugged footwear, challenging my north American notions with an approach that is unapologetically South African. Just watch some of their YouTube videos, it’s impossible not to like these guys! Plenty of you have bought Jim Greens since they came on the scene and know first-hand what a unique boot experience they are.
Join the Discussion