If you’re thinking about picking up a pair of Jim Green boots, there’s one thing you need to get right first: the sizing.
Jim Green has built a reputation for rugged, go-anywhere boots that can handle rough trails, long days on your feet, and everything in between.
But figuring out how Jim Green boots fit can be tricky, especially since their different models vary quite a bit in shape, width, and break-in feel.
That’s where our Jim Green sizing guide comes in.
Plus, we’re going to break down how the African Ranger, Numzaan, Stockman, Shoellie, 719, or one of their moc toes fit, what to expect during the break-in, and how to find the right size for your feet.
Let’s get into it.
Jim Green Sizing
First off, being a South African boot brand, how does South African shoe sizing work?
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Oh, and if you’re also looking for something like a handmade boot with a similar vibe, you might want to check out our Russell Moccasin sizing guide, too. It’s got some overlap in feel and fit.
Jim Green Size Chart
| Foot Length (Inch) | Foot Length (CM) | US | UK/SA | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.65" | 24.50 | 7 | 6 | 39.5 |
| 9.75" | 24.75 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 40 |
| 9.85" | 25.20 | 8 | 7 | 40.8 |
| 10.125" | 25.50 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 41.3 |
| 10.24" | 26.00 | 9 | 8 | 42 |
| 10.4375" | 26.50 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 42.6 |
| 10.63" | 27.00 | 10 | 9 | 43.3 |
| 10.75" | 27.50 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 43.9 |
| 11.02" | 28.00 | 11 | 10 | 44.5 |
| 11.125" | 28.50 | 11.5 | 10.5 | 45.2 |
| 11.42" | 29.00 | 12 | 11 | 45.9 |
| 11.81" | 30.00 | 13 | 12 | 47.2 |
| 12.20" | 31.00 | 14 | 13 | 48.5 |
Related:
If you’re comparing rugged boots and wondering how they stack up, you might also want to check out how Redback boots fit. They’ve got that same tough, no-frills build, but the sizing and feel are a little different, especially when it comes to width and break-in.
How South African Shoe Sizing Works
Jim Green boots follow South African sizing, which is basically the same as UK sizing. Yep, South Africa and the UK use the same system. Kinda like how Australia does it too. Commonwealth countries stick together, I guess.
Now, if you know your UK size, figuring this out is super easy. Let’s say your UK size is 7.5 in a regular width. That would make your US size an 8.
So if you’re ordering from the US or you’re just used to US sizing, go one size up from your UK size and you’re good.
And if you ever need to convert US sizes to European sizing, here’s a quick US to EU size conversion guide that breaks it all down in plain English.
How Do Jim Green Boots Fit?
Once you’ve figured out your Brannock size, you’re basically good to go.
Generally speaking, Jim Green boots fit pretty true to size. If you’re a US 10 on the Brannock or wear a size 10 in sneakers like Nike or Adidas, then a Jim Green size 10 should fit you just right.
Now, Jim Green boots run wide and have a good bit of space in the toe box due to the wide lasts they use, which is actually one of their signature traits. That is great news, especially for people with wide feet!
However, not everyone loves that roomy feel. Some folks with narrow or low-volume feet might feel like there’s a bit too much space up front.
And yeah, Jim Green themselves say that if you’ve got super wide feet or you’re planning on wearing thick socks, you should go up half a size, and I totally back that.
It really does help give you more volume inside the boot without throwing the whole fit off. The last thing you want is to lace them up and realize they’re just too tight around the forefoot.
In terms of insoles, if you’re someone who likes to run an insole because maybe you want a bit of squish or support, stick with your Brannock size if you want that snug, glove-like fit with an insole. But if you want plenty of wiggle room, especially for thicker insoles, go up a full size.
Let’s make that real with an example. Say you’re a US 10 on the Brannock:
- A size 10 will fit you well without an insole.
- A 10.5 gives you room for thicker socks or a casual fit.
- If you want to use an insole, go 10.5 for a tighter feel, or 11 for max comfort and space.
So, here’s what matters:
✅ True to size if your feet are average
✅ Half size up if you’ve got wide feet or love thick socks
✅ Half to full size up if you want to use an insole
Related:
If you’re curious how these compare to other heritage-style boots, check out how Oak Street boots fit. They’ve got a different vibe, but it’s interesting to see how their lasts stack up, especially if you’re bouncing between brands.
Jim Green African Ranger Sizing
Jim Green calls it the boot designed by rangers for rangers, and I get why. It’s built for tough terrain like think sand, rocks, scrubland, and it works just as well in a workshop, garden, or even a pub.
How’s the Fit?
Here’s the good news: the African Ranger runs true to size. If you’re a 9D on the Brannock, go with a size 9 and you’ll be set.
That said, don’t be surprised if, right out of the box, you feel a bit of pressure on your big toe. You might think it runs small. But it’s not actually the length, it’s that super stiff toe cap.
And when I say stiff, I mean two thick layers of leather plus a stiffener inside. The toe doesn’t bend easily, so when you walk, it might feel like it’s fighting your toes a bit. That’s totally normal for this boot. It just needs to soften up.
The rest of the boot fits pretty securely, especially around the sides of the vamp. So your foot feels locked in, but you still get that big, roomy toe box to let your toes breathe. Over a long day hiking or working outdoors, that kind of balance really pays off.
In terms of the break in period, the African Ranger is going to be uncomfortable at first. The ankle area, in particular, might dig in a little.
The lacing system is made of four layers of leather, so that upper collar needs a few wears to soften up. After a couple of weeks of daily use, it starts warming up to your foot.
But the toe box is going to take longer, maybe two to three more weeks of real wear. If you’re just standing in them or wearing them around the house, the leather won’t soften the way it needs to.
By the end of week four or five, they start to feel broken in. Still firm, but in a good way.
Comfort + Insert Room
Even though they’re firm up front, there’s plenty of room for an insole if you want one. The boot’s interior has enough space to handle a decent insert without messing with the fit.
And once broken in, the toe box starts to make sense. That wide, almost goofy-looking front gives your toes space to spread naturally, which means less foot fatigue. Especially if you’re out in the bush or on your feet for 8-10 hours, that roomy toe saves you.
Would You Like the Fit?
Honestly, it’s a polarizing boot.
Some folks will love the wide toe and the rugged structure. Others will feel like the toe box looks too clunky or that the stiff toe cap is annoying.
But if you’re after function over fashion, or you want a boot that’s made to take a beating and still feel good after a long day, the African Ranger delivers.
Related:
If you’re leaning more toward work-ready boots with a modern build, you might want to see how Brunt boots fit. They’ve got their own sizing system, and some models even let you adjust the width.
Jim Green Numzaan Sizing
The Numzaan boot is one of those designs that gets people talking, and once you see it, you’ll get why. The toe cap doesn’t cut straight across like most boots. Instead, it curves back over the toe, which gives it a really distinctive look.
And the last is super round. Like, really round. Some folks will look at it and say, “Those are clown shoes.” But here’s the thing: they’re crazy comfortable.
Toe Room for Days
That wide, rounded toe gives your toes all the room they need to move, flex, and spread. Whether you’re walking, kneeling, or standing around, you’re not going to feel any pressure up top, unlike the African Ranger, which can press down a bit until it breaks in.
How Do They Fit?
True to size. That’s the quick answer.
Let’s say you’re a US 8.5 on the Brannock. You probably wear Nike in a 9, and maybe size down to an 8 in Red Wings, Grant Stones, Parkhursts, or Nicks. With Jim Green, you stick to your true size US 8.5 or UK 7.5 in this case, and you’ll be good.
However, if you’ve got a narrow midfoot or low-volume feet, going true to size might feel a bit too generous. But if you’ve got wider feet or like a relaxed, easy fit, then true to size works great.
Here’s a detail worth paying attention to…
They’re Wide. Like, Really Wide.
This isn’t just about a wide toe box. The whole boot is wide, from heel to midfoot to toe. If you’ve got regular or slim feet, that can make the fit feel a bit sloppy unless you adjust.
So what can you do?
- If you have narrow feet, you might actually want to size down half a size from your Brannock.
- Even when sized down, your toes will still have room to wiggle.
- Still feel roomy? Just add an insole.
Quick Sizing Recap:
- Runs true to Brannock size
- Wide across the entire foot, not just the toe
- Roomy toe box = zero top pressure
- Size down half if you’ve got slim or narrow feet
- Add an insole if it still feels roomy
Related:
If you’re thinking of jumping from rugged boots to something more refined, here’s how Crockett & Jones sizing works. Their lasts are a whole different game.
Jim Green Razorback Sizing
The Razorbacks are built tough, and when it comes to sizing, they run true to size. Length-wise, your Brannock size is the one to go with.
But here’s the thing that might surprise you:
They’re wide, especially up front in the forefoot. If you’ve tried boots on something like the Grant Stone Leo last, just know that the Razorback is wider in the toe. Grant Stones might feel sleeker compared to the Razorbacks, even though they tend to run longer overall.
(If you want more details on how Grant Stone boots fit, check out the full sizing article I wrote about them. It breaks down their lasts, width, and how they compare to other brands, too.)
So, even though the Razorbacks are pretty roomy across the front, I’d still recommend going true to size. The length is spot on, and the width is part of what makes the Razorback so comfortable, especially if you’ve got a high-volume foot or just like some extra breathing room.
If your feet are narrow, then yeah, maybe go down half a size.
How Do They Compare to Other Boots?
A size 9 in Jim Green feels like a:
So, if you’re used to sizing down in some of those brands, don’t do that here. Stick to your Brannock size.
Jim Green Shoellie Sizing
The Shoellie has got some quirks, especially if you’ve got flat feet.
If your arches are on the low side (or basically non-existent), you might find yourself lacing these up tighter than usual just to take up space.
There’s a bit more vertical room inside the boot than you’d expect, particularly up front. That means your foot might feel a little loose in the toe box, even if the length and width are right on.
Now, that doesn’t mean they’re unwearable or sloppy. Not at all. Once your foot is locked in by the rest of the boot, especially through the midfoot and heel, you’ll still get a solid fit that feels stable on the trail or around town. The structure is solid where it counts.
But here’s the catch: that extra space above your toes can actually cause a bit of pressure up top. Weird, right? You’d think more room would feel better.
But because your foot isn’t filling out that area, it can move around just enough to rub or press in ways that wouldn’t happen if things were snugger.
So, if you’ve got flat, wide feet, you’ll probably still get on fine with these, but expect a bit of fiddling with the laces and possibly some insole tweaking to dial things in.
Alright, let’s break down the Stockman fit…
Jim Green Stockman Sizing
Again, Jim Green uses UK sizing, which runs one full size down from US sizing. So if you’re a true US 8.5, you’ll want to grab a UK 7.5.
Now, here’s the part that trips people up. In a lot of US boots, you’d size down from your Brannock. So if you’re an 8.5, you might wear a US 8. But with the Stockman, that doesn’t apply. These run true to size based on your Brannock. So, again, US 8.5 = UK 7.5.
What About the Fit?
It’s also built on Jim Green’s ASHM last, which runs a little narrow. So if you’ve got wide feet, you might notice it feeling a bit snug in the forefoot, especially before it breaks in.
When you first put them on, don’t be surprised if your heel slips a bit. That outsole is thick and firm, and it doesn’t flex much straight out of the box. It takes some time to wear in.
Jim Green Baobab, Moc Toes, and 719 Sizing
Baobab
Now, the Baobab looks like a wide boot, and by most standards, it is. But compared to other Jim Green models, it’s actually on the sleeker side.
They’ve trimmed the width a bit and shaped it into more of an almond-style toe. So while it’s still roomy, it’s not that same ultra-wide, round-toe fit you might expect from something like the African Ranger.
If you’ve got a wide forefoot, it should still feel comfortable, but it won’t feel sloppy or overly boxy. For most people, it fits true to size.
Moc Toes (Workhorse + Meander)
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For the moc toes, Jim Green actually created a special last just for them. It’s a mix of their standard JG last and the toe height from the STC last, so you end up with a wider forefoot and a bit more vertical space in the toe box.
And yeah, like most moc toe boots, these give your toes a little breathing room up front. That’s just part of the design.
As far as sizing goes, I found them to run true to size. If you’re a 9 on the Brannock, stick with a 9.
719
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Now, the 719 is a bit different. This one’s built on the ASHM last, which is narrower and more almond-shaped. So if you’ve got wider feet, you might notice a snugger fit across the forefoot compared to the Baobab or the moc toes.
It’s not uncomfortably tight, but it’s definitely more form-fitting. Think of it as Jim Green’s more streamlined option.
Again, the sizing is true, but if you’re in between sizes or have extra-wide feet, it might be worth considering a half size up.
Jim Green Lasts: Which One’s Right for You?
Alright, before we jump into the nitty-gritty of Jim Green’s different lasts, let’s hit pause for a sec: What even is a last?
If you’re new to boots or shoemaking in general, a last is basically the foot-shaped mold that every boot is built around. It’s what gives the boot its shape, volume, and fit. Kind of like the skeleton under the leather.
The Greeks and Romans were using them as far back as 400 BC (how cool is that?). Back then, they were carved out of wood, but today, most are made with plastic or even 3D printed. Technology’s really shaken things up in this space.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into the lasts Jim Green offers, what makes each one different, and which one might work best for your foot.
The JG Last
This is the OG. It’s the original last Jim Green launched with, and it’s still in use today. You’ll find it on some of their most popular boots like the Razorback and the Stockman.
The JG last has a 3E width, which makes it great for folks with wide feet. It also has a very round toe box, which gives your toes a lot of space up front.
But here’s the deal: some people feel a bit of pressure from the vamp (that’s the leather over your toes) when the boots are new. You’ll feel it pressing down slightly.
But don’t panic. This usually goes away after a proper break-in. They’ve tested tweaks, like raising the last slightly, but that just made people’s feet slide around too much. So they kept the original shape.
If you’ve got really wide feet and want that roomy, rounded toe, the JG last’s for you.
The ASHM Last
This one’s newer. Jim Green made it because people wanted something a little sleeker than the JG, less chunky, and more office-friendly. Think of it as the almond-shaped version of the JG.
It still keeps that wide natural fit Jim Green is known for, but with a more tapered toe. So if you’ve got an average-width foot or just want something that feels less bulky, this is a great pick.
You’ll find this last on the Baobab and Shoellie boots.
The STC Last
This one stands for Steel Toe Cap. You’ll find it on workhorses like the African Ranger. It’s a 2E width, so not as wide as the JG, but still roomy. The toe area has that big rounded shape to make space for the steel toe.
If you’ve got big toes or are planning to wear thick inserts, this one holds up well over long days. It molds to your foot over time and gets more comfortable the more you wear it.
The Zero Drop Last
This one’s kind of wild but in a good way. Jim Green took their JG last and turned it into a zero-drop version, meaning there’s no heel lift and no toe spring. The sole sits totally flat from heel to toe.
Oh, and they also widened it just a touch, wider than even the 3E JG last, to let your toes splay naturally. But don’t worry, it doesn’t look cartoonish. Just a couple of extra millimeters here and there for that barefoot-friendly fit.
Perfect if you’re into minimalist or barefoot-style boots.
Heads up if you’re into Jim Green’s barefoot boots as there’s a big update coming. They’ve just finalized their new anatomical barefoot last, which means by the end of 2025, you’ll see a wider, more foot-shaped fit that stays true to the barefoot feel. And yep, they’re also cooking up a barefoot moccasin. Stay tuned.
The TC Last
This is their narrowest and most stylish last. It’s only used on the Town and Country boot. Why? Because that boot uses a Blake stitch construction, which needs a totally different last.
This one’s not for wide feet; it’s for people who want something sharp, dressy, and more fitted.
The MO Last
This last is only used on the Monster Waterproof Boot. It’s similar to the TC in that it’s built for a different construction. The Monster boot has a waterproof sock inside, and the MO last is designed to make space for that.
It’s still a wide and rounded last, but it’s also longer to make sure the waterproof lining doesn’t mess with the fit. So yeah, don’t expect to see this last used anywhere else.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to make things easier:
- JG Last: 3E width, very round toe, great for wide feet. Break-in needed.
- ASHM Last: Almond shape, still wide, looks sleeker for everyday or office wear.
- STC Last: 2E width, rounded toe cap, roomy for inserts or big toes.
- Zero Drop Last: Completely flat sole, ultra-wide, barefoot vibe without looking goofy.
- TC Last: Narrowest of the bunch, stylish, only found on Town and Country.
- MO Last: Built just for the waterproof Monster boot, wide and long to fit the waterproof sock.
So, which last sounds most like your foot? Or your lifestyle? Are you more of a Razorback trail stomper or a Baobab office cruiser?
How to Break In Jim Green Boots
When your Jim Greens first show up, they’re stiff. Don’t expect slipper comfort out of the box. You’ll probably lace them up, take a few steps, and immediately think, “Oh wow, these need some work.”
But here’s the good news: you can speed up the break-in process and make things way more comfortable without wrecking your boots.
1. Start with Some Mink Oil Love
We’re not soaking your boots like Rose Anvil did with his Doc Martens. Just pour a bit onto your fingers and rub it liberally into the leather.
Do this three times over six days, letting the boots dry overnight between each round, and wearing them the next day. That gives the leather time to absorb the oil while also slowly softening up with wear.
2. Bring Out the Ball-Peen Hammer
Sounds weird, I know, but trust me. Take the rounded part of a ball-peen hammer, slide it into the boot, and gently press and rub the spots where your feet feel the most pressure.
Usually, it’s around the little toe area or the outer knuckle joint. You’re not trying to smash the boot. Just massage it from the inside out.
And don’t stop there. You can flex the leather with your hands, especially at the forefoot and around the heel area. Try bending the heel back and forth or rolling the shaft a bit to soften the stiff spots.
3. Then, Just Wear Them
Once the oil’s absorbed and the leather’s been flexed, wear them every day for another week. That’s when the real magic happens.
Around the middle of the second week, you’ll start to feel that shift. Suddenly, they’re way more comfortable, and by the end of the week, they might even feel… broken in.
Break-In Time Depends on the Boot
Not all Jim Greens break in the same way. Here’s where it gets interesting:
Double-lasted boots like the Razorback, Stockman, or Slip-On Outback take longer to fully break in. They’ve got two layers of leather, which means four millimeters of tough hide between your foot and the world.
That’s a lot of material to soften up. You’ll need to put in some miles before they relax and start molding to your feet.
Single-lasted boots like the Vellie, Philly, or African Ranger are way easier to break in. Less material means more flex right out of the box, and they tend to get comfortable much faster.
So, if you’re someone who wants a faster break-in with less effort, maybe lean toward the single-lasted models.
How to Measure Your Feet for Jim Green Boots
A half-size off might not sound like a big deal, but with rugged leather boots, especially ones that need a break-in period, measuring your feet the right way really matters.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
1. Get Fitted In-Store (If You Can)
The best way to get an accurate size is to head to a store and ask for a professional fitting. Most quality footwear stores have someone trained to use a Brannock device.
They’ll not only measure your length but also your arch length, heel-to-ball measurement, and foot width.
Why this matters:
Your “true size” isn’t just about how long your foot is. The arch length (the distance from your heel to the ball of your foot) tells you where your foot flexes, and it should line up with the flex point of the boot. That’s a big deal for all-day comfort and proper break-in.
They’ll also check things like:
- Whether one foot is slightly bigger than the other (super common)
- If you have flat feet, high arches, or wide forefeet
…. all things that matter for Jim Green models like the Shoellie or African Ranger.
2. Using a Brannock Device (If You Have One)
If you’ve got access to a Brannock device (maybe at home or at a gear shop), here’s what to measure:
- Heel to Toe Length: Your standard foot length.
- Heel to Ball Length: This tells you where your arch naturally bends.
- Width: Measured across the ball of your foot (this is where D, E, EE widths come in).
- Both Feet: Always measure both feet. Go with the size of the larger one.
3. How to Measure at Home (If You Don’t Have a Brannock)
If you don’t have a Brannock, you can still get pretty close with a piece of paper, a pen, and a ruler.
Here’s how:
- Stand on a piece of paper (barefoot or with the socks you plan to wear).
- Trace around your foot—hold the pen straight up and down, not at an angle.
- Measure from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel.
- Then measure the widest part of your forefoot.
- Repeat for your other foot.
Quick conversion tip: Take the length in centimeters or inches and use the Jim Green size chart below to find your US size. (Jim Green boots use UK sizing, so subtract one size from your US men’s size to find your UK size.)
4. Important Jim Green Sizing Tips to Know
Here’s what most people don’t realize until they try them on:
UK Sizing: Jim Green uses UK sizing. For men, that means you’ll usually need to size down one full size from your US size. If you wear a US 10, go for a UK 9.
Break-in space: These are firm leather boots with tough soles. Some initial snugness (especially around the vamp or toe cap) is normal. But you don’t want it to hurt, just snug enough to break in over time.
Toe box shape varies: The African Ranger has a wide, rounded toe box. The 719 is more almond-shaped and narrow. The Shoellie is roomy but can feel tall for low-volume feet. Know your foot shape and match it to the right model.
Flat feet: Choose models with more volume, like the Shoellie or African Ranger, but expect to lace them tighter.
Insoles: Yes, you can add one. Jim Green boots generally have enough room for an aftermarket insole, but test the fit carefully, especially if the boot already feels snug.
Fit check tips:
- You should have about a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe.
- Your heel should feel secure. Some slip is okay at first, especially in models with stiff soles.
- If your foot slides forward or your toes feel squished sideways, the width might be off.
Extra Foot Measuring Tips Most People Miss
Measure in the Afternoon or Evening
Your feet swell throughout the day. So if you measure in the morning, chances are your boots will feel tight by mid-afternoon. The best time is late afternoon or early evening, when your feet are at their “fullest.”
Wear the Right Socks
Measure your feet wearing the kind of socks you’ll actually wear with your boots. Thick wool socks or boot socks can change how the boot feels a lot. If you plan to wear thick wool socks with your Jim Greens, don’t measure barefoot. It’ll throw things off.
Stand Up When Measuring
Always measure your feet standing up. When you’re sitting, your feet don’t spread or flatten the way they do when you’re holding your full weight.
Have someone else help you trace or measure. It’s more accurate than bending over and trying to do it yourself.
Don’t Rely on Just One Foot
Most people have one foot that’s slightly bigger or wider. Always measure both feet and size based on the larger one.
It’s completely normal, and it’s better to have a slightly looser boot on one foot than a tight, blister-causing fit on the other.
Re-measure Every Couple of Years
Feet change over time. Weight fluctuations or just aging can subtly change your foot shape. If it’s been more than two years since you measured, take a fresh look before buying new boots.
Know Your Foot Volume
Length and width are just part of the equation. Foot volume (how much space your foot takes up vertically) really matters with Jim Green boots.
If you’ve got low arches or flat feet, you might need to lace tightly or add an insole to reduce volume. If you have high arches or bulky feet, look for models with more room across the instep.
Account for Break-In
Jim Green boots are built with thick leather and rugged outsoles. They’re meant to mold to your foot over time, not feel like sneakers on day one.
A snug fit (but not painful) is okay. The leather will stretch and flex as it warms up and breaks in.
So there you have it. I hope our Jim Green sizing guide has been helpful. If you’ve got any questions regarding sizing, feel free to drop them down below in the comments.
I’ll see you in the next one.