Jim Green custom shop

[wearever]

I just went online to spec out a pair of custom boots. I'm not doing it. Those boots, with the shipping from South Africa, will cost more than a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers, or Frank's Patriot. No custom Jim Green for me. I like Jim Green. But their sale prices will be good enough for the time being. I don't like them that much, that I'm willing to pay $100 over the listed retail price for custom options, plus $60 shipping.

Totally, part of the appeal was the value for the money.

 

[TLW '90]

I just went online to spec out a pair of custom boots. I'm not doing it. Those boots, with the shipping from South Africa, will cost more than a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers, or Frank's Patriot. No custom Jim Green for me. I like Jim Green. But their sale prices will be good enough for the time being. I don't like them that much, that I'm willing to pay $100 over the listed retail price for custom options, plus $60 shipping.

What was the plan, double lasted, premium leather, all the most expensive options on their most expensive model ?
Either prices have gone way up or their Vellies are just the most affordable model they offer.

Personally I really really like ther amazing wide toe box last, so it's completely worth it to me.

 

[wearever]

What was the plan, double lasted, premium leather, all the most expensive options on their most expensive model ?
Either prices have gone way up or their Vellies are just the most affordable model they offer.

Personally I really really like ther amazing wide toe box last, so it's completely worth it to me.

I'm in the US so I don't know why they would be expensive and hard to get in Europe, I think J-G has entered the European market with a website and Courtney seems to have a partnership with a company called Wesley Richard's in the UK. .
I have never been to Africa...etc either, but anything designed for the African plains should be right at home hiking hunting and camping anywhere really.

As far as quality and comfort I've never owned a pair of Courtney boots, but my experience with Jim Green has been great.
I only have experience with their vellie chukka boots, but have not really heard many complaints about any Jim Green boots across the board.
They have been very comfortable and Jim green's standard last shape is great, they're wide in the toe box but the whole boot is shaped in a way they they don't look like clown shoes as you can often get with anything built on a Munson style last.

As far as looks I personally think Courtney boots look very strange and quite ugly, Jim Green has some models that don't appeal to me but none are as ugly as the Courteney's .

Jim Green has more models , more leather options , and more sole options than Courtney and they're significantly less expensive.
Maybe the Courtney boots cost more for a reason ( I assume) but from the J-G custom shop you can get upgrades, an upgraded J-G is going to cost about the same if not less depending on the model.
You'll have a choice of options, and I can't imagine what could possibly still be higher quality on the Courtney's at that point.

It's up to what you like and can find where you live, but Jim Green seems like the clear winner to me.

I haven’t tried Courtney boots, but I do have a pair of Jim Green Razorbacks, and while I wouldn’t call them a dedicated hiking boot, they’re solid for general outdoor wear, great for general camping, fishing, etc. I’ve taken them on a few shorter hikes (nothing over 5 miles), and they’ve held up well, but for anything longer, I definitely prefer my Danner Mountain Lights (Cascade Clovis)—though, of course, the price was painful. That said, I do a lot of backpacking in the Sierra, and they've more than paid back in value.

The Razorbacks have that classic stitch-down durability, but they feel a bit firm and flat underfoot out of the box. Upgrading the insole made a huge difference, but I’ve also found that a thin wool or felt insole underneath the main insole helps with shock absorption.

I totally agree with @TLW '90 regarding the style of Courtney boots—they lack the utilitarian charm of Jim Greens and just feel a bit generic. Of course, style is subjective, but Jim Green’s last and toe box are distinct, both in terms of practicality and aesthetics. The wide toe box gives great room without looking oversized, and the slightly bulbous shape just has more personality than Courtney’s sleeker but less interesting profile.

As for availability in Europe, I believe Jim Green has expanded their distribution, and Courtney might have a partnership with Wesley Richards in the UK.

If you’re looking for a rugged, well-priced safari boot, Jim Green’s African Ranger or Razorback could be a great bet—especially if you don’t mind tweaking the comfort a bit. Breaking them in properly, swapping in a supportive insole, and adding a lightweight secondary insole for cushioning can make a huge difference for longer hikes. Personally, I’d rather invest in upgrading Razorbacks than start at the higher price point of Courtneys, which seem to offer little extra beyond brand reputation.