FIBREBOARD Midsole VS LEATHER Midsole // Jim Green Footwear

Dive into the Polyester Woven Fiber Board Midsole vs. Leather Midsole showdown. Explore the differences between these two options offered by Jim Green Footwear and determine your best fit for your outdoor adventures.
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[@user-wj3jl6tf2q]

I really hope the 719's will be put into production. That is the Jim Green service boot I have been waiting. The right look, and the right leather. Just beautiful.

[@Thankyou4time]

Me too!

[@LCFloyd]

YESSSSSSSSSS! Me too 🥾

[@jakepassolt9640]

I have multiple Jim Green's with and without the leather midsole. There is definitely a noticeable weight increase with the leather midsole but it's nothing crazy. And so far I have had no issues with the fiberboard midsole's durability at all. The Jim Green brand is all about value. The boots are durable, well made, and they are a super good deal for what they cost vs what you get. It makes sense to want the leather midsole if you're getting a custom pair, you're already paying a premium for the boots so you'll want them made with the best materials offered. But I feel like most people like the Jim Green brand because they don't cost an arm and a leg but you still get a super sturdy, traditionally constructed boot. So it makes sense that the fiberboard midsole is the default option, but I love that they still have the leather midsole as an option.

[@tonydragon784]

I've got some first-run barefoots and some off-the-website AR8s with the poly board and it's pretty funny that these 8in luggy boots weigh about the same as my little barefoot stompers

[@5c077andstuff]

Looking forward to the 719's when they come out. Will they be priced similar to the Numzaan boots?

[@patricklinkous]

I get that the fibreboard midsole is a high quality product, but at the end of the day it's less durable than leather. Most of your US customers are attracted to your boots because of the high quality construction. I've noticed most of your custom boots on Reddit have leather midsoles. I think many US customers would happily pay the extra $10 for a leather midsole in your current boots, but the price if customs is out of reach for many. If you dropped fibreboard from the US line, I bet sales wouldn't be affected and you would have less custom work gumming up the factory.

[@wingit4316]

Excellent take

[@QuartBernstein311]

This would be my opinion at first, but anyone walking long distances is going to disagree with this take due to weight. I loved the idea of the Numzaan boot, but it just weighed too much for a boot and one reason there has been a large pull to direct attach boots using foam midsoles is because they are often a pound or more lighter than welted boots. Something like the Limmer Ultralight, which is still very expensive made in Germany by Meindl and weighing 2.5 pounds is a work of art by creating a lightweight welted boot and even though it costs $500, it still uses a plastic midsole made by Vibram. I am not saying they should discontinue making leather midsole boots, but it should remain on their higher end boots and out of work/hiking boots. Other than the barefoot thing people are trying, what transcends the problems I see with plastic board (lack of molding to foot) is that you can just throw in an insole to compensate for the problems with it. Something like the Razorback, since it is a boot that laces well and adapts to a wide fit is a perfect receptor already for most insoles out there.

[@patricklinkous]

@@QuartBernstein311 A very well reasoned opinion, I can't disagree. There's definitely a need for both options, but I'm thinking that Jim Green wouldn't stock both options in their US warehouse. I've just noticed a ton of people get into Jim Green for heritage construction and materials and they want leather midsoles. There certainly are people putting miles on their boots, but a significant chunk are office boots. I wear my Numzaans as work boots in a rural park and I don't mind the weight. They feel solid in a way my modern-constructed boots don't.

[@KIL390]

@@QuartBernstein311 I agree with your opinion if this was a purist competition buyer, but at the weight of JG boots, they would not interest such a buyer anyway. The weight difference is a small percentage when compared to the overall weight that you will get used to it within a short while (and have the bonus of your regular shoes feeling lighter :)). I live in my boots (on base, field, hunting, hiking ect.) but my opinion is based on moving a 230lb/105kg 6'2"/187cm body in size 13US. Then you can see how the other replies points fall in.

[@daneish96]

Those tire wedge ARs look incredible👌

[@xplorsocal2222]

I’m so looking forward to the 719 boot! Can’t wait to talk about it on my channel!!

[@natsirt2610]

The 719s in bronco brown look amazing. I can’t wait till those are officially released and we can buy them

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I love the looks of your boots!👌🥰👍 I prefer the leather midsole.

[@RandomGuy-qm3mg]

Makes sense to me. Switching to trail runners made hiking and backpacking a hell of a lot easier compared to all leather hiking boots. So lighter sounds better to me.

[@user-pw3pj1zy4s]

I got the brown African ranger and am loving them so much I had to custom order a pair of work boots. They are razorbacks in Huston black, steel toe, leather toe cap, leather mid sole, and lasting board. Mini lug EVA sole with red stitching. I am anticipating a tough break in, but am stoked to wear them for hopefully a decade.

[@JG-rj4ly]

After wearing a pair of Shoelies I ordered another pair with leather midsoles and FG soles. The second pair is heavy and took weeks before they were comfortable. Now they are great.

[@JennyDarukat]

Wow the Bushcat and the worn bronco leather look amazing

[@Fuperbooper]

In my line of work, upper leathers do not last long enough to justify the durability of the leather midsole. Metal dust and oil is my major boot killer, not the board. I don’t expect two resoles out of any boot

[@canonfodder808]

Loved this video and the explanations.

[@scottdavenport1833]

Very informative video.

[@Danmcc202]

Great video I wonder how the Poly board handles more damp conditions over time. I am in Ireland so wet a lot of the year

[@cheapknight1293]

Hya, I'm from the Netherlands, so we have similarly wet conditions (sighs...). I've got my rangers for 1.5 years now and it does seem that the glue seems to get loose a bit on some edges. Nevertheless, it the upper and midsole are connected by the threat of the 360 degrees welt, so it is unlikely to come undone. My only concern is that they are up for a resole soon, and I am not sure how resolable the midsole is if it is loose on some of the edges.

[@cheapknight1293]

Also I am not sure how much of this is due to the weather tho, but I have worn them in wet conditions.

[@Danmcc202]

@@cheapknight1293 Thanks for the insight. If I was using them in dry conditions I would have no problem at all with chosing the Poly midsole as a friend of mine has a pair of Stockmans that have not shown any signs of degredation. I am just very hard on boots and in the elements far more. I have a pair of Danners (that i would not get again) and the fibreboard split completely along the stich line basically joing the dots from the needle holes. I know that the fibreboard in all Jim Green boots is better quality that other manufacturers but I will still go with a leather midsole I think

[@KIL390]

@@Danmcc202 I have never seen the fiberboard split at the stich, my family has been wearing Crouch family boots for work and field for decades and many resoles. Check out the JG resole videos, there are some pairs that are older than some viewers and still going strong.

[@cheapknight1293]

@@Danmcc202 No problem, it is probably the safest bet if you want durability.

[@gmdemedici]

Have you ever considered making an engineer boot? I bet they'd be quite popular, especially since it's difficult to find good quality ones for reasonable prices.

[@j.k.cascade2057]

You might also mention that if you frequently get your boots wet; the leather lasting sole will get heavy and take a week to dry, with the poly lasting sole just remove the sock liner and dry overnight. Also over time; ( like a decade plus if you have your boots that long ) the leather will begin to show signs of shrinking.

[@chinatownboy7482]

Plenty of shoes do not use leather for insoles and midsoles. They wear just fine.

[@user-zg4ir8ug3s]

Honestly I prefer lightness, especially for barefoot models and also since it seems like the board is plenty durable enough for my uses.

[@Toad_Hugger]

Had a pair of your Vellies with the woven board for about 3 years now. They've held up well to hard use. The board has taken some shape to my foot, but the steel shank has also started to create a slightly raised area that can become uncomfortable on long walks. I recently got a pair of Razorbacks with the leather midsole and lasting board and am very happy with them. They're definitely on the heavier side, but I think it's a good tradeoff for the longevity and style. Overall, I've been very happy with my Jim Greens!

[@TylerSnyder305]

Personally I think the woven fiberboard midsole you guys use is better than any texon type paperboard material that you see in most footwear today. That stuff cracks and breaks, but the stuff you guys use is thicker and has much more structure to it. I still went with a leather midsole for my custom vellies, but have absolutely no complaints with the midsole on the standard Vellies I bought last year.

[@KIL390]

My leather midsoles have never had issues, even when they have not had time to dry between days. But with the fiberboard: -I have had issues with mold and harder to clean (wipe solid leather material vs scrubbing porous board) -Cracking at the bend in the foot (on the inside/foot side, this just seems to be an aesthetic issue though), the underfoot durability is questionable as it has slightly worn down in high friction areas -Delamination/curling of the midsole/upper is far more significant. The board does offer lighter weight and better underfoot grip (barefoot and with socks) when dry, wet no difference discernable Wax seems to offer better water resistance with leather and lasts longer In my opinion there is also the aesthetic advantage to leather as the board ages into a white/greyish eyesore, so regular touchup is required with sole coloured wax (which could cause issues with eg. black wax transferred to your carpets if not done right). This is with experience from urban/field/mountain and rain/sand/mud/snow conditions. I have JG laceups and slipons for my personal boots, I cannot wait for the JG Trooper to come out in December, for me to start replacing my combat boots.

[@abep.3110]

I like the leather midsole because it’s not plastic like polyester, my feet are really happy being covered with nothing but leather and it really helps against keeping my feet from smelling. I’m not in the African bush, and the BAR are plenty light for me. Keep up the great work

[@c4my819]

Just ordered my 1st pair of ARs cant wait to test them, got bored of rockys and welcos combat boots.

[@adamgtrap]

My razorbacks are nice, and the fiberboard midsole hasnt caused me concern yet. I've worn them almost daily, on work days, in Colorado, Alaska, and Arizona. And for a lot of non work hiking days. I actually appreciate that they aren't super heavy and have gotten less stiff over time.

[@edrader]

thanks man i really appreciate the weights. what is ideal for me is a leather midsole and a lightweight wedge like the vibram 2120.

[@Allan_Garcia]

Can you please add the tire sole as an option to the custom barefoot African Rangers.

[@dbmail545]

Waiting on my second custom pair of JG boots. Waiting for more cape buffalo hide to become available before I order the third custom pair.

[@madbrainmakesnosense8229]

I really appreciate you for making a video on this topic. So far the fibre board option is the only thing I could complain. But honestly I didn’t have a real issue with it so far. Nevertheless I maybe noticed that this midsole soakes water inside faster than (non Jim green) boots with leather midsole I have. Maybe you could propose a product to waterproof the fibre board material???

[@testermonkey2304]

any chance the new African trooper is going to come out in vege tan?

[@aidanhendriks3843]

I find that my fiber board midsole (classic african ranger) seems to soak up water quite easily despite tryng to treat it with dubin and beeswax. when i take the insole out after walking in wet conditions, I can see the wter bleeding in from the edjes

[@patricklinkous]

Versus my Numzaans that seem impervious to water. I want a leather midsole on all my stitchdown boots and shoes.

[@christophbecker1639]

No issues with my poly midsole JG boots, but I have to say that leather feels much nicer under your feet. Couldn’t wear my Razorbacks or AR without insoles like my Red Wings. The lighter weight is an advantage though, if you use them as hiking boots.

[@LRNomadGroup]

Love from America! Can we see more of the tire tread sole please!

[@MrThomass281]

I prefer the leather mid sole. My African Rangers with the fiber board mid-sole have more of an odor than my leather midsoled boots by another maker. I believe the smell comes from the fiber midsole. But I still love my African Rangers.

[@carsoncarmody9930]

I’ve had my African rangers for almost two years. The synthetic midsole is cracked at the point that my foot bend. I love the boots but when I buy a second pair I’m planning on getting the leather midsole

[@j_crust4582]

Is the 719 on the STC last?🤞

[@dbmail545]

From the appearance I would suspect that it is built on the JG last but the custom shop will be happy to build you a pair on the STC last. I just ordered a pair of AR8's built on the STC last.

[@josemanuel2244]

Will you make a review on the new bronco leather?

[@96111thomas]

When will we get bronco leather in the custom shop?

[@lukereynolds]

when will the new tyre wedge sole be available for resoling option

[@ardyshane23]

I am in construction, so being hard on boots is a given. I have found that the polyester mid sole just doesn’t hold up to the trade. My African Rangers outsole is almost ready to be replaced and the poly board is cracked in about 3 different places on each boot. They have been in mud, concrete, 100+ f heat, so they have been abused, but I always brush, clean with saddle soap and condition when needed. The leather midsole would definitely hold up a lot better in the trades. I may try my hand at a resole myself and replace the midsole with leather and maybe add a rubber slip sole as well. The uppers look great with scars and “patina” from work that I love.

[@Cokecanninja]

If I have a choice between plastic and leather, I'm picking leather every time.

[@petkeeper0101]

Will the 719 have the lug option available?

[@Alianderfarm]

Wonderful presentation. Keeping an eye on availability of your buffalo hide African Ranger barefoot in size 11.5

[@simongrushka983]

I've got sad news to you: they are no longer made, AFAIK

[@-COBRA]

the weight is for pair or one shoe?

[@joewellfair8238]

Can anyone let me know where to check out these 719s? I can't seem to find them on the website.

[@canonfodder808]

Question for the JG team: Where can we get a last for the AR? I am going to be stuck resoling them myself since there's no cobblers near me. And mailing/paying for them ends up costing me the same as a new pair...

[@RickN13]

Forget the midsole. Have the eyelet issues been fixed yet? I'm still seeing some people talking about the eyelets on their boots coming loose. It's happened on my AR and Numzaan boots too. I just can't pull the trigger again until it's confirmed that it's been fixed.

[@BLACKBOX2TURK]

You should give use the options when purchasing also with the outsoles.

[@iwander120]

2.86 LBS per boot on the African Ranger with fiberboard midsole??

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

The Jim Green synthetic mid-sole is already miles better than other options, which are often made of compressed paper or re-constituted "leather."

[@kitcraft9516]

Maybe I missed it, but which one is less dense? The leather looks more flexible. In my BFAR the leather is quite hard underfoot which seems to be exacerbated by being zero drop. I really wish the sock liner was full length in my rangers as it has a nicer feel underfoot than the lasting board leather with just a tiny bit of give when you walk. Not tapered at that (truly zero drop). Anyway, love the new Bronco leather option. I need a pair in that!

[@carharttking]

Can take a long while to break in a leather midsole but will eventually feel like a glove

[@kitcraft9516]

@@carharttking Four months of more or less daily wear and I'm not there yet. Before going barefoot my go-to was a pair of Red Wing 875 and even that felt softer. I think it is the leather mixed with being zero drop.

[@kitcraft9516]

@@carharttking Four months of more or less daily wear and I'm not there yet. Before going barefoot my go-to was a pair of Red Wing 875 and even that felt softer. I think it is the leather mixed with being zero drop.

[@pintorulz]

Anyone else feels like the 719 is similar to the Chippewa Apache?

[@Abhikpr.]

What is that green boot with that aggressive sole on the left? Those look amazing

[@bri1085]

Custom bushcat they were in the last customd video

[@TwistyThreeFifty]

They are my boots :-)

[@Abhikpr.]

@@TwistyThreeFifty sir you have taste and style lol. I'm jealous right now. I want those. How much were they? I'm guessing custom. I need to save for them

[@nicholas._.03-u1n]

Have you dropped a video about the collaboration with Carl Murawski?

[@Danmcc202]

They chat about it on Carl's podcast

[@ABD5667]

Can a poly board be replaced with a leather midsole when resoling?

[@kiloyardstare]

Not without a lot of extra work! Probably cheaper to buy a new pair than to reconstruct the boot.

[@ianwalker4803]

Save up and just buy one of each ! problem solved 😁

[@user-qd5xx6oy3b]

I love my African Rangers, but the steel shank began to pop out after about 500 miles, the boots still look brand new and I am sure I would have gotten another 300-400 miles out of them. I hope they restock the Vellies! Numazan boots- had to return not wide enough, pretties boots I've ever owned. Stockman's are nice but don't quite fit the same. The Vellies, pure comfort, and the cuffs of my pants cover them, so they look better for work compared to my Rangers. I hope they make more boots on the STC last. And please RESTOCK your Vellies...put Clarke's out of business!

[@sheckydiamond7533]

Polyester woven. I am not sold. Every model should have leather and poly woven as options. Then we can all get what we want.

[@user-qc6dx6iu3f]

Most shoes in the world do not have leather insoles. There's a global industry of shoe lasting boards, and most people's feet have not fallen off.

[@kiloyardstare]

No, they just get new shoes every 6 months when the old ones fall apart! I'll gladly pay an extra $10 for a component that will double the life of the boot!