Move Over Clark’s! The Best Summer Boots - Jim Green Vellie

Is there such thing as summer boots? I'd argue that there's no better summer boot than a chukka boot- its about as minimal and low as you can get without being a shoe. Until now I've recommended the Clarks Desert Boot, but now I think theres a new king of summer boots: the Jim Green Vellie. Almost half the price and built very much like your favorite work boots without all the heft: double-row stitchdown construction, steel shank, heavy duty metal eyelets, all for under $100! At that price you should get two!
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Jim Green Vellie: bit.ly/42U0HyP
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Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well, and allows you to buy less and buy better.

[@CarlMurawski]

BUY HERE: Jim Green Vellie: bit.ly/42U0HyP

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

A long weekend here in SA and woke up to this awesome review🙌🏻 I’m currently wearing a pair of our vellies while on safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi reserve, they the perfect adventure companions for those more demanding situations🙌🏻 Thanks once again for those awesome words Carl

[@anthonys8947]

Would Jim Green ever consider doing a boot similar to the Red Wing Blacksmith for the South African market? I haven't seen anyone make that style of boot here.

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

@@anthonys8947 We working on something, not easy or fast getting a new style perfected with what we have available in South Africa but we are working on something. Hopefully ready later this year.

[@cadillacsun618]

Kan nie fout gaan met ‘n lekker paar Vellies nie. Well done boys 👍🏻🇿🇦

[@Michael-ow5yp]

In South Africa the chukka-style boot is super popular for workwear (especially outdoors). It's great to see the rest of the world finally getting exposed to this minimalist yet rugged style of boot.

[@tendrams]

In Zim about 20 years ago I bought some cheap Chukkas at a Bata store and they ran me literally about $5. I finally tossed them a couple years back in spite of the sole being in good shape and the stitching sound. Frankly, they got to gross and smelly and I just couldn't clean them sufficiently to keep them in the closet. LOL! Bought a similar pair in RSA about 2-3 years ago. Price? $15. LOL! Customers and manufacturers in RSA are of farm stock generally...and therefore pretty good at producing and demanding good value. No surprises. Also, the Clarke's sole is shit and wears out very very quickly. No RSA manufacturer would stay in business if they offered that crap to Limpopo province farmers!

[@mtkoslowski]

@@tendrams I bought plenty of Bata shoes back in the day in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Cheap? Yes. Crap? Oh yes!

[@tendrams]

@@mtkoslowski No one said they were premium quality....but I was amazed by how durable they were.

[@wilsmuts]

The vellie (fell-lee) is a huge part of South African history. The boers have been wearing them since the 1800’s.

[@donovanbarrydeswardt1702]

This exact boot is my all time favorite. I work as a game reserve Manager in South Africa, the terrain I work in is rocky desert and is seriously tough on boots. I was chewing my way through footwear until I eventually got a pair of Jim Green vellies. 2 years of almost daily wear and they still look almost new. This is a seriously tough boot. Also the word Vellie is derived from the Afrikaans word Veldskoen (field shoe). The "V" is pronounced as an f so the correct pronunciation is Felli, like Peli the football player with an F

[@joerobertson4962]

I picked up the Razorbacks on your recommendation, and I found them to be pretty much perfect right out of the box. The fellow at Jim Green was an absolute delight to communicate with.

[@CarlMurawski]

Absolutely! How have you been Joe? Have you been playing drums much?

[@johng.4959]

Same here! Great customer service and a fine company to communicate with!

[@zackerycarroll2946]

Any comments on sizing?

[@johng.4959]

@@zackerycarroll2946 Pretty accurate in my case. I think if you know your size well, they will fit perfectly.

[@trevorallen5988]

Jim Green is changing the game when it comes to quality footwear at a great price!

[@gingerman5123]

I just discovered them. In the past two weeks I've picked up the Razorback and now this boot. I think they're my new go to footwear company!

[@czynski3]

Real actual eyelets with a leather reinforced backing. Finally someone using their head when designing a chukka!

[@williamjackson9057]

I’m always reluctant to click on your new videos because I know a purchase will soon follow. My wife says I don’t need any more boots! “But these are summer boots babe...” Great video.

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha tell her I said it's the last boots for a while. (At least one week)

[@1979augistine]

That's absolute terrible advice from your wife I suggest locking her in a closet and order 2 pairs of boots Stat call the ambulance in advance you might not be able to after

[@canadafree2087]

Buy her two, for ever pair you buy for yourself. Female math. lol

[@williamjackson9057]

@@canadafree2087 My boots + two for her= extra job for me

[@williamjackson9057]

@@CarlMurawski Got ‘em... Love ‘em

[@SteveMcMex]

@Carl Murawski just wanted to THANK YOU. I bought a pair of these Vellies and I love them.

[@MM-tf5gg]

Well I ordered a pair came in 4-5 days and let me tell you very nice boot for the price and them some. I wear 13EE got the 13 as no wides but fit well now I put them on w/ shorts and a T no socks and went to supermarket post office etc. Break in what's that! even with bear feet first time on felt like an old shoe I done many miles in and loved. Thanks Carl!

[@f0zfate]

Me: Finally, my boot collection is complete. CM: Hold my beer....

[@reinaldogarcia70]

I appreciate all your reviews You're very knowledgeable well-spoken and down-to-earth honest

[@chrisfreed9806]

Just compleated my first two days on the job in my new Jim Green Razorbacks. I am impressed. The roominess in the toe area is great for long days in your feet, and the sturdiness of the boot is apparent when you actually have them in your hands and on your feet. I took one off my feet and showed it to a friend at work, and he had me order a pair for him. I am allready becoming something of a Jim Green salesman. Nice boots !

[@tompettit9905]

I recently bought the Razorbacks. I couldn't be happier. They are tough, easy on and off and, once I installed my insoles comfy as heck. Thanks Jim Green and you too Carl.

[@ferahgotheassasin]

I love the frog logo on the back of those boots, it's so whimsical haha

[@Anomaly188]

I think it's hilarious looking and definitely marks the boots as foreign made. It looks like some Steamboat Willie era cartoon character and not something you'd see in America.

[@benzeitlin550]

I'm a huge fan of not only the vellies, which I own two pairs of, but of Jim Green in general. As another commenter mentioned, the customer service is excellent. I recently received a pair of the steel-cap Bantams which I ordered from the African site. The quality is superb. Three eyelet with the same sole unit as the Razorbacks. The tongues are fully gusseted. I've also got a pair of the Razorbacks in tan which are stellar boots both in regard to their ruggedness and their unique styling. Comfortable too. Other than my Danner rainforests and a pair of New Balance running shoes, all I wear are my Jim Greens. I even put the frog sticker on my car. The pricing really is almost like stealing. Great footwear.

[@GrimmEaterEDC]

funny I moved from sa to Ireland and now find out about these beauties .{going to buy coz local is lekker}Thanks for the recommend

[@survivalcommonsense]

Great video - just got a pair of African Ranger Boots, and I'm loving them!

[@greyhoundTex]

Being a fan of other South African products, I am definitely going to be picking up a pair today! Our pals down south make products that last and last through all the trouble you put them into and come out solid on the other side.

[@tomep19]

Carl... picked up a pair based on your recommendation- for all of the reasons you mentioned. Perfect summer boots and I’ve worn them with shorts and have gotten rave reviews. Not a big fan of sneakers all the time in the summer and I am way past the flip flop phase at this point in my life so the Jim Green’s are an excellent option. Unbelievable value proposition for the money. Keep doing what you are doing. Love the honest feedback and well thought out, intelligent conclusions based on you putting the time into reviewing all of the options. As per usual great review! Thanks Man! Enjoy your Sunday with the Fam.

[@kawlreaper]

Well...finally hadar a chance to wear them and i have to say..thumbs up. Love e at they feel. The weight is pretty much exactly where i want it. Definitely not to heavy. One thing you mentioned which is a definite plus..insole was immediately ripped out for something with arch support. Made the boot perfect. I had a full day planned with the family. At first, i wasnt going to wear them. But, the degrees dropped a little and I said might as well. Glad I did. On my feet pretty much all day and my feet didnt start talking to me in the way of pain. Theybfit pretty much on the spot. Feels like a solid made boot and I have to admit - they look great! I enjoy wearing them.

[@usckox5293]

Hello! New to the channel, but I’ve had a pair of JG Stockmans for a while... bought them on recommendation from a friend that saw your video. I needed something that I could put on quickly and get dirty in the elements, and these did not disappoint (and they clean up nicely, too). I cannot recommend this brand enough!

[@silvermane5695]

These boots reminded me of what my late father used to wear back in the 80s, especially the Suede Vellie Chocolate. I am gonna buy me a pair and show them to my mom, let's see if she would remember what my dad used to wear :-).

[@ISPhotographic]

Always on the lookout for a great value. Would like to try these out!

[@joncaradies3155]

Whoa !!!! Just got my pair of Vellies .... Man !!!! I put a set of lacrosse 6mm felt insoles in them and they're the most instantly comfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet ..... Thanks for the heads up and great review ..... Cheers !!!! ... :D .... Oh , And I love how they look . Ha ! they even make my size 14 feet look smaller somehow .(an added bonus).

[@scottbruns2907]

I've got two pair of the vellies, one suede and one smooth leather, and I ordered pairs for my wife and daughter. The quality of construction is amazing, but what I really like is the stability they give your foot. I've tried Clarks, but they don't feel like you can hike all day in them like the vellies do. The rubber sole on the Jim Green's vellies is firm enough that it resists compression, but for standing on all day it's soft enough to take the pressure off of your knees and hips. The midsole is stiff enough to support you on rough ground, and as light hikers or approach shoes they are excellent. I can see why they are so popular in SA. Well done Jim Green.

[@carlinman539]

The Jim Green Vellie is exactly the boot I have been looking, thanks for the review.

[@CarlMurawski]

You bet!

[@coryshook7648]

Yeah five months later I see this video but for what it’s worth I did order some Razorbacks on Amazon because of your opinion.

[@frankvasquez9446]

Hi...thanks for ur review. I'm gonna get a pair of these for my 85 year old dad for Christmas. I'm sure he'll enjoy them.

[@slavaartyukh4075]

Hey, I'm in Arizona, summer heat here is similar to summer heat in Africa, definitely need to try these )))

[@molson410]

The Vellie were sold out on the Jim Green site so I went with the Razorback. Can't wait to hike that sneaky little frog into the fly fish only waters of Western Maine!!

[@tyler13]

Glad I always stick around until the end! Perfect timing on this as my Clark’s are just about clapped out!

[@CarlMurawski]

Boom!

[@chrispowell9014]

One of the better looking chukkas I’ve seen. I’ve had my eye on them since your first review on them. The anxiety of buying a new brand when sizing is always different is what has held me back so far 😂

[@mariosalamanca1892]

Hi everyone, Jim green boots I’m 51 years old all my adult life I’ve worked in concert now that I’m older I’m still on the field but not in the grind I would love to try out your very nice looking boot..thank you guys stay blessed and stay safe..

[@LyonTheGreat]

This brand seems to have exploded in popularity online and damn, looking at what Jim Green offers it almost seems like stealing from them to buy these boots at their normal price. Well done, South Africa! I'm honestly glad international brands are getting more attention these days. More players entering the market can only mean good things for us consumers.

[@armink9686]

The steel shank is what gets me

[@shelldonalexander989]

Quick tip. Vellie, which is pronounced with an F, not a V, because Veldskoene (field shoes, for the bushveld) in afrikaans. So it's "Felly", for those non South Africans. Thanks for covering stuff from SA, though

[@shelldonalexander989]

Hey, got a like from the man himself, cool. Another fun fact, in Afrikaans (one of SA's 11 official languages), the letter V is pronounced like the letter F in English, like I explained in the original comment. The letter W is pronounced like V, and F just sounds like F. It's a confusing language 😂

[@Ayanamas]

Wow the quality looks stellar for the price. They also look really good. Thanks Jim Green for being such a great company! Also a thank you to you Carl for showing us! Love it

[@alexanderlevesque2694]

I wear my Frank's year round, so I think I'm gonna pick up a pair of these boots. Thanks Carl!

[@aimaimhz]

big fan ! you make me like boots , I used to be sneaker head . now it is all about boots!

[@thetimeawaycafe]

Not going to lie I never thought of Chukka boots with shorts was a good look but these ones now I will definitely consider

[@justinhumphries9152]

I just bought a pair of Razorbacks for some archaeological work this summer, and I can’t wait to break them in! I’d love a pair of vellies too, though, haha! They look gorgeous.

[@JDeomanoJeromeDanetteJeremiah]

Thank you Carl and Jim Green. The Vellies are a more "grown up" alternative for casual wear instead of sneakers and gym shoes.

[@brettdorey3993]

This was just in time for my next purchase. Thanks!

[@nateclos359]

I've been looking for a suede boot for the summer and this might be just what I need, south texas gets so hot in the summer for most boots.

[@CarlMurawski]

Definitely, and they're resolable too when you wear through them.

[@siguureinartraustason8564]

I think that's kind of shoe I've been looking for thanks man.

[@vaughndeuble2970]

First pair of chukkas I’ve seen and actually liked. These things look great.

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

Just bought some Clark’s last night then you drop this haha

[@CarlMurawski]

Im sorry!!!!

[@XxXSPOOTXxX]

Great Vid Carl! Been looking for a great summer chukka, this might just be the one

[@lordllama2225]

Definitely going to have to get these! Your recommendations never fail to be spot on

[@miked4293]

Really considering trying out Jim Green soon. Thanks for the info!!

[@chompchomp61]

Great to see South African businesses doing well. In Afrikaans a v is pronounced as an f. So we say fellie. Great video!

[@josephboucher9586]

Love the show and would love the look of these boots. Thank you for the great reviews

[@rickyrickshaww8519]

Hi Carl, just watched this banger of a video. It's very amusing how you pronounce "vellies" (Translated in Afrikaans: Skins). Here in South Africa, they are a very popular outdoors and casual shoe worn my your tipical bush jockey or as we call them, "Boertjies". Basically, translated to mean a rugged farmer/bush enthusiast. Vellies are pronounced, quite differently. The V is pronounced the same as the letter f in "finger". The "e" has a more emphasized sound, like the first "e" in "everyone". The "ll"s are fine. And the "ie" is not as fancy as you are pronouncing it. It sounds more alike to the english "ee" sound (example: Seek). And the "s" is sounded out. Pardon the long rant. Hope you see this and God Bless you in your travels.

[@jonuiuc]

I'm gonna try these out. $90 ain't bad to try. I had the desert boots in the past, nice to wear, but not enough support. My shoe choice is always limited cause I wear a 3E-4E and I'm a bigger guy so I need some arch support. Over the years I've wittled down my go to makers to New Balance and Birkenstock for casual, SAS for work, and Samuel Hubbard for the fancy stuff. I have some old (good) Florsheim Imperials for when I have to wear formal, but everything else I need that volume and underfoot support.

[@jeremyt2212]

You're seriously the one KZbinr whose advice and recommendations that I trust most, man. I bought those Razorbacks on your recommendation, absolutely no regrets. Still can't quite afford those Nick's or Kreosotes, but hey, a guy can dream. Ahem, I'm a size 11, in case Jim Green is watching. I'd be very happy to get a pair of these for summer. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

[@SilverOilman]

I’m looking to get a pair of these off of your recommendation. Being in Texas I think these would be perfect for many tasks, especially day-to-day. I’m curious how they compare to the Courtenery Vellies from Zimbabwe since they’re such a similar design (no doubt shared between South Africa and Rhodesia).

[@juanjosemtz]

Those are great chukkas for the summer, thanks for the tip

[@gregritter6625]

Summer is just around the corner and some summer boots sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the recommendation, I certainly haven't gone wrong listening to you in the past about boots. Will have to look into getting a pair.

[@enowilson]

Boots in summer, nice topic! Hard to pull off with shorts, boots are the no-go shoe when temperatures are high. Either you don't care to look ridiculous or wear long pants. When I was in college, I used to borrow the Pearl Jam look - shorts, white sport socks and black Doc Martens. So these boots seems to be a nice choice if you still want to wear boots in summertime.

[@Retro_pilled]

Didn’t know I needed these in my life

[@jhfactor]

Had my eyes in these for awhile. They look so good broken in.

[@aaronlouviere5797]

Heck yeah! Cant wait to try these boots. Hopefully next paycheck 🤞

[@why.3473]

Man, I love the stuff you do! It really speaks to what I geek out about, and I so thankful that we can all have an awesome guy like you putting out such great content! Thanks

[@ashern3920]

Great review! Jim Green has got some solid boots and is very underrated. I haven't been able to get my hands on a pair just yet but I can't wait. Even talking and asking questions with Jim Green has been awesome. Not only do they have absolutely amazing customer service, but they also have a great product!

[@alexdomke1257]

I love what Jim Green are doing. Those boots look awesome

[@rogerfernandez5088]

Definitely an option worth looking into, thanks for the review and keep up the good work! 👍🏼

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Awesome review, greeting from South Africa! Real men wear Vellies in South Africa, socks are optional...

[@iKone911]

Very cool looking shoes. I almost pulled the trigger on some Courtney Boot Vellies years ago, but wasn't too fond of the look. These on the other hand look nice.

[@barry4140]

Pronounced Fell-ie in SA,LOVE JIM GREEN!!!!Keep flying that flag high.

[@goodperson6622]

How crazy is this! I was looking for summer boots this morning and this comes up! Thank you!

[@ml8067]

Carl don't even joke about JG raising their prices! They might listen!!! They are such a great value

[@jon0328]

Comfortable, super casual for the Summer, inexpensive, sounds like a win, win to me.

[@_Georgie_44]

Great stuff. I never would have known about these. Thanks

[@docsus4762]

My wife told me that boot season was over the other day. I'm happy to report that we are still married. A counseling session my be in our future though.

[@80srcfan71]

So glad I follow this channel as I really like Jim Green boots and was looking for something different. These chukkas look incredible and for the price seem to be a steal. Well done Carl on the video!

[@Aggnog]

I got an Astorflex Greenflex when i was looking for desert boots, and they are basically a higher quality clarks DB. They were also actually available in europe which was a big plus. The only downside is a seam on the back which bothered my heel until breaking in.

[@eddiesmith5618]

I love my Jim Green Razorbacks! Great boots!

[@garenosborn]

First time I’ve ever impulse bought a pair of shoes on the internet because a KZbinr told me to. I love heritage things, especially boots and once I dug into the history of vellies it became kind of a no brainer level decision. Thanks for bringing these to my attention.

[@CarlMurawski]

Let me know what you think!

[@garenosborn]

@@CarlMurawski I loved the first pair of chocolate rough out vellies that I bought a pair of the smooth tan vellies. I've got plans to get the other colors when they hit the shores here also. They are pretty comfortable, wearable with or without socks (never thought I would wear a boot without socks but here we are). Plus its a feel good purchase for me, buying something from a company that locally sources and seems to pay a living wage in their country, helping out a place with pretty high unemployment, it all just seems like a win-win to me. Soon I'm going to try to get my hands on some Courteney boots, they are made in Zimbabwe out of game leather. Funky but really cool. You should check some out.

[@DangeRoss_]

What a great summer/warm weather option!

[@sandytraveller85]

Hey there. Don't know whether it matters or not but in SA where they originate it's pronounced "fell-e". Good review and happy to see them serving others so well too

[@marlenakauer5262]

Real fans only!! Love it. Also, curious why the fun ads you were doing fell off. Just too much work? I got the Taylor Stitch unlined chukka on sale for around $240 and have been really happy with them. Sorta wish I had known about these before though...haha thanks for the review and content Carl!

[@TayAlejandroCMisterBozos]

Oh I’m on the website now. I would love a pair Jim Green. Also looking at your chelsea boot too

[@jckanal3168]

Thank you for always keeping up the great work, Carl! And thank you Jim Green, for building such goodlooking boots! All the best from germany!

[@ravilal5939]

I love your simple and unbiased reviews of boots and other products; just wonderful information. Jim Green will have a great market in the US 🥾

[@jamesmasone2614]

Best use of my break at work watching these. Great videos as always!

[@CarlMurawski]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pattgsm]

The Clark’s desert boot is easily the most ubiquitous of the style however, like boat shoes, they are not comfortable if the day involves a lot of walking as there is no shank. Jim Green may have just provided a solution to that problem. Side note: Aside from the Higgins Mill, imho AE boots lean more office casual rather than leisure / rugged casual.

[@CarlMurawski]

Yes! Good point.

[@ericcalica7369]

Just started a new job, so a nice new pair of Jim Green's would be AWESOME!

[@bflathead]

I just ordered a pair after viewing this. I’ve been wearing Clark’s all my adult life but their version of this boot doesn’t work for me since I don’t like the profile. I couldn’t find any sizing information on this brand so I ordered my 10.5. If they work out I’ll order the chocolate color for some variety. Thank you for the great review. Off topic. If you’re looking for a nice black mid weight boot without the stitching / wood sole profile check out the Wilcox Kern in black. Really nice and not too pricey.

[@jeffloucks2120]

They look like the slightly beefier version of my RW weekender chukkas in Hawthorne muleskinner.

[@NathanBickham]

I've been wanting a pair of vellies for a while now and these may be just the ticket. I'm glad there are still companies out there making this style of boot that can actually stand up to some hard use. Keep up the great work!

[@richardgovea7837]

Jim Green seems to be killing it! It’s great to hear about something a little fresh within the boot realm, well at least fresh to us in the USA

[@kggasia]

Great review and I like these. Can’t wait to buy some

[@Aleks9x19]

I've always wanted to try a pair of Jim Green boots! Thanks for the review

[@CarlMurawski]

Any time!

[@JayBirdNJ.]

Great video. I love Jim Green boots. I've got the razorbacks and they are absolutely amazing. The vellies look great for the upcoming weather and I'll be getting the chestnut version. That's for the content, your videos are vital in the we world of leather footwear.

[@whisperygold0399]

I love my Jim green razerbacks I've had them on my feet daily for a good while and I love them great Thank you Carl for recommending them and Jim green for making such a great work boot

[@charlesmauldin3184]

Really looking forward to trying these boots out.

[@trevorallen5988]

I’ve been wearing timberlands my entire life. Since I started watching your channel I have bought Whites, Frank’s, Canada West, 2nd pair of Frank’s, and now Jim Greens. When my wife kicks me out of the house I’ll be sleeping in your garage! 😂

[@miyata612]

i have a pair of stockman. i love them. they just feel so protective of your feet but not so bulky that you stop wearing them. the big toe box is why the fit my feet the best., the way birkenstock shoes would. i would love to try a pair of Vellie.