I have never had a pair of Rancourts but they look mighty fine to me ,a lovely colour too.
For that sort of dough though I would expect a substantial shoe with a Goodyear welt construction.

Paul showed me a sample of the leather a few weeks ago and the quality is excellent. Good that they've gone for a plain strap rather than beefrolls.

Last edited by fxh (2013-04-28 08:12:47)

I think our great pal Kionon would cream himself over those pics.

They start a half size (maybe a full size too big) for me. A blessing as I'm far too stretched for cash these days and need to pick my purchases carefully.  As you said Hep, lots of nice bits to buy right now.

I just need some trousers.  I''ve just bought chinos from 3 different sources, in the hopes that at least 1 pair will be wearable.  Otherwise I'll never get out of the house.

I might also get a pair of the Rickymartins.

True, and that's what I do, but finding them nos or barely worn, in a specific size, is a challenge.  Most people would rather simply buy new; for imported top notch loafers, the price is heavy but appropriate.

We're talking about a loafer handmade by skilled craftsmen in the US from some of the finest materials available. All made in small runs and shipped across an ocean. £260 is not silly money for these shoes any more than £120 is silly money for a Fitzgerald's OCBD.

They are certainly expensive.  Too expensive for me. But overpriced?  Highly debatable.  I imagine JS and Rancourt make less profit on a pair of these proportionally than Bass make on a pair of plastic Weejuns.

They're not that bad really, in relative terms. You might be able to get lucky and get something vintage or NOS. But to most people on a decent wage £260 on a pair of loafers that are deserving of the price tag is not tipping the scales. I mean, what's an equivalent in with a UK maker? Probably £230 - £350.

I say that all as someone who can't afford them.

Oh and a smart loafer really shouldn't be seen as a camp moc equivalent IMO, if anything it is a casual dress shoe. Especially in black.

Last edited by THAW !!!! (2013-04-28 11:42:39)

They look great. I like the loafers as well.

I really like Rancourt and how they're just a good steadfast American company that still makes a quality product.  Like I've said elsewhere, you unfortunately have to pay a premium for that now.  I've keep thinking of these:

http://www.rancourtandcompany.com/men-s-1/dress/buckle-loafers-black-calf.html

although I'm not sure about mixing metals, as they've got brass buckles and most of my belts are nickel. 

They're chukka is real nice IMO also, and relatively affordable.  I think there is a Thaw, Liam, Worried Man wage bracket.

Last edited by Worried Man (2013-04-29 04:41:54)

How long did it take?