The art and craft behind producing genuine handsewn moccasin shoes at Rancourt & Co. Shoecrafters in Lewiston, ME USA.
(url=)https://vimeo.com/59954553(url/)
Now we are talking quality loafers.
Very interesting. Makes me somehow a little more proud to own a pair. Also makes me want to put them on as soon as I get home.
I think that modern day Rancourt are better made and better looking shoes than boom years Bass.
I just wish they would offer more finishes. I especially love my venetian loafers but they don't do the dark cognac stain anymore which is a shame.
Need to save up to get me some of their loafers.
chums, I got a pair of their camp moc recently. love these things. sole is different than the old LL Bean's than I had, but well-made, well-fitted, quality. I'd buy more from these guys if I found something else I liked.
edit: here's the link:
https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/collections/mocs/products/gilman-camp-moc-carolina-brown-chromexcel#
Last edited by Horace (2022-06-18 16:15:52)
Those Rancourt shoes do look like a quality product. I don't have a pair myself. Looks like I might have to save up and get myself a pair.
Rancourt cropped up conversation a little while ago: at least one for (Yuca), at least one against (TRS). Horace, therefore, gets the casting vote.
But I would have thought (sight unseen) that they're going to be better than anything Bean currently has to offer. I still value Bean in some ways (used to love poring over their catalogues in years gone by): their thick cotton shirts are an English autumn/winter go-to for wearing beneath my Gloverall (and with a college scarf), but I can still summon a shudder when I recollect those polyester horrors my ole Dad brought back with him from Hartford CT.
Better than contemporary Bean? The 2 don't even belong in the same sentence.
Last edited by Yuca (2022-06-19 02:37:33)
I cannot quite recall TRSs objections, but doubtless they were based on solid reasoning.
As I recall his objections were aesthetic, rather than related to the quality. I can't say I like all or even the majority of Rancourt's shoes either. Some look superb though. Add in high quality leather and construction.
I believe Yuca is correct on this point.
Don’t care for majority of offerings but thought they
Nailed the camp moc.
I got a pair of Alden chukkas recently.
The non cordo are expensive now. Suede (reverse calf) about
USD650. I can’t say I like the form or “silhouette?? or whatever the hell you’d call it
I have to say I much prefer the old Clarks.
But I wanted to buy something quality and they are well-made.
So I suspect I won’t be wearing them.
At least for a while. I think it’s the toe area that’s a little weird for me
I’d rather have spent the money on a new pair of Alden Penny loafers. Which I think they make wonderfully. So I know our old chum JFM had no great love esp for the cordo, which I think a wonderful shoo.
I don’t make too many expensive mistakes with clothing anymore. And hardly ever with shoes.
Though some dubious sailing gear and a few pairs of trousers are the only i can think of that come to mind. And my double breasted Burberry which I can’t take seriously and was painfully expensive at the time.
Last edited by Horace (2022-06-21 00:32:10)
just an update: I've beaten the hell out of the camp moc. For some town wear, but a lot of actual camping (if of the glamping variety). they've held up. I don't think they'd need to be resoled for more than a few years. By that time I think the inners would wear. The soles are tough. I was happy to pay the $200+ for these compared to the old Bean's I had for ages and ages.
They do have a complete restoration service but that's a little speedy compared to buying another pair. Anyway, I recommend them.
I also got a pair of boating shoes. The old school brown with white sole. Very nice. Though I still maintain a prejudice against wearing these anywhere save on deck. But if I adhere to this stricture, they'll be in the box for a while!
Also -- I finally picked up a new pair of Alden cordos. My god, expensive (I think about $800) but very well made. They look great. And very comfortable. No ill affect on the ol' back. I did want the old Brooks unlined version but the 987 is just fine. Press sells a version (the same?) but I didn't find in the shop.