American Bootmaking: How Rancourt Makes the Realest Moc Toes

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I bought my first heritage boot after viewing your Red Wing Iron Ranger review when it first dropped. Since then I encountered Rancourt and Yuketen. I’m so glad you have as well as we converge on this mutual respect and admiration for hand stitched moccasin shoes. As someone with very wide feet, most loafers on the market simply don’t fit me but, Rancourt’s “ee” offerings gave me the best fitting experience with a loafer I have ever managed. Great vid, though I wish it were longer.

[@tommysmith7031]

It's a privilege to get access to the factories and makers of boots. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@Stridewise]

I'm so grateful, I really am. I get so excited when I get permission for shoots like this.

[@Russellkhan]

I'm glad you covered Rancourt. They really don't get enough love here on KZbin. I love my Harrisons! I wore them today.

[@Stridewise]

I've been wearing my Baxter boots a lot

[@df540148]

Wearing my Ranger Mocs right now and damn are they freaking comfortable! As someone who was born and raised in New England, it's always great to get a product made there.

[@Stridewise]

such a vanishing art form!

[@lh8372]

Another great video!! Please keep them coming. These are great mocassin boots. I own several Rancourt boots and they are awesome. However, there is a better moc toe boot out there imho. It’s from W. C. Russell Moccasin in Berlin, Wisconsin. They’ve been doing it for 125 years!! Rancourts are good but Russell’s are the real deal. They use Lactae Hevea soles & Vibram as well, just like Rancourt offers in some models. Russells are true moccasin construction and are all handmade in the USA. I own both and Russells are definitely more durable. I wear the Rancourts as my fashion boots and Russells as my outdoor boots.

[@minorgroove1]

Thanks for coming up all the way to Maine! I have a pair of their moc penny loafers in Carolina brown chromexcel and bought a pair of their Camden Derby shoes in the same leather for my son. I love walking into their tiny showroom to buy their shoes, but I was jealous that you got to do the factory tour. Thanks for pointing out this gem to all of your loyal viewers (me included).

[@jt1559]

I own the Derby shoes in Carolina Brown and they're excellent! I have their Byron Boot in the same leather and they're equally great.

[@paulsnell1274]

Yeah! Maine leather and footwear craftsmanship at its very best. Thanks for sharing this Nick!

[@_bats_]

Sadly Tasman, which was a great tannery in Maine, fell victim to the pandemic slowdown and has closed. Just goes to show how important it is to support business like these who've been struggling! Put dollars in the pockets of local craftspeople instead of those of big international conglomerate execs selling you sweatshop shoes that cost $4 to make for $150.

[@RolleiPollei]

I've got a pair of these in natural essex and I love them. They're the most comfortable boots I own by far and they've aged beautifully.

[@Stridewise]

Lucky Brian, they said they're discontinuing that leather! I almost got it but was seduced by kudu suede, which is what I got a pair of Baxters in :)

[@_bats_]

@@Stridewise good call though, my Rancourts are in that CF Stead kudu suede and it's some of my absolute favorite leather. Comfort for days.

[@jt1559]

I own three pairs of Rancourt boots/shoes and they're expensive to ship to Australia, but I think they're worth it. It's good to see them getting some coverage!

[@Stridewise]

I love that their following extends down under!

[@andrebunting7603]

How do you consider them to fit? I'm looking at a pair but I keep hearing both TTS and typical half size down.

[@billystpaul8907]

I bought a pair of Rancourts a few years back. The build of their moc-toes is very good. Mine came in the Brown Chromexcel leather with is aging raither nicely. Other then the wait for them, they are worth the money I paid for them. Thanks for the nice review Nick

[@universalexplorations1776]

Thanks for the video! Just purchased my first pair from them and am thrilled to be able to support American manufacturing.

[@Stridewise]

That's awesome dude! So happy this video led to a purchase for them. They're very real dudes!

[@banbaji]

Wow what a great video~ Seems like a really cool company!

[@benswanson4473]

Very nice, Nick. Love their traditional techniques.

[@usmnt4423]

Thanks for making a video on this company. I've been interested in them for a minute, so very cool to know more.

[@or9481]

Cool company and love the true moc style.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah there aren't many places like Rancourt anymore

[@M1_u]

You're the man Stridewise!

[@Stridewise]

Hey thanks Mel, you too!

[@_bats_]

Love my Rancourts, wearing them right now! I have the Ranger Moc in Flint Kudu. Best summer shoes I own. I would absolutely buy a pair of Harrisons if I didn't already own a really similar double vamp true moc from the now-defunct Maine Mountain Moccasin. Actually I find the price incredibly reasonable for any decently-made shoe, but in particular since there's so much hand-sewing in the US with this brand (and similar, like Quoddy). Their Dirigo line is super affordable - significantly cheaper than brands like Red Wing, and still all hand-made like you see in this video.

[@Stridewise]

I got the flint kudu ones too! The baxter boot, they're the floppiest least structured boots ever but I love them, they're so breathable. I agree the price is surprisingly solid for what it is, and I love that they have a line of seconds.

[@tynannida9642]

Wow nice I grew up 15 minutes down the street toward Brunswick.

[@Stridewise]

Get any mocs??

[@tynannida9642]

@@Stridewise Sadly I never made it over here have since moved out of state 😢

[@mikebox]

I wear Russell Moccasin boots. These make a truly moc boot. With a waterproof vamp. No holes on the bottom

[@pasodiufwen]

Rancourt is a great moccasin but not truly authentic like a Russell. Russell mocs used one continuous piece of leather all across the bottom. Big difference.

[@zacharyybarra7676]

I want some of these now. Good video Sir.

[@wompa70]

I love factory tours. I have a pair of their Read Boat shoes in natural Horween Chromexcel.

[@Stridewise]

glad you like these tours! i got a few more here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNld8fx1SmnnHJJ05KLM47-l7TcrIHSIR

[@markiep8477]

This was great. You could come to Wisconsin and do a tour of several major bootmakers (e.g., Thorogood, Chippewa, Russell Mocassin) and tanneries (Seidel).

[@simonmandrakejones]

Weston on Rose Anvil did something about these guys on on of his deep dive videos on moctoes. These look really cool though. I really enjoy these videos where you show us how these things are made.

[@kso808]

Fascinating process! Real moc toes! I love the looks of the finished product!

[@Stridewise]

I got some in kudu suede!

[@jca66]

I’ve never heard of them before but I am definitely going to buy a pair now.

[@kristianpeterson2571]

I'm generally not a fan of the Moc Toe style. However, these are super cool! I would definitely buy a pair! Cheers!

[@doubleohhhhseven]

This is a wonderful video, and one of my favorites of yours. I need a pair of Rancourts.

[@Stridewise]

Thank you! I made zero dollars on it, I just love the company :D

[@dahak972]

You’re killing me dude! Now I have to get these. Lol. Great video!

[@bobjohnson6321]

what a coincidence i just got my brighton rancourt boots today. i think i have their boots through other companies who contract them such as oak street and Helm untill they began outsourcing, but i guess i cant say for sure. i like them and during sales one can get some real steals.

[@DGlide120]

Nick check out Gokey boots handmade in Tipton MO. They are making a true moc toe as well. I have two pairs and are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. They are my go to boots out of my several RedWings, JK’s, Thursdays, Whites and Nicks.

[@paul_domici]

Freakin Awesome!!! I'm getting one!!!

[@realgrilledsushi]

What a coincidence that I was looking into moc toe boot’s since yesterday

[@realgrilledsushi]

Welp, all my sizes are sold out🤣

[@donaldmcmichael9062]

I have a couple of pair of their shoes… comfortable a great value and age beautifully. I will continue to buy from this great American company

[@nlibby.268]

You should do Quoddy next, if you’re still in Maine. Loved this video and your, good job Nick.

[@rodrigomussak]

Nick, the Russell Moccasin also makes this kind of traditional mocs.

[@franky3fingers337]

Watched this and also The Iron Snails video on Russell Moccasin Boots. Ended up ordering a pair of Rancourt Harrison boots from Huckberry for under $200. There are differences but Russell is on something else when they want close to $700.

[@janerkenbrack3373]

I won't dispute that other brands are not actual "moc toe" boots, but you're mistaken when you say they are only decorative. For example, my Thorogood 814-4200 boots are of the type you mention, and the toe is not moccasin sewn, but it is a functional feature. There is a cord sewn into the toe which give the toe structure. Think of it like rebar. Between that cord, and the leather pulled around it, the toe will stay up and not collapse and flatten like a common plain toe.

[@Stridewise]

I didn't mean to say that either it's handsewn or it's decorative I know it sometimes has a purpose but appreciate you underscoring that Jan

[@xxflamezxx1able]

Nick I’m loving all the different content. Any plans on doing a review on engineer boots? As a long term fan I know you like slimmer jeans so that’s why I figured you never got a pair of engineers and I was the same way but I’m actually beginning to look into a pair and embrace wider pants!

[@scottpattinson8134]

Grabbed a pair of Venetian loafers. A great shoe

[@patrickmiao1698]

Wow, what a great video. I love videos like this. This moc toe is beautiful, I like buying more america made boots that are done well. Are you going to review some of their other types of boots?

[@Stridewise]

stridewise.com/tag/rancourt/ there are two written ones on the site, I also have a pair of their Baxter boots I'll probably do a video on at one point

[@SeeveJo]

I believe their Baxtor boot is the same as the Harrison except for it's unlined.

[@ClaudeVanKot]

Hi Nick, how do they fit compared to the old Wabasha Boots which are made for Red Wing?

[@blueband8114]

Those veg tan mocs shown at the end, really appeal to me.

[@LuisUrbieta]

Hi Nick, will you talk about the Perry Ellos Portfolio Chelsea boots? What if boots were perfect?

[@Stridewise]

That is a hell of an angle

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@Stridewise Wow!

[@zman8340]

I have a pair of timberland Mocs in the 90s that were fantastic. Comfortable and lasted 3 years of high school practically worn daily. Not sure where they Were made .I’ve always wanted to find another pair that could hold up . Looks like these might be it.

[@kinslowrainer3982]

Nice video, and thanks for introducing such a cool company. Quick question: How resoleable are these boots? I don't mean just by their own factory, but anywhere in the world.

[@Stridewise]

they're blake stitched, so the average cobbler can do it. they're a bit less likely to have the machinery to resole a blake stitch than a goodyear welt but it shouldn't be hard to find a cobbler who can resole one of these, just call ahead

[@kinslowrainer3982]

@@Stridewise Thanks!

[@ryannwiltsee5989]

Right down the street from my house!

[@lgroves336]

I wish I had seen this months ago. I just bought 4 pairs of moc toes of another brand.

[@curtshelp6170]

I'd like to see Rancort compared to Gokey.

[@bassplayer2011ify]

360 bucks for a true moccasin construction is great deal. The only other American maker I can think of right now that does a true moc construction is Russell and they are almost double the price. If they had an 8 inch version I would seriously consider getting a pair. My one reservation I have with mocs is busting the toe stitch. Which I have done in the past which is why I tend to stay away from true mocs or two piece mocs ala Red Wings.

[@okthen22ok]

Yo Stridewise! How do Russel boots vs Rancourt boots? Who wins ?

[@TomBurlage]

Russell's hands down. I have both. Rancourt are very good, but Russells are in a different class.

[@alexmorgab9441]

Nice shoes, but also nice Jacket! Brand?

[@Stridewise]

This one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpDQeaOjprd4mM0

[@ryannwiltsee5989]

Hit up Quoddy while you are in town!

[@driftlesshunter9200]

Makes one wonder why WC Russell Moccasin boots are almost twice the price?

[@Stridewise]

Depends on the boot, Russell does have a lot of boots with multiple layers of leather etc so they cost more in materials and craftsmanship, but it's also a smaller operation which will typically increase cost

[@EdAb]

Sold!

[@Stridewise]

Get that man some mocs!

[@EdAb]

@@Stridewise Yes! And can you review the Dayton and/or Porter and/or Byron boots? They all look awesome! The Mocs are great, but I might need all four!😊

[@michaellaun]

Genuine question how is this more real than the Russell design?

[@Stridewise]

It's not, they do it too :D much smaller scale though. Would love to visit them, they do really cool things with mocs

[@jaaskari]

So which ones did you / would you get?

[@Stridewise]

I actually got Baxter boots! www.rancourtandcompany.com/collections/boots/products/baxter-boot-natural-chromexcel

[@jaaskari]

@@Stridewise Awesome, I've been eyeing those for awhile. I also really like the classic ranger-moc , but since I just ordered a pair of Quoddys I might need to resist (narrator voice: he was unable to resist)

[@kfung4]

I’m… I m glad I got the not true moctoe, these are just ugly in my opinion, there’s a reason why redwing mocs sells a lot more Thanks for the information though, great video

[@garyhammond2213]

I have 2 pairs of shoes made in Maine. Made in Maine is my 1st choice. I will not buy Chinese shoes or anything else for that matter.

[@XFS540]

I dunno. I prefer the cleaner lines and proportions of a Red Wing moc.

[@Stridewise]

Totally fair! Different products, different strengths

[@lookthroughmycamera]

The moc toe this is cool and all but they look like elf boots 😂🧝🏻

[@Stridewise]

Haha yup it took me some time to get used to them but when I learned why they look like they do I fell for them

[@lookthroughmycamera]

@@Stridewise or you could wear them to galaxies edge with your Jedi cosplay 😂