RANCOURT & Co. Shoes - Made in Maine - Page 100

@Michigan Planner I like the sockless look but I don't like the feel. Well, I've actually never tried it in shoes like these but I plan on using those loafer socks to get the sockless look without actually being sockless.

Hit the reply button without finishing my post, sorry.

So going true to size, and it was the brannock device, should work with or without socks?

I would say so. I wear mine both with and without socks without a problem. They are snug with extra thick wool camp socks but not uncomfortably so. And since they have laces, if they are a tad loose without socks, I can always tighten them up a bit, as opposed to a loafer where you will not have that option.

Agree with Michigan Planner on this. I think you will do well going true to size on these ranger mocs. They should fit nicely, but it is also much easier to deal with laceup shoes that are slightly on the large side than those that are too small.

 

Thanks for the help guys! 

 

So I'll probably go with the 12 and all there's left to do is decide exactly what I want lol. Does anyone know if there is something online where I can see the all the options for a MTO ranger moc? 

There isn't anything online. I recall reading about the promise of some sort of interactive tool to be released by the end of this year, but I haven't noticed it yet. One way to go about it is to page through the site and look for options that you might like. I think you can combine pretty much anything into the makeup you want. At worst you ask and they say no. Taylor Stitch might have some more details too. And of course, ask here if you are wondering.

We offer a program at our shop detailed earlier in this thread; long story short I have a bunch of CXL, Suede, and some textured swatches photographed to at least provide a bit of the service via email / online. do consider that things will look different in person than pictured, and If you have the opportunity to come see us in person (In Portland, Maine) then that's the absolute best way to go about it, but if you want to see some swatches and talk about what you can and cant do I like to think that I have some experience with this working with people making customs here since ~July.

I'd be happy to help, just email me at Portlanddrygoods@gmail.com

Got the email notification that my second pair of blake boots were shipped today.  I'm nervous that they may have repeated the same mistake and used the wrong color stitching again.  I emailed them right back to ask if they had been checked for such errors before shipping, but they didn't reply yet, and FedEx indicates that the package has been picked up.

 

I'm going to be really annoyed if there is a problem with this pair, and will probably ask for a refund plus reimbursement for return shipping ($25 each pair).  Hopefully they well have gotten it right this time, which is my preferred outcome.

 

The reason why I'm worried about it is because they seem to have a hard time following directions.  Example, they were supposed to get in touch with me before shipping this pair because I am going to be out of state for a few weeks and would have them ship to a different address depending on the timing.  They sent them without getting in touch with me first, which should be fine because they should arrive before I leave, but it just makes me wonder what else may have gone wrong.  I guess I'll find out in a few days, and I'll be sure to report back.

They should've refunded your shipping costs to return the defective pair!

Agree completely with this. Reason for return was their error. Should have sent you as shipping label. I really hope this new pair comes through correctly. The variable attention to detail is a little disheartening, since this MTO program is really all about the details.

This link seems not to be working.

http://shoeexhibit.museumla.org/list.asp

But, if it does, it will take you to an oral history project on the shoe crafters of Lewiston, Maine. The interviews are interesting for many reasons. I think if you read through these, you won't be as surprised about errors and an inability to follow directions. The handsewers are master craftsmen (and women), but they also know that their skills are highly sought after and they have some real power over their employers. I'm not making excuses, casting blame, or offering a grand analysis of the situation, but I do think these interviews will change your perspective on the handsewn business. They did mine.

 

I did not realize it was such a local tradition...

My dark olive Bedford chukkas just arrived today and they are spectacular. I got them on the lactae havea sole and it is very comfortable. Granted, I've only worn them around the house and into the garage so far, but I am very happy with the choice.

I posted a crappy iPhone photo below but will try to get some better ones in natural light outside tomorrow. When I opened the box I first thought Rancourt had messed up and made them in the dark brown leather but as I moved them around and the light hit them differently, I could definitely see there is some olive in there. When I put them next to my dark brown Ranger mocs the difference was even more pronounced. All in all, I am very happy with the choices and how they turned out. It took just a few days more than 2 weeks from the time I placed the order until they hit my doorstep.

Those look great, M P. Definitely a very nice dark olive color. Glad to hear they fit well so far and were made to specification. I'll look forward to your further thoughts on them and some more photos.

HORRAY!!!

 

They got it right this time!  Camera charging, will post pics.

 

Hardly any nicks or scratches on this pair.

 

The white stitching really does make a big difference in the overall look in my opinion.  The brown stitching was quite nice too, to be honest.

 

One thing that is very VERY bizarre is that it looks like other shell cordovan this time (glossy).  They also smell different than the last pair.  I think they may have sent me CXL the first time.  The leather feels totally different this time.  Less oily.  Also thinner.

 

Thank you to those who encouraged me not to settle for the first pair.  These boots are definitely more to my satisfaction.  I haven't tried them on yet, just inspected them.  Wonder if I should hit them with some venetian before wearing?  I'll definitely be babying these.

 

Think I'll take my dog to the game lands and try to scare up some grouse.  This is turning out to be a good day!