RANCOURT & Co. Shoes - Made in Maine

I really love those too, but want the shoe to have more of a casual vibe, and the Tempest sole has that lovely dressy-looking midsole. Saving that sole for a future project! Sorry I'm being so picky here!

casual would be crepe, camp or Reltex. I would probably go Reltex

eljlakers said:

Question for Rancourt fans: I'm thinking of the ordering the ranger moc in unlined natural CXL, but undecided on a sole. My first inclination was the plantation crepe, but now leaning more toward the RLH sole. What are the pros and cons? To be more specific, I'm looking for a shoes to wear fall/winter/spring through bipolar DC weather, but wouldn't mind something that doesn't look out of place sockless in summer as well. Does anyone know if Rancourt could make a thinner profile on the plantation crepe?

Lastly, as far as sizing, I wear an 8.5 in OSB's camp mocs and they fit perfectly. Would an 8.5 work for me at Rancourt as well?

Many thanks!

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I'm planning on doing just this, and was thinking I'd get the baxter ranger moc that they have on their website. Unlined natural cxl ranger moc, with the RLH aspen sole. Should do quite well for DC weather, but probably not up to the winter where I live (minnesota). One advantage to the baxter is no custom fee, since it's a standard model.

True about the custom fee, thought I prefer the RLH sole with the step in the custom option over the flatter Aspen version on the Baxter.

For the ranger I would go for your brannock size, regularly. However, Unlined CXL will stretch quite a bit, so maybe size down .5.

One thing that I will caution about the RLH and aspen is that they are very squishy and don't offer much support. Some don't really like the feeling. Also, they sort of catch on carpet causing you to trip.

I'll throw the mini-lug out there as an option.

The tempest is not that "sleek" when mounted on a fat-ass mid sole, but if you don't want it I won't try to convince you.

Maybe also check out that silly "Ranger" sole with the rubber pebbles.

Thanks for the advice on sizing. I was thinking the same thing about CXL stretching. I'm generally a 9, so I figured half a size down in unlined would be about right once it's stretched. I may go for the Made-to-Fit option to get check for sure. Also, thanks for the word of caution on the "squishiness" of the RLH soles. Would it be more or less squishy than the plantation crepe?

Also, point taken on the Tempest. I suppose I meant the leather midsole looks dressier than what I'm looking for in this shoes. Like I said, I love that sole as well and will incorporate it in a future order somehow!

No experience with Crepe. Sorry. Frank can probably help there if he is listening.

My unlined CXL Boat Shoes were uncomfortably tight out of the box, but stretched to fit.

I am listening.

I've got one shoe on their crepe and it is very nice. Very comfortable and good traction in general (more comfortable than a camp sole). I also have one on the standard RLH (not the Aspen). That is also very comfortable. Probably a little more refined looking than than the crepe, and I feel as if the bottom of the RLH picks up dirt less than the crepe.

Not sure I'd be able to choose between them. Both very good for what we're talking about here. Maybe go with the RLH since it's something of a Rancourt signature. I'd second that the Baxter is a great looking Ranger moc. Would be a good option for you if you are OK with the Aspen sole.

tampatravel said:

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The Montello Tempest sole no longer looks like the example above. The heel is completely rubber now and there is more rubber extending from the toe backward as well..

Thanks to everyone for chiming in...much appreciated for a SF and Rancourt newbie!

Do most people find that between ranger mocs and loafers they size down a half size, if you want to wear the loafers without socks?

I'd size down a half for sockless.

My beefrolls are in my Brannock size, and have stretched to a loose feel with even thin socks. They WILL stretch, and in short time.

Teger said:

Do most people find that between ranger mocs and loafers they size down a half size, if you want to wear the loafers without socks?

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As I recently pointed out, Rangers 114 Last, Beefrolls 800 Last.

Rancourt says all their lasts run TTS, but the 800 is undeniably more generous.

Also, Laced vs. Loafer.

Bakes11771 said:

As I recently pointed out, Rangers 114 Last, Beefrolls 800 Last.

Rancourt says all their lasts run TTS, but the 800 is undeniably more generous.

Also, Laced vs. Loafer.

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That seems kind of odd.

You would think the loafer last would be less so, considering it doesn't have laces.