Outside of boots, Fall is prime time to expand the footwear rotation. Since pants are becoming the go-to, some ‘heavier’ options make an appearance. Not only in weight but in textures as well. Suedes, exotics, Gore-Tex, etc. It’s all great for this time of year. This is where my head’s at:
From top left:
1. Rancourt Gilman Camp Moc: I came across these a few months ago and haven’t stopped thinking about them. I love the texture of the Buckaroo leather, and the higher vamp is great for a dressier look. I expect these to make an appearance shortly.
2. Bean Boots 8″ in Bison: We all have the standard Bean Boots (tan leather with the brown shoe), so getting an alternate is fun. I got these Bison leather 8″ boots last season and like them. Variety is the spice of life.
3. Merrell Alpine Sneakers: Being a dad of two boys, we are outside quite a bit, even when it’s cold and wet outside. As a result, I like having some outdoor-focused sneakers that are built for the elements—Codura, Gore-Tex, etc. Clean them off with a hose.
4. King Ranch Ostrich Leg Cowboy Boots: Don’t sleep on King Ranch boots. The choices are limited, but the ones they do offer are fantastic. Look at that ostrich leg…so cool.
5. Res Ipsa Kilim Clogs: Essentially my WFH slippers. I pair these with a pair of thinner Smart Wool socks and I’m good to go.
6. Orvis Pro LT Wading Boots: New to the lineup this year, Orvis released these and I got them immediately. These are SUPER light, yet built like tanks. they are HEAVY duty on the sole and bottom half but built for the hiker in mind. I plan on putting these to use quite a bit this Fall and Winter.
7. Ralph Lauren x Crocket & Jones Cordovan Wingtips: I’ve had my eye on these for quite some time. I like the heavier sole, they look like diet gunboats. They don’t offer them anymore, so you have to get them on secondhand sites, then send them up to my guy Bill at LaRossa for a rebuild.
8. Grant Stone Traveler Penny Mocs: Blue suede. Seriously – how cool. These are a great with just about any pants – jeans, chinos, 5-pockets, and grey trousers. Thank me later.
9. Martin Dingman Dawson Leather Sneakers: I’m trying to get into the leather ‘fashion’ sneakers. Martin always does me right, so he’s probably going to be my gateway…
What did I miss? What are you pumped about this Fall?
I’m a big fan of Rancourt. I have the Gilman mocs in the dark brown buckaroo and I love them. Thinking about pulling the trigger on their Ranger Mocs in the medium buckaroo. And I pulled the trigger on a pair of Alpine Sneakers last year after seeing them on the blog and I find that they get very heavy rotation in the fall and winter. Cheers.
#9 – No way. There is no reason. Either wear sneakers, or wear dress shoes.
Likewise. Never thought I’d see RCS endorse such a product. Stack these next to a pair of white soled dress shoes and Hey Dudes
Shocked to see this too. I am a teacher, and I have a pair that I wear occasionally. I am against them in a sense, but here I am wearing them lol. RCS always says he’s ready for them to go away, so I am surprised he now wants some lol.
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Woah woah woah…I’m *trying* to like them. I don’t own any, but I see them everywhere. Just browsing at this point.
You have said it previously, but I’ll ask again – How do your Gucci loafers fit? I prefer a snug fit, I am an 8 in Quoddy Loafers, 8.5 in Sperry Topsiders.
Correct.
Seconded. Dress sneakers are a plague.
With the exception of maybe Tretorns, I always feel like Forrest Gump if I try and wear tennis shoes without athletic apparel.
Would love input/ review on those Rancourts, especially fit.
Just picked up my first pair of Birkenstock clogs since I was in college, looking forward to breaking them in. Glad to see they’re making a comeback.
Grabbed the Rancourt Ranger Moc 2 years ago and have since added the Gilman and a pair of bit loafers. Excellent quality especially given the reasonable cost.
Rancourt is such a great company and they make their own shoes right there in Lewiston, Maine.. I have several Camp Mocs in CXL, a pair of Venetian loafers in green shell cordovan., a pair of the horsebit in brown calf, and the jewel of the collection a pair of beef roll unlined #8 shell cordovan. You really can’t go wrong with any of their stuff. If you buy when they have their pre-orders you can save a hundred plus.
Those Crockett & Jones from Ralph Lauren I’m on a constant search for but they’re difficult to find in a size north of the bell curve.,
It should also be said that Rancourt makes shoes for Ralph Lauren. They just made the boat shoes for the USA Olympic Team for the opening ceremonies!
Rancourt also has exceptional customer service. I bought a pair of the Byron Boots during last summer’s crowdsource event. I was expecting my shoes in 12-16 weeks. About a week later, the shoes showed up at my door. I was confused so I called them and asked. I was told that they had a pair in my size in stock so no need for me to have to wait.
Looks like Crockett & Jones still makes your short wings: https://tinyurl.com/hz2w86pw