In Hand: The Rancourt Camp Mocs

When it comes to camp moccasins, most people think “casual slipper.” What Rancourt does with their Gilman Camp Mocs is entirely something else: they build their version of a shoe that sits squarely between purposeful outdoor footwear and refined casual dress. These aren’t slides or sock substitutes. They’re a true camp moc: rugged, comfortable, and intelligent in design.

The Buckaroo leather is the first thing you notice, and not just for its looks. This is vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather with a natural pull-up character that deepens with wear. The tone at first is rich and somewhat muted (think toasted caramel with subtle depth), but after a few wears and bends, it reveals warmer highlights and a lived-in glow. That richness is part of what makes these feel like something you’ll reach for year after year, not just for a season.

The leather itself is thick without feeling clunky. It feels substantial on the foot, almost protective, yet not rigid. There’s a pliability that invites you to wear them right out of the box, and with every step, the leather loosens just the right amount; not sloppy, not stretched — just personalized to your stride. If you’ve ever had a pair of boots that molded to your foot over time, you’ll recognize that satisfying, bespoke feel here.  While there is a bit of a break-in time, it’s worth it.

Rancourt’s construction is where these Camp Mocs truly shine. Sewn by hand in Maine with a classically pegged moc toe, they feel as tactile as they look. The toe box is built slimmer, rather than a wide, Ronald McDonald look.  This makes a HUGE difference in the versatility of the mocs.

That and the stitching, the result is a shoe that looks intentional, rather than slapped together or overly rustic. The moc toe shape itself is balanced — more elegant than most camp mocs and less bulky than many hiking-ish alternatives.

Then there’s the sole. Rancourt uses a rubber sole that strikes you right away for its grip and quiet confidence. Outdoors, it feels sure-footed on gravel, grass, and wood deck alike. Indoors, it doesn’t announce itself with clompiness or awkward stiffness. Crepe isn’t flashy. It isn’t performance-hiking rubber. It’s exactly what these are — purposeful casual footwear designed for walking, and enjoying.

Aesthetically, the Buckaroo leather color is versatile in a way that surprises. It pairs naturally with denim and olive chinos just as easily as corduroy pants or wool trousers in cool weather. The tone has enough warmth to feel intentional but not so much that it looks out of place with muted fall or winter palettes. They’re a neutral that still has character.

From a sizing perspective, I wear the same size in these as I do my Alden loafers.  They are somewhat snug out of the box, but they break in nicely.  Rancourt provides a measuring system on their site which is quite helpful.

If there’s a downside, it’s that these are not inexpensive ($288 retail). But that’s part of the point. A man who thinks in long horizons, about how clothing and footwear should age with him, not get thrown away after a season, will understand that this isn’t a cost. It’s an investment.

From the first step to year three of wear, the Rancourt Camp Mocs in Buckaroo leather feel like a pair of shoes that belong to you. They don’t shout. They don’t follow trends. They just do exactly what a thoughtful, well-made piece of footwear should: support your foot, complement your wardrobe, and age beautifully with you.

In a world full of disposable footwear and fleeting trends, these feel intentional. And that’s exactly why men who value quality — and who want their gear to earn its keep — will keep coming back to them.