Tag / rancourt & co.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Bespoke Post x Rancourt Leather Moc Shoes are An Ode to Heritage Craftsmanship

Coming off the Fourth of July weekend, perhaps your mind has been focused on the best USA-made menswear — besides hot dogs and beer and fireworks, of course.

Or rather, perhaps you’ve been focused on menswear made the right way, the better way — not the easy way, but with care, craftsmanship and just a few extra steps in mind. That’s where Bespoke Post goes big-time with its first-ever collaboration with longtime Northeast footwear purveyors Rancourt & Co.

Find out more now at Bespoke Post

It can be valuable to rethink your men’s style rotation in that way from time to time, starting from the ground up with your footwear — beyond just canvas sneakers or leather espadrilles this summer. And in that regard, there’s Rancourt & Co., a brand with a long lineage when it comes to crafting some of the very best shoes for men, from handsome boots to timeless leather loafers, moccasins and even heritage-inspired sneakers.

That makes the new Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes all the more special: They’re made with pride and limited to just 100 pairs, all the while merging Bespoke Post’s keen eye for sometimes-overlooked brands with the rich quality that Rancourt & Co. consistently delivers.

Hand-sewn in Lewiston, Maine, these pleasingly rugged moc shoes are about as good as it gets, using grain-side and flesh-side bison leather for plenty of texture and eye-catching appeal, then molding that leather into a classic three-eye moc design.

Learn more and shop men’s footwear at Bespoke Post

That means the build of the Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes is somewhere between a classic two-eye boat shoe and perhaps a more rugged chukka boot — it can be worn easily with selvedge denim or olive canvas fatigue trousers, with a chunky build that looks right at home all the while.

Meanwhile, the two-tone leather upper will age wonderfully over time, while the option to trade in either boot laces or suede laces gives the Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes even more casual, retro cool and versatility. Bear in mind, the handsome and impossibly stylish Bespoke Post x Rancourt Bison Leather Ranger Moc Shoes are limited to just 100 pairs via Bespoke Post — act quickly to give your seasonal footwear rotation a shot in the arm.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 40 Percent On These Rugged, USA-Made Rancourt & Co. Boots at Huckberry

Best men's boots from Huckberry.

Despite winter’s slow and steady retreat from the forecast, spring isn’t exactly the time to take it easy in terms of your rotation of the best men’s boots. In fact, it’s high time to make sure your boot rotation is up for anything — yet unlike heavier winter boots, the best men’s boots for spring should keep things lightweight and quick-moving, yet rugged all the same.

And if you can find those (fast-moving) boots at a fast-moving deal? That’s all the better, and that’s where the ever-trustworthy Huckberry Sale section enters the equation. And today’s deal is a standout one on a standout pair of rugged leather boots for men: The Rancourt & Co. Brunswick Boots are yours for the taking at 40 percent off, and they’re worth every penny.

Learn more now at Huckberry

Of course, that means that — like other fast-selling offerings within the Huckberry Boot Collection — that pairs are going mighty quickly. It’s not hard to see why: Your new favorite pair of leather boots retails now for under $300, a sizable markdown from the near-$700 full price tag.

But again, they’re worth every single penny, especially given that Rancourt & Co. makes its boots using intense, handcrafted attention to detail and throwback construction methods.

This particular pair is hand-built in Maine using textured bison leather, which is then crafted using Blake welt construction for a resoleable design. That design itself, with a six-eyelet, two speed-hook lacing system, rests atop Rancourt & Co.’s springy, hard-wearing gum rubber outsole for comfort and rebound.

And the great thing about these stylish leather boots is the fact that the profile is both rugged and yet dressy enough to wear with everything from dark blue denim to your favorite stretch chinos any day of the week. Once more, for that kind of versatility in design and durable construction to match, these boots are a steal of a deal at 40 percent off. Sizes are going fast, so act accordingly, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Step Out with these Stylish Trainers from Rancourt & Co. This Fall

Sharp-yet-rugged sneakers, handcrafted to exacting standards by Rancourt & Co.

Are we big fans of Rancourt & Co. here on the blog? Yes, yes indeed we are — it’s getting tougher and tougher to find a brand that makes some of the best American-made footwear around, all the while adhering to tried-and-true quality and craftsmanship standards. Yet, that doesn’t mean Rancourt & Co. is a stuffy brand that never innovates. In fact, the new Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers are here just in time for the rest of October, and they’re some of the best men’s sneakers you can step into this season. Although it pays off to pack your footwear collection with rugged leather boots as we head into fall, there’s still something to be said for keeping a sleek-yet-rugged pair of stylish sneakers like the Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers in your rotation. After all, style is all about balance — and these sneakers have that in spades.

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To wit: The Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers feature premium suede leather uppers, as you’d expect from Rancourt, blended with a natural latex rubber sneaker sole. That combo gives you the toughness of Rancourt’s leather boots blended with the slick styling potential of your favorite pair of sneakers, guaranteed. Touches like waxed cotton laces — and of course, Rancourt’s signature made-in-Maine production — elevate these excellent sneakers even further.

SHOP: The Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers

Go with one of three versatile color options with the Bennett Trainers.

And when it comes to styling potential, these could be the perfect fall sneakers. They’re well-suited to slide on with your favorite pair of faded denim and a classic crewneck sweatshirt for a casual weekend coffee outing, or you can pair them with tough chore pants and a thermal henley for a bit of streetwear-inspired, off-duty style. Of course, the best men’s sneakers for fall aren’t made to take any days off — pair up the Beige version seen above with slim navy chinos and a white Oxford shirt at the office on a fall Friday, too. So, to recap: We’ve got stylish new sneakers made with the same care and attention to detail as your favorite boots … sounds like the ideal pair to wear until that first snowfall. Got questions on how to style ’em? Head over to Twitter to connect with me.

SHOP: The Rancourt & Co. Bennett Trainers
Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Chukka Boots from Huckberry, West Skincare & Fall’s Best New Sneakers

A classic flannel shirt you should pre-fund ASAP from Taylor Stitch.

Behold, my friends, the latest rugged flannel shirt to grace the pages of The Style Guide — and while the calendar reads August, there’s never been a better time than the present to pre-fund the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt. It’s a new, stone-cold classic from the Taylor Stitch Sea Ranch Collection, and in my humble opinion, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend. I certainly wish it was chilly enough to wear the Yosemite Shirt these next few days; as we speak, I’m en route to Chicago to celebrate the bachelor weekend of my great friend and college newspaper colleague Mr. Dillon Davis! On the docket? Cold beer, a Chicago Cubs game & plenty of time well-spent catching up with old friends. To follow along with all the fun, head to my Instagram. It’s a treat to be in Chicago so soon again after my last visit for Lollapalooza 2019 — during that trip, I was fortunate enough to check out Revolution Brewing as well as Dry Hop Brewers, and I’m sure more delicious Chicago craft beer is on tap this weekend. What’s on your weekend itinerary? Let me know on Twitter, and kick off your weekend with the best early fall style essentials and reads below.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

Alright, so before we go, I’ve got one last look at some early fall menswear essentials that are going to come in mighty handy as the weather gets cold (OK, so perhaps it’s technically still late summer). That being said, here’s my guide as to what to wear on a chilly summer night, featuring tough moc toe boots, a rugged overshirt and even a classic tee. Hope it comes in handy no matter where your weekend takes you. Thanks for reading!

Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These New Rancourt & Co. Carson Sneakers are An Everyday Essential

A new take on the classic leather sneaker silhouette.

Still on the hunt for critical end-of-summer gear via our See Now, Buy Now series here on the blog? Good thing, then — we’ve got exactly what you need in store today. Crucially, we’ll tell you all about a must-have pair of the best men’s sneakers, and one crafted with exceptional care and attention to detail right in the United States — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low just so happen to be that pair, in fact. These stylish leather sneakers are so much more than a typically minimal pair of sneakers — they’re packed with substance and character, and they’re the perfect sneakers to wear as summer heads toward Labor Day. Does that sound like a lot of hyperbole? Perhaps, but again … the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers are truly one-of-a-kind. We’ve talked in the past about Rancourt & Co. on the site, particularly about the brand’s rugged, made-in-Maine leather boots, and you can rest assured that this particular pair of kicks live up to the Rancourt name more than ably.

SHOP: The Rancourt & Co. Carson Low

These handsome leather sneakers are precisely the kind of pair you’d expect to be sold as a Huckberry exclusive, given their rugged styling potential and use of materials like rich bison leather from Maine’s own Tasman Tannery. The Rancourt & Co. Carson Low also feature construction that’s more akin to your favorite pair of boots, thanks to the Vibram Strighton outsole, solid brass eyelets and a soft leather lining. That rich craftsmanship also lends them an air of versatility — you can wear them with dark blue denim, a classic Oxford shirt and a navy cotton blazer to the office this month, then keep ’em handy to pair up with a rugged crewneck sweater and tan chinos come early fall. Indeed, these are some of the best men’s sneakers you can find — but you’d best act quickly, seeing as they’re sellilng pretty fast.

Do you plan to pick up a pair of the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low? How would you style them for late summer and early fall? Let me know on Twitter. 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers Can Help You Step into Spring

From the USA-made construction to the neat high-top silhouette, the Carson Mid checks a lot of boxes when it comes to spring style.

There’s a place in your wardrobe for the best men’s high-top sneakers, even outside of fall and winter (a time more traditonally associated with tougher footwear, yes?). That’s where the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers come into play, my friends. Spring is a season that calls for transitional footwear that still nods to the changing seasons — you need kicks that combine durability with substance and all-day versatility. That’s certainly essential when stepping through spring rains and transitioning from the office to happy hour (seriously, try wearing these kicks with slim tan chinos, a striped tee and an unconstructed cotton blazer this month). Again, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are a prime pick, without a doubt. The cotton duck canvas upper is unique and not frequently seen on sneakers — there’s really not much out there like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers. What’s more, the Natural Canvas color nods toward the lighter shades of spring while also injecting these kicks with a bit of throwback style (classic white high-tops being that throwback style reference, of course).

And that’s not where the buck stops in terms of the quality and styling potential of these unique Rancourt & Co. kicks. The company puts in the same kind of approach that makes its other footwear so essential (for starters, see the  No sir, we’re talking excellent construction and that USA-made attention to detail that’s been in the Rancourt operation for decades. The canvas that we mentioned earlier is water and stain-resistant, and genuine leather laces add some neat visual interest to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers — as if they couldn’t get any better. I’d say these handsome Rancourt & Co. sneakers will work with just about any combo you throw at them in the weeks and months ahead, from dark denim and an easygoing light blue chambray shirt to a striped tee and classic chinos. How will you style these essential transitional sneakers? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots

Beastly boots for all of your winter adventures, folks.

There are average boots, and THEN, there are the Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots. I’ll tell ya what, folks … Rancourt & Co. certainly knows how to get the job done, and they’ve knocked it out of the park with the Dresden Boots. They’re an absolute beast of a pair, and they just so happen to be today’s Style Pick of the Week for good reason. In fact, you might recognize ’em already — they were featured ever so recently in our roundup of the best men’s winter boots, and they’re back today … with a stylish, winter-ready vengeance. The specs and style potential of the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots are simply top-notch, which is absolutely what you’d expect from a brand that makes its gear with the utmost care in Maine.

In fact, the brand still largely follows the same methods they have for years, and the resulting Dresden Boots have plenty going for ’em, from the beautiful Horween leather to the rugged moc toe construction and a natural leather midsole for comfort and a touch of craftsmanship. They’re the kind of classic winter boots that evoke throwback style, with just the right amount of rugged polish.

A warm shearling lining separates these boots from the pack.

Heck, we haven’t even mentioned the shearling lining in the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots — that’s what really puts this pair of rugged leather boots over the top. They also feature a padded collar for perfect comfort throughout; when you need to bundle up in a snowstorm, step into these boots. The Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots hit the nail on the head when it comes to casual weekend style, too. These are the type of boots to wear with faded denim, a classic gray crewneck sweatshirt and a stylish casual watch to grab a weekend coffee or explore your city. They’ll also pair reasonably well with business casual looks (think dark slim jeans, a navy herringbone blazer and a classic chambray shirt). And if you want to go a bit more preppy? Then style the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots with your new favorite vest. See? The possibilities are endless (nearly). The Reltex Lactae Hevea Rallye sole on the Dresden Boots isn’t clunky like other winter boots, yet it still provides crucial grip and a smooth ride, as the brand says. To stay on your feet on slippery roads, that functionality is key. Other finishing touches are on point, too — take the natural leather laces and the classic, handsewn moccasin construction. In short, the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots are everything you need in a timeless pair of winter boots — they’re wearable with everything from burgundy corduroys and a navy blazer to broken-in blue denim and a rugged henley, they look great AND they perform even better. What’s not to like?

Will the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots be joining your winter footwear rotation? Let me know in the comments or on The Style Guide Facebook page!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Invest in the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots for Your Next Fall Adventure

A dependable, durable pair of Horween leather boots finished with a Vibram rubber sole — Rancourt & Co. knows how to make ’em the right way.

Over the past few weeks here at The Style Guide, we’ve admittedly talked a ton about rugged fall style, from the best men’s boots to durable outerwear to stylish fall shirting — but we’ve got more on the way today. Our latest recommendation when it comes to dependable fall style? The investment-quality, USA-made Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots, available in time to close out fall and head into early winter (gulp) in style. An exclusive made just for Huckberry to commemorate the brand’s 50th anniversary, the Wolf Boots from Rancourt & Co. are made to last at least that long (no matter how hard you wear  ’em).  The brand has certainly pulled out all the stops to craft a one-of-a-kind pair of boots, starting with Chromexcel bark-tanned leather and finishing with handcrafted construction by the Rancourt team. We’d be remiss not to mention the waxed laces and metal eyelets, too. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though.

Just like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers — a fitting pair of fall kicks in their own right — the Wolf Boots are as easy to wear during the work week as they are on the weekend. With details like Blake welt construction and cap toe stitching for durability, you can be sure they can take a beating. The Vibram rubber mini lug sole also provides grip and toughness to brave the elements this fall and winter. I’d wear them with a rugged overshirt and slim black denim to head to a brewery — a favorite pursuit of mine. For day trips and fall or winter hikes, the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots are also going to take you the distance.  Even during the work week, the Wolf Boots should be in your rotation. Now, maybe your closet is already packed full of tough boots … but it can’t hurt to add one pair, can it? Not when that pair is as stylish, dependable and well-made as the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots.

Will these Rancourt & Co. boots be heading your way soon? How would you style them?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers

A fall-ready sneaker that blends high-quality construction and striking looks.

If you’ve clicked through the pages of The Style Guide recently, then you surely recognize Rancourt & Co. — and particularly, perhaps you recognize the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s the perfect pair of sneakers to wear to transition into fall; I don’t know much, but I’d bet you’ll agree. First seen in our #OOTD post on how to wear an Oxford shirt this fall, these handsome, rugged sneakers nearly check all the boxes when it comes to classic fall footwear. That’s no joke. While it’s nice to step into tried-and-true staples like suede chukka boots or leather work boots when the weather gets chilly, durable leather sneakers can work just as well from early September to early November. It’s especially helpful that in the case of the Carson Low, the fine folks at Rancourt & Co. have applied the same approach that makes the brand’s other footwear so great (Exhibit A: The 4-Season Ranger Moc). The brand got into making USA-made sneakers back in 2015, and they’ve amped up their approach this time around.

That means the upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low starts with exceptionally high-quality Horween leather, a claim not many pairs of sneakers can boast. The Vibram Strighton outsole is another point of durable differentiation (say that five times fast). That construction ensures grip, traction and a visually interesting contrast from the Horween leather upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s that blend of quality and style that makes the Carson Low so appealing — and certainly, worthy of an investment this season.

Racnourt & Co.

Roll your jeans now with the Carson Low, and then keep these sneakers around once we get into fall.

So, with a pair of sneakers this well-made and stylish, it begs the question: How can’t the  Rancourt & Co. Carson Low work in a plethora of style situations? Classic dark denim and a slim grey crewneck sweater? Add these sneakers, plus a rugged leather watch. A slim herringbone blazer and grey corduroy trousers? The Rancourt & Co. Carson Low is a tremendous style move. A black denim jacket and grey jeans at a pub crawl? Sure thing, the Carson Low is up to the task. The rich brown leather, sturdy sole and handsome silhouette makes these sneakers timeless, versatile and durable. Finished off with leather laces, the Carson Low could just be your new favorite pair of sneakers this fall. Again, they’re an investment that’s worth it on the footwear front.

Will you be buying the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low  for the fall season? How would you style these stellar sneakers? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Upgrade Your Footwear with the Best Leather Sneakers to Buy Now

There are sneakers and then there are sneakers. The kind of stylish men’s sneakers that make you pause, perhaps do a double-take and then pull out your credit card. That’s what we’re talking about today on The Style Guide. We’re taking it up a notch from past Online Shopping Picks entries and getting a little bit more specific, too. Now, we talked earlier this year about the best men’s sneakers to buy for spring and summer, and today builds off that focus in a whole new way.

Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers

This pair right here … well, the Rambler Hi from Todd Snyder and P.F. Flyers could become a favorite. Read on to learn more.

Yes indeed, the right pair of leather sneakers offers something a little extra when compared to a pair of standard canvas sneakers, which are decidedly more casual. Equal parts durable and rugged, stylish leather sneakers can team with everything from light wash denim and a pocket tee during the last few weeks of summer to your favorite henley and a classic cardigan come fall. What’s more, I think you’ll find that the below picks hit the sweet spot in terms of style that can transition from August into September, October and heck … November. That’s particularly the case if we’re talking stylish leather high-top sneakers. So, shop on for your new favorite pair of leather sneakers, and feel free to follow me on Twitter for #menswear musings aplenty.

#1. Rancourt Carson Low in Natural Chromexcel — $300

Rancourt 7 Co.

A beautiful pair of leather sneakers that’ll only get better with age.

Let’s get this straight right off the bat — the kind of leather sneakers you’re looking for definitely bring a little something extra to the table. That something extra, that “Wow” factor … the handsome, stylish and investment-level Carson Low from Rancourt & Co. certainly has that extra something. Featuring made-in-Maine craftsmanship and beautiful Horween leather, the Carson Low is an absurdly beautiful pair of sneakers, practically begging to be worn right now with a slim white polo shirt and then worn later on this fall with a Todd Snyder crewneck sweater.

#2. GREATS The Royale in Blanco — $169

Before we get too carried away with brown Horween leather sneakers, let’s get back to the basics — and by the basics, I mean perhaps the most affordable pair of premium white leather sneakers on the market.  GREATS continues to make waves in the men’s sneaker market for mixing excellent quality with simple silhouettes — and the Royale in Blanco is certainly a silhouette that’s lifted the brand to new heights. Buy these classic leather sneakers now to wear with slim tan chinos and a navy polo, keep ’em handy to wear with a denim jacket and a rugged henley when you feel an early fall breeze.


#3.  GREATS Royale Vintage in Nero — $179

Let’s go with another pair of stylish GREATS sneakers, this time with some subtle updates to the brand’s tried-and-true Royale silhouette. The Royale Vintage updates that same silhouette with detailing like a back heel tab crafted from nubuck — and the cream Margom sole is a nice deparature from the Royale in Blanco, too. In short, the Royale Vintage is just different enough to justify the slightly higher price tag — and that means you should give it a shot alongside dark denim and a grey Oxford the next time you need to dress to work remotely.


#4. Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi Sneaker in Saddle Leather OR White Leather — $160 ($110 When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

Ahh, yes. The lauded Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi — a past entry in our Style Pick of the Week series, and just as worthy of inclusion in today’s list of prime #menswear picks. The essential Rambler Hi might be the perfect leather high-top sneaker. It blends a durable, classic construction with two quality options — either the Saddle Leather Rambler or the White Leather Rambler are solid picks. Plus, you get the sort of style that really can carry over seamlessly into the fall; wear these on a weekend coffee date or a stroll through your favorite park.

#5.  GREATS Royale in Perforated Sand — $179

One more pair of essential GREATS sneakers for your shopping list, ehh? It’s a treat to see how GREATS takes a silhouette like the Royale and continues to update it. In this case, the Royale in Perforated Sand blends a transitional color with perforated leather detailing — a touch that means these are fit to wear into October and November as the leaves start to fall. Pair them up with your favorite pair of dark blue denim and a classic chambray shirt — oh, and sidle up to the bar and get us another round, will ya?

#6.  Nisolo Diego Low — $129

A handsomely crafted pair of sneakers made with top-notch attention to detail.

For those of us who like a sneaker that’s got the quality and craftsmanship of a pair of essential leather boots, there’s the Nisolo Diego Low. Made with the same attention to detail as the brand’s handsome leather loafers and Oxfords, the Diego Low has a rugged-yet-sporty vibe that’s tough to come by these days — the Vibram sole and vegetable-tanned leather on the Diego Low are but two quality components of these kicks. They’re perfect for teaming with a rugged field jacket and slim black denim this fall — trust me on that.

Honorable Mention: JAK Royal in Taupe — $102.98

JAK sneakers

A clean and simple set of kicks for wearing with versatile high-low style combos.

You didn’t think we’d leave out a pair of sneakers that run just over $100, did you? The JAK Royal in Taupe is a recent addition to the Huckberry offering of stylish men’s sneakers. What’s more, it’s an absolutely great set of kicks for a great price. Handcrafted in Portugal, the  JAK Royal in Taupe blends comfortable Vibram construction with flat wax cotton laces — these are certainly sneakers to wear with a blazer or an upgraded T-shirt this summer and into fall.

Well, we’re really just scratching the surface when it comes to stylish leather sneakers that you can wear now and into the fall. Consider this list a good starting point — the right pair of leathr sneakers should blend quality, craftmanship and serious style. I personally think the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Hi is a heck of a pair of sneakers to wear now with rolled denim, and wear later with a thick cardigan.

If you’re more of a low-top sneakers guy, then the JAK Royal in Taupe could be the right pick for you — or maybe even the Carson Low from Rancourt & Co., a pair that’s as handsome and rugged as anything you’ll find on the market. We’d be remiss not to mention the work being done by GREATS , too. Notably, the Royale in Perforated Sand and the uniquely detailed Royale Vintage are winners in my book for their blend of crisp details and versatile style. What’s your favorite pair from this list? Drop a note in the comments — oh, and get back to shopping!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau