Three generations of the Rancourt family have been making shoes in Maine since the mid-1960s. Over the years the company has made shoes for a variety of big American shoe companies, passing the hand-sewing skills down from generation to generation. Recently the company has moved into a new facility in Lewiston, Maine where, in addition to making shoes for a host of well respected brands, the Rancourts recently begun to more widely offer the shoes it makes under its own label, Rancourt & Co. To this end Rancourt just launched it’s own online shop where you can purchase the company’s fine handsewn shoes – everything from Horween shell cordovan beefroll penny loafers to traditional moccasin style leather shoes – direct from the makers in Maine.
A few months back I actually had the opportunity to visit the Rancourts up in Lewiston and get a tour of the new factory. Previously, I had heard quite a bit about the company – which is run by father Michael Rancourt with help from his son Kyle – and seen the Rancourt & Co. label shoes in a few places in Japan, but the visit was my first chance to meet the people at the heart of the company. Needless to say the Rancourts know a helluva a lot about handsewing and shoe making in general. On top of that, they are good people who are doing their part to continue the shoe craft in Maine. Even if you take all of that away, Rancourt makes some damn fine shoes, which thankfully, are now widely available to handsewn loving people all over the world. [Rancourt & Co.]
beefroll awesomeness. jumps off the screen. serious leather materials included. #recessedchannelpr0n
The Rancourt & Co. shoes are really sharp. Just an FYI I purchased the Beefroll Penny Loafer they made with Jack Spade. One of the best looking loafers I’ve seen. Unfortunately, they stretched a full size and I had to give them to a buddy. I think it was because the leather they used on that specific collaboration was super soft. Regardless, I’m still into this brand.
beautiful shoes
These guys do amazing work. I grew up playing sports against Kyle and am happy to soon be promoting their brand out at our store in San Francisco. To back Michael up here, I recently visited their factory and it is amazing to see the true craftspeople they have working on the floor. Glad these guys are doing it the ole fashioned way!
Have been holding off on buying a pair of loafers and I am glad I did. These are perfect. Will be checking them out today.
Haven’t worn penny loafers in decades.
These look great and really comfortable.
I love the Chukka Mocs too. They have widths
too. This is a great find.
What a beauty of a shoe, the Mocs inside looks just as or if not even more supple than the buttery outside. Very Nice! Love to see some pics of the process!
Deck shoes are killer
http://thesilentservice.wordpress.com
I was trying to find the perfect beefroll penny loafer. Thanx Michael for finding it for me ..!!!…
I’m currently waiting on a pair of MTO 4-eye bluchers that Kyle helped me customize. He was incredibly patient and responsive to all of my questions, going as far as describing the benefits and draw backs of each type of leather and a little bit about the tanning process. So far, the service has been great and I can’t wait to get my shoes.
Chromelxel beefrolls on order. Thanks.
Those loafers are gorgeous. Always good to hear about people who care about craftsmanship.
Ordered and Published and ACL called out! http://grassoism.blogspot.com/2011/08/now-mine.html
YES, these look amazing. Is Rancourt going to join the illustrious ACL American List?
This is a gorgeous pair of shoes. Just wow.
Holy lord…one of each, please.
Thank you everybody for the positive comments. Please visit our site and navigate to the “Our Shoes” page for factory pictures and a guided video tour through the process of making traditional handsewn moccasins
I recently received a pair of boat shoes I ordered from Kyle. They are #8 shell cordovan. I know it sounds crazy, but when you put them on your feet you can’t believe how good they feel. They were made to order of course, it’s nice to know that even crazy ideas are possible.
Bravo to Kyle and his crew!
Thank you for continuing to write posts regarding Made-In-America products!
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