But first, my rebuttal - I have nothing but the warmest regards for our friends from the South.
Hello Muffy, out of desperation I am sending this email. I have noticed that you are rather negative regarding people in the South and our authenticity of living culturally Preppy. If you will lower yourself to express your opinion to this Son of the South it would be much appreciated.
I am in a bad spot. I desperately need a good camp moccasin. I tried Rancourt. Visually it was a great looking shoe, however it was a two month wait for product. Once received to moccasins had manufacturing flaws that made them uncomfortable and unwearable. It has now been 60 days and Rancourt has never returned my money. They are apparently popular for such behavior. I have not tried Quoddy but in talking to them over the phone they were very negative. I will need a custom made shoe. I was a runner and tennis player for many years and my feet are wide across the top and narrow at the heel.
Also, though not a camp moccasin, the company Paraboot, specifically the Barth, looks like a nice product. Do you know anything about them? I hear there are a lot of fake Paraboot products on the internet. Paraboot is taciturn regarding communication via email.
Respectfully,
In order to produce an authentic moccasin, one must source the leather the same way the natives did. Some will say it is acceptable to use a flintlock musket but I prefer to use a hatchet. Bow and arrow is acceptable, but a bit trite. Next you must decide whether you're going to use deer, elk, or moose skin. Cowhide, in this context, is gauche. Adhere to all local hunting laws, make your kill, tan the leather, wrap it to your foot, and cut the leather using a self-sharpened cutting blade. Using the animal sinew from your kill, thread the moccasin together. If you want to adhere to tribe-specific designs visit your local Native American museum or look on Wikipedia. I have always chosen an Abenaki-design, consistent with their New England roots, but others may prefer something else. Looks great with wide wale corduroy, especially embroidered with tennis balls or hatchets, or Nantucket reds, depending on the season. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI feel your narrow heal frustration. Until recently, I would have suggested the Allen Edmonds Wilbert, which was a bit sturdier than a typical camp moc but came in several narrow widths. Alas, it appears AE killed the Wilbert, continuing their ongoing betrayal of men with narrow feet.
ReplyDeleteThey also abandon my EEE foot. I sent my vintage Wilberts (2011) for their second re-craft. They were returned to me with Lug Soles. What a tremendous development.
DeleteI had read about Rancourt’s terrible customer service while I had a pair of Baxter Mocs in production. It troubled me greatly. They eventually showed up and are very well made.
Addendum: AE has a second in size 10A in their Shoe Bank.
ReplyDeleteIf you live in Missouri are you a “Son of the South?” I guess not. But doesn’t Ol’ Mizzoo” border Arkansas and Tennessee? They are certainly South. Anyway. Go to Gokey in Tipton MO. Their moccasin is as good, if not better, than anything else on the market.
ReplyDeleteGood idea. Gokey was, I believe, the Orvis moccasin go-to supplier until someone decided what sold in Manchester must come by way of Manchuria.
ReplyDeleteAlden has Ranger & Camp Mocs. I do not own a pair of these. Check with Alden Stores in Washington DC or San Francisco. Get the last dialed in. Both were excellent. They talked me out of buying a shoe owing to the last. Told me to stick with my 10-1/2 C Aberdeen & never change. Followed advice.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday, everyone. I purchased a pair of Alden mocs years ago and they have proven to be a great value. Congrats, Muffy on your uncanny prep sensibilities and funny commenters!
DeleteAlden!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible for you to get a pair of Quoddys to try on? I wear size 15 and have a snug pair of 14 boat shoes, that I bought from a retailer. I loved them so much that I bought two pair of custom bluchers in size 15. Quoddy's construction is great and they have a refurbish/resole service, as well. My next pair of Quoddys will be a pebbled Camp Mac.
ReplyDeleteCheck Oak Street Boot Makers. I have a pair of their boat shoe mocs, have worn them very often for nearly two years, and like them. Excellent leather (including footbed), very sturdy. They also have camp mocs. Durable, but they'll re-craft them when worn out.
ReplyDeleteYea, I don't get the Rancourt sixty day wait for your refund when you return a product. I've sent items back to Bean and I'm refunded 10 minutes after it hits their loading dock. The Gokey suggestion is excellent one - they make an EE wide and their shoes are well made.
ReplyDeleteConsider Oak Street Boot makers. I've often worn a pair of their boat shoes, for nearly two years. Very sturdy, excellent leather (including a 2/3 footbed), durable sole. Look and feel great. You can mail them in to be re-crafted, but mine are a long way from needing that. They also sell camp mocs. Made in US.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Gokey camp moc is terrific. They are NOT cheap, so I debated a while before deciding I deserved a $360 pair of camp mocs, but the quality far surpassed my expectations. https://www.gokeyusa.com/home/gokey-moccasins/lug-sole-camp-moccasin/
ReplyDelete