1967 Venetian

The loafer is positioned within Rancourt's heritage collection, which honors the tradition established when David Rancourt [INTERNAL_LINK: 68028873903fc39d877489e1] started the family's footwear crafting journey in 1967. Built using genuine handsewn moccasin construction at the company's Lewiston, Maine facility, the 1967 Venetian offers a contemporary interpretation of mid-century American moccasin design while maintaining the construction methods that defined the company's early production.

The 1967 Venetian utilizes unlined construction and is cut from heavyweight Chromepak leather, a material that was prevalent in Maine moccasin making during the 1960s. This 10-15 ounce leather provides durability through its thick and rugged characteristics, while the high oil content helps maintain pliability and contributes to the leather's distinctive pull-up aging properties. The Chromepak leather develops patina over time as the material ages through wear.

Construction follows genuine handsewn moccasin methods, with each pair built on Rancourt's longest and broadest toe box handsewn last, which features a classic round toe shape. The last design is slightly longer and wider than the company's 114 and 800 lasts, providing accommodation for wearers seeking a more generous fit. The handsewn construction represents techniques that have been maintained at the Lewiston facility since the company's founding.

The 1967 Venetian features Vibram 232 Mini-lug soles that complement the heavyweight Chromepak leather while providing added versatility and durability compared to traditional leather soles. The Vibram mini-lug design maintains a subtle appearance while offering improved traction across various terrain types, extending beyond typical dress shoe applications while preserving the loafer's visual profile.

The sole attachment method follows moccasin construction principles, where the outsole is integrated with the handsewn upper assembly. This construction approach results in a flexible platform that allows the foot to move naturally while providing the durability benefits of the Vibram rubber compound.

The handsewn moccasin last with its broad toe box accommodates various foot shapes, with the longest and widest dimensions among Rancourt's handsewn last options. The unlined construction allows for some leather stretch over time, potentially affecting fit characteristics as the footwear adapts to the wearer's foot shape.

The classic round toe design provides generous space in the forefoot area, while the moccasin construction allows for natural foot movement. The broad last design makes the 1967 Venetian suitable for wearers who require additional room compared to more tapered last shapes used in formal footwear applications.

The 1967 Venetian is available in multiple leather options, including the traditional Dark Brown Chromepak and Cognac Bison variants. The Cognac Bison option is priced at $308.00, positioning the model within Rancourt's mid-range pricing structure. Each leather option maintains the same construction methods and sole configuration while offering different aesthetic characteristics and aging properties.

The model serves as part of Rancourt's heritage collection, which pays tribute to the company's founding in 1967 [INTERNAL_LINK: 68028873903fc39d877489e1] and the traditional moccasin-making techniques that David Rancourt employed during the company's early years. The collection represents continuity between historical craftsmanship methods and contemporary production capabilities at the Maine facility.