Baxter Ranger Moc

The Baxter Ranger Moc represents Rancourt & Co.'s commitment to maintaining three generations of traditional handsewn moccasin construction while incorporating contemporary comfort innovations. Priced at $338, the Baxter falls within the company's premium ranger moc range and is available in multiple leather options including Heritage Brown, Natural, Charcoal Grizzly, and Rye Crazy Horse Chromexcel leather from Horween Leather Company.

The Baxter Ranger Moc utilizes genuine handsewn moccasin construction, a traditional American technique maintained by Rancourt & Co. since the company's founding in 2009. Skilled craftspeople use a sharp, needle-like tool called an awl to slice holes into the leather hide as it's being stitched on the last, rather than pre-punching holes. This traditional method allows for the hand-sewer to adjust the upper on the last and creates the characteristic flexibility that moccasins were originally prized for.

The 4-eyelet lacing system incorporates antique brass eyelets paired with chestnut leather laces. The moccasin features a natural leather midsole that provides additional structure and support. The upper is constructed from unlined leather, allowing the foot to directly contact the inner leather surface for enhanced comfort and natural break-in characteristics.

The distinguishing feature of the Baxter model is its Reltex Lactae Hevea "Rally" outsole, made from 100 percent natural latex. This sole technology differs from the camp soles used on Rancourt's Classic Ranger-moc models by providing enhanced cushioning and durability. The inherent softness of latex creates a cushioned and gentle feel underfoot while maintaining the flexibility expected from traditional moccasin construction.

The Baxter Ranger Moc is constructed using premium leather sourced primarily from Horween Leather Company in Chicago, reflecting Rancourt & Co.'s emphasis on using materials from established American suppliers. The most common option features Heritage Brown Chromexcel leather, a combination-tanned leather that exhibits natural grain patterns and develops a distinctive patina with wear.

Horween Chromexcel leather used in the Baxter utilizes proprietary techniques and formulas developed over 100 years ago, featuring an oil and wax blend that creates rich pull-up characteristics. This leather treatment results in natural leather grain that exhibits rich pull-up effects and retains softness and color for extended periods. The leather's properties include resistance to hardening and salt stains, making it suitable for various wearing conditions.

Alternative leather options include Natural Chromexcel, which displays the undyed natural color of the leather and develops a honey-colored patina over time. Charcoal Grizzly and Rye Crazy Horse options provide different color profiles while maintaining the same construction standards and material quality. Each leather option is hand-selected by Rancourt artisans to ensure only the best sections, free from blemishes and with appropriate stretch characteristics, are used in production.

The Baxter Ranger Moc is available in sizes ranging from 6 to 13 in American men's sizing, with width options including B, D, E, and EE to accommodate various foot shapes. This comprehensive sizing range reflects Rancourt & Co.'s commitment to providing proper fit across diverse customer needs. The unlined construction allows for natural foot movement and gradual conforming to the wearer's foot shape during the break-in period.

The shoe features a round toe design that provides roomier fit compared to traditional dress shoe lasts. The genuine handsewn moccasin construction creates a flexible upper that adapts to foot movement while maintaining structural integrity. The 4-eyelet lacing system allows for adjustment of fit across the instep, providing security without restricting natural foot flex.

Customer feedback consistently reports that the Baxter Ranger Moc is comfortable from initial wear, with minimal break-in period required due to the soft Chromexcel leather and unlined construction. The natural latex sole provides immediate cushioning underfoot, distinguishing the wearing experience from firmer traditional camp sole moccasins.

The Baxter Ranger Moc represents the continuation of traditional Maine shoemaking methods that have been practiced by the Rancourt family for three generations. Rancourt & Co. operates from the same Lewiston, Maine factory that has housed Rancourt family shoemaking operations since 1967, when David Rancourt first opened his moccasin factory.

The company's current team of six hand-sewers possesses close to 200 years of combined experience in traditional handsewn moccasin construction. These craftspeople maintain techniques passed down through generations, including the use of awl tools for creating stitching holes and hand-fitting leather to wooden lasts. The preservation of these methods allows Rancourt & Co. to maintain authenticity in moccasin construction while many competitors have adopted mechanized production methods.

The Lewiston factory represents one of the remaining centers of American handsewn moccasin production, with Rancourt & Co. positioned among the last practitioners of genuine handsewn moccasin construction. The company's philosophy emphasizes creating footwear designed to become heirloom pieces, crafted with materials and methods intended to last generations.