Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
There is nothing quite like a nice pair of handsewn moccasins. They’re simple, comfortable, and a major part of the Americana fashion style. While there are a ton of types of handsewns it’s hard to beat a good pair of blucher moccasins. They’re slightly more substantial and formal than boat shoes or camp mocs while still being a strictly casual shoe (related reading: “Boat Shoes, Camp Mocs, and Blucher Mocs – Know the Difference“).
While the east coast is home to dozens of different hand-sewn makers we’ve chosen a select few to make our list today.
1) Rancourt: Classic Ranger-Moc
What can be said about Rancourt‘s Classic Ranger-Moc that hasn’t been said a million times? They’re a staple of the style, available in a wide range of different leathers and build specs. They’re all made in the USA and placed on Rancourt’s camp-moc sole, which is a comfortable and durable sole that offers a low profile. Shown here in Peat Dryden, it’s easy to fit these shoes into your rotation.
Available for $268 from Rancourt.
2) Arpenteur x Paraboot: Cliff Black Blucher Mocs
If you’re looking for some blucher mocs that are just a bit out there, then Arpenteur x Paraboot‘s Cliff Black Blucher Mocs should definitely be on your shortlist. Although they can’t really be considered a lace-to-toe shoe, the eyelets do extender further up the vamp than on most bluchers. They’re made in Spain from a black deerskin, and feature all blacked-out detailing — from the Eva foam midsole to the stitching and hardware. Finished with an interpretation of a mini-ripple sole, these shoes are striking from every angle.
Available for $351 from Lost & Found.
3) L.L. Bean: Handsewn Blucher Moc
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L.L. Bean knows its way around a Handsewn Blucher Moc, and to be honest, you’d be hard-pressed to get more bang for your buck in this style. They’re available in several neutral colorways, come in both regular and wide widths, and feature the classic channeled-rubber sole style you see on many blucher mocs.
While you’re not going to get any of the artisanal leathers or fancy details you’d find on pairs twice their price, you still get a shoe with a handsewn moc toe.
Available for $80+ from L.L. Bean.
4) Oak Street Bootmakers: Trail Oxford
Oak Street Bootmaker‘s Camp Moc is another solid choice if you’re looking to spend a bit more to get those special details. They’re made in the USA, like all of OSB’s shoes, and this model features a brown chromexcel upper with SVIG Cortina Cork sole which gives the unique speckled appearance. A shoe like this will certainly feel a bit more substantial than a more traditional moccasin, but if you want to continue wearing your mocs into the rainy season this is a great option.
Available for $329 from Oak Street Bootmakers.
5) Yuketen: Angler Moc
If there is one brand that’s not afraid to fiddle around with the blucher moc, it’s Yuketen. And this season’s version of the Angler Moc is as solid as ever with a beautiful roughout leather from Horween, hexagonal brass eyelets, and a Vibram Christy sole. This is another example of a blucher moc that can be worn year-’round, albeit a bit less comfortably on the hottest of days.
Available for $560 from Clutch Cafe.
Plus One – Easymoc: Moc
Easymoc makes some great moccasins, but this pair made from Dr. Collector’s is really something special. Made from a green suede with a classic blucher moc pattern, this shoe also features throat lacing more commonly seen on camp mocs or boat shoes. And perhaps most notably of all, they’re made on a sneaker outsole.
While this decision will certainly be divisive (the Visvim influence is abundantly clear) I have stared at enough pairs of blucher mocs to appreciate the change of pace; and as is always the case when you break the norm, it’s important to do things well — and this style is impeccable.
Available for $335 from Dr. Collectors.
