Yes last week I was telling you to get out there and enjoy the last days of summer. Now here I am this week talking about fall. This is a good thing. It shows that I have confidence that we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Speaking of walking when I think of fall I think of ranger mocs.
When I say ranger mocs what I mean are the chukka version of blucher mocs. While blucher mocs are camp mocs cooler weather cousins, ranger mocs are blucher mocs big brother. They are a little bigger, taller, and tougher than blucher mocs. When you need to walk through some wet leaves without getting them in your shoes these guys come in handy. Plus they keep your ankles a touch warmer as the temps dip and they just work well with fall fabrics like corduroy and flannel. Perfect for running around town or casual Friday at the office or honestly probably any day at the office these days.
Ranger mocs used to be easy to find. All you had to do was go to LL Bean, but then they stopped making them. They did resurface last year, but they already look to be on their way out again (see here). Like many of our trad staples ranger mocs are getting harder and harder to find, but I did manage to turn up a few pair.
Hands down the best looking pair that I saw is the Easymoc Camp Chukka. I spotted these last year and have been thinking about them ever since. The shape is great and they have the correct sole. The sole has been the hardest part to find lately. A lugged sole may be more practical, but for better or worse we often find ourselves in the form over function camp here at the OCBD Blog. Priced at $295 these are a pretty big step up in price from the Bean mocs. They are also made in the USA so the price isn’t surprising.
The Eastland Seneca Camp Chukka is another good contender. I am not in love with the shape of the uppers, but it’s still a nice classic design for a great price. You don’t hear a lot about Eastland these days. I tried a pair of their camp mocs out 5 plus years ago and while they ultimately didn’t work out, I would try them again.
That’s a good start for now. I will be talking more fall over the few weeks. Now get out there and enjoy the weather, but don’t forget to plan ahead so that you don’t get left behind.
