Campside with Sebago

The Maine way to dress.

Me? Do I fish? No, I just like the shoes.

It’s no surprise, really, that those of us who enjoy collegiate style, Ivy style, preppy, or whatever you want to call it, often look like we’re taking our youngest son on a fishing trip in Maine to bond together over the summer holidays.

It’s a look I’m quite fascinated with at the minute.

Fishing is quite an elite sport, and therefore, it was the elite who were ultimately attracted to it. Over Spring break, campsites around Maine and other large lakes were populated with Ivy Leaguers wielding a rod in one hand and a basket of bait in the other.

You’ve probably heard of Sebago. You’ve either heard of the lake or the producer of beautiful shoes. Well, it’s for both these reasons that I’m writing this blog today.

Sebago named itself after the beautiful lake in Maine in 1946 when it first produced penny loafers.

But in the 70s, the brand cast its net to Boat shoes, which have become synonymous with the brand.

If you own a yacht, a sailboat, or any other type of vessel, these were the shoes to have. They stopped you from slipping, dried quickly, and, above all, looked great.

Schooner Waxed Leather Boat Shoe

Sebago’s Dockside collection is not only essential but a quintessential part of American menswear.

But boat shoes aren’t necessarily practical on all terrain and in all weathers.

And so, the Ranger was created.

Ranger Waxy

These shoes are my current obsession. Sebago sent me a pair after I’d spent a long time staring at them in awe.

I’m containing myself when I say these are a fine pair of shoes. They’re beautifully crafted and just seem to go with everything. The added tread makes them the perfect addition to the range they find themselves a part of.

The Rangers make up part of the Campside range, the sister range to the Dockside.

The Campside range offers footwear equipping you for the great outdoors—boots, caps, sweatshirts, vests, and of course, Rangers are among a long line of garments that make up the look.

It’s really no surprise that these mocs, a.k.a. the Rangers, work so well here in Manchester. These are a pair of shoes dedicated to Portland, Maine and its prestigious yacht club.

Portland is a small city located on the northeastern coast of the USA, in the state of Maine—just a few hours north of Boston. It’s known for its working waterfront, historic brick buildings, and a culture that punches above its weight. It rains a fair bit too, but the real charm lies in its creative energy: a mix of music, independent shops, and a kind of scrappy, coastal inventiveness. I like to think it’s not just the weather that gives it a touch of Manchester.

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The Rangers are a perfect alternative to boots, especially in slightly warmer weather, or if boots simply aren't your style.

In addition to being built to withstand various terrains, they’re also designed to endure bad weather. Hand-sewn by the finest craftsmen from hot-stuff buffed leather, specially conditioned with a rich blend of oils and waxes for a natural polish, they feature leather sock lining and a 360° rawhide lace system.

I mentioned this before, but these really are easy to style. I've been wearing mine for the past week or so since I got them, pairing them with everything from selvedge denim jeans to chinos to fatigues. On top, I've worn rugby shirts, Oxford shirts, or even just a plain T-shirt.

These aren’t just shoes for one activity or one time of day—they work all day and in all seasons.

A while back, the brand featured a familiar face in the Ivy style community: writer Jason Jules.

I always appreciate when brands acknowledge their influences and the impact they’ve had.

Many brands seem to shy away from this, as if admitting what you like is something to be embarrassed about. But I don’t think that should be the case.

Ivy style is a look to be proud of. There’s a wealth of brilliant brands, personalities, and stories to be part of, and Sebago is certainly one of them.

Thanks to Sebago for sending over a pair of the Rangers. They’re truly a beautiful pair of shoes! Go and check them out here.

All the best,

Tom

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