Mukluks have a long past and a living history.
Like moccasins, they have been a staple of Indigenous culture for thousands of years. Yupik and Inuit peoples were the primary wearers of mukluks, due to the long, cold winters of their northern climate.
Deriving their name from maklak, the Yupik word for “bearded seal”, mukluks were traditionally crafted from sealskin, or moose and caribou hides, and thickly lined with fur. They were designed to be flexible for travel by foot, with a boot shaft that extended up the leg for additional warmth and insulation.
Early European explorers and settlers were not accustomed to the harsh climate of the “new world”, and soon adopted this traditional footwear for survival. In this way, many elements of the moccasin and mukluk - both practical and aesthetic - were absorbed into Western footwear.
According to the Indigenous-owned Manitobah company, “With the arrival of European fur traders, design and crafting techniques began to change. Aboriginal women... played an important role in this process, learning new sewing techniques and incorporating new materials and styles into their handwork... With this new influence, mukluk and moccasin designs flourished. Pom-poms, tassels and delicate beading patterns on the top of the footbed began to appear and over time the motifs became custom. Today one can easily trace a decorated mukluk or moccasin back to its particular geographic home.”
In today’s world, Manitobah designs mukluks for the modern wearer. Their Hunter Winter Boot is an example of how contemporary styles and materials can be reimagined, yet remain true to the spirit and function of original mukluks.
Crafted with suede and lined with shearling, the Hunter Boot is made with Manitobah’s AuthenTEC Waterproof System incorporating three layers of protection: waterproof sealant, waterproof leather and suede, and a full sheepskin footbed. The boots are temperature rated up to -32°C (-25°F) to ensure feet stay warm and dry all winter long.
The Hunter Boot is fitted with a Two Rivers rubber sole, with a distinct left and right foot designation. The outsole is treaded in deep grooves and textured pads for stability and traction in slippery conditions. The Two Rivers design by Tracie Jackson honours the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg, Manitoba, known as Nestawaya (“The Forks”), a sacred meeting place.
Waterproof Hunter Boots are snug and stylish, in soft, tan suede, with side tie detailing. The 12” high boot shaft has a slightly wider fit around the calf, allowing for easy on/off convenience.
Manitobah’s Hunter Boots are now available on our website for online order in Women’s sizes 6-10.
https://www.leather-moccasins.com/products/womens-manitobah-mukluks-hunter-winter-boots
Order your pair today and become part of the living history of mukluks.
About the Artist:
Tracie Jackson is a multidisciplinary artist who uses their work to express deep love for their Diné culture and traditional arts. Tracie is a fourth-generation artist, and was raised in North Arizona, on and off the Navajo Nation.
Like moccasins, they have been a staple of Indigenous culture for thousands of years. Yupik and Inuit peoples were the primary wearers of mukluks, due to the long, cold winters of their northern climate.
Deriving their name from maklak, the Yupik word for “bearded seal”, mukluks were traditionally crafted from sealskin, or moose and caribou hides, and thickly lined with fur. They were designed to be flexible for travel by foot, with a boot shaft that extended up the leg for additional warmth and insulation.
Manitobah’s Hunter Boots are now available on our website for online order in Women’s sizes 6-10.
https://www.leather-moccasins.com/products/womens-manitobah-mukluks-hunter-winter-boots
Order your pair today and become part of the living history of mukluks.
Tracie Jackson is a multidisciplinary artist who uses their work to express deep love for their Diné culture and traditional arts. Tracie is a fourth-generation artist, and was raised in North Arizona, on and off the Navajo Nation.
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