Why moccasins are a timeless, classic shoe ...


Traditional moccasins are known as a timeless shoe because of their classic design that never goes out of style and the free-spirited historical culture they represent. Natural moccasins were worn by Native American Indians long before Christopher Columbus ever discovered North America so they could be considered our Nation's 'first' footwear. Native American moccasins are part of our beautiful heritage.

Perhaps the long time popularity of real leather moccasins lies in the comfort of their soft soles. Traditional moccasins are lightweight and breathable because they are made of genuine leather or natural suede which makes them desirable to wear against your bare skin. In classic moccasins or boots the sides and sole are made of one piece of leather sewn to the upper vamp part of the moccasin or boot. Consequently the construction of the natural moccasin is what makes them extremely flexible because the leather slipper is able to move and shape itself around the contour of your foot as you walk. Conventional shoes are constructed differently in that the sides of the shoe are sewn or glued down to the sole.
  

How moccasins have evolved over time ...

Traditional moccasins started out with a soft sole.


They were originally sewn from tanned leather and stitched together with sinew. Soft sole moccasins are still popular today and used as house slippers or for those who want to feel like they are walking barefoot. Earthing enthusiasts also continue to prefer soft sole moccasins worn outdoors to allow them to stay connected to Mother Earth. Leather moccasins have evolved over time because now we are required to walk on harder surfaces such as sidewalks, gravel and concrete. As a result the original moccasin slipper can now be found with the option of a crepe or rubber sole making hard soled moccasins considered more of a shoe than a slipper.


Currently there are several different styles of moccasins which were all crafted and designed by the different tribes of Native American Indians many years ago. Since the beginning of their existence, Native American moccasins have always been decorated with unique beading, fringing or braiding. In early times it was said that a tribe could be identified mainly by the type of moccasin they wore which would vary from tribe to tribe depending on the cut of the moccasin as well as the bead or quill work etc. Each tribe developed their own unique look and style of moccasin this way. Classic moccasins also differed in that some tribes used hardened rawhide for added durability on the sole. Other tribes used rabbit fur, or later sheepskin, as an insulator to make their genuine moccasin slippers or boots warmer in colder climates. Today many of these styles have stuck around and there have been several added to that over the years as Native Indians continue to expand and construct different styles of Canadian made moccasins.


Moccasin boots have also evolved over time. Some women wore moccasin boots which were comprised of thigh length leggings sewn to their comfortable moccasins. It gave those who wore them a one piece look. Some wore mukluks, which the Inuit designed out of sealskin fur and reindeer hide, which were and are still found to be extra warm. Other tribes then adapted the mukluk style using caribou or buckskin instead. Genuine moccasins have been around for decades and remain a handmade shoe or comfortable slipper you can count on. The fact that they have been worn for years and have never gone out of style is a tribute to the great design and superior style classic moccasins possess. Pick out a pair of traditional moccasins today from our safe and secure online store. Leather Moccasins ships around the world with affordable shipping rates. We have excellent customer care for all our great Native American products.

1 comment

  • Julie marie Bee

    Julie marie Bee

    April 15, 2019

    I grew up in Arizona wearing these. Where can I buy them now ? Not not with plastic soles

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