Did your mother buy you your first pair of moccasins and never bring them back? Were you directed to this article by a vaguely uncomfortable friend that doesn’t know quite what to say about your love of this footwear? Have you seen those awful-looking knockoffs in the store but want to know more about the original before making any rash purchases?
Whatever the case, we’re here for you. Below is a list of some commonly asked questions and their answers.
Table of Contents
- Moccasin Definition
- Characteristics of moccasins
- What are the best moccasin brands?
- Are there any cheap companies that make good moccasins?
- What is the difference between men’s and women’s moccasins?
- Can men wear moccasins?
- Who invented moccasins?
- Who wears moccasins?
- How are moccasins made?
- How much do quality moccasins cost?
- What’s the difference between a moccasin shoe and a slipper?
- What else should I know about moccasins?
- What are the benefits of wearing moccasins?
- When should I wear mocassins?
- Do you need to break in mocs before wearing them outside of your house?
- Does moccasin come in a large size?
- Do you have to buy mocs at an outlet store?
- How many pairs of mocs should I have?
- What brands of mocs are known for quality and durability?
- Can you buy a pair of mocs that will fit your foot even if it’s larger or smaller than average?
- Do moccasins run narrow or wide?
- What should you do if your moccasin soul begins to separate from the upper like it is coming unglued?
Moccasin Definition
A moccasin is a shoe or slipper traditionally made from soft leather. Historically and primarily worn by Native American Indians, the shoe can be found in a variety of colors and decorations that signify the wearer’s tribe or clan.
Characteristics of moccasins
With no laces, buckles, or zippers to fasten around your ankles, slip-on moccasins are quick to take off and put back on when you’re on the go! They also protect your feet by keeping them warm and dry in colder temperatures. But alas, all good things must come to an end: wet feet will dampen this footwear’s sheen due to its lack of protection against water.
What are the best moccasin brands?
Here is the list of the top 10 moccasin brands to buy:
1. Ariat
2. Cole Haan
3. ECCO
4. John Smedley
5. Keen
6. Merrell
7. Muck Boots
8. New Balance (make sure you go with the “Professional” version)
9. Palladium
10. Timberland
Click here to see more good moccasins.
Are there any cheap companies that make good moccasins?
If you are on a tight budget and don’t mind getting knockoffs, then you can consider some of these brands:
1. Bogs (make sure you go with the “Original” version)
2. Dansko
3. Old Friend Moccasin Company (makes extremely high-quality handmade moccasins). The downside is that their products are expensive (check out their regular price). But if you buy them during their sales, then they are worth the money. They usually have sales in March and June at 50% off.
What is the difference between men’s and women’s moccasins?
Moccasins vary by brand, but there are some general rules of thumb to follow: a size 9 in a New Balance professional moccasin will likely fit more comfortably than a size 7 in the same style. Women tend to find that the ECCO brand is true to size. The appearance of all men’s and women’s moccasins tends to be less gender-specific than their dress shoe counterparts. Some brands do make styles that are more traditionally feminine (think: floral print) or masculine (think: plain suede or leather).
Can men wear moccasins?
Absolutely. Men can wear moccasins with pants, khakis, shorts, jeans, suits and even with kilts. The moccasin can be dressed up or down as much as your personal style dictates. If you buy the right pair of moccasins for you (see the list above), you’ll never want to take them off.
Who invented moccasins?
Moccasins were invented by Native Americans about 2,000 years ago in what would eventually become the Americas. The name is derived from the Algonquian word “mahk-kaw-sucks,” which roughly translates to “shoe made of a wound piece of hiding. The word “Moccasin” was the name given to Native Americans by English colonists in North America. Traditionally, moccasins were not made of leather, but rather from the hide of an animal. They were usually worn inside a shoe made from birch bark or similar material that was built up and tied to keep out cold. The moccasin style of shoe is popular among First Nation people and Native Americans alike.
Who wears moccasins?
Some famous actors and singers who wear moccs are: Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Nick Jonas, and Olivia Wilde.
How are moccasins made?
Moccasins are constructed by hand and made of different materials such as leather, suede, canvas, and fur. They can be made by either a machine or by hand. Hand moccasin making requires a lot of skill to make the right sized stitches and for the stitching to not fray. Making moccasins requires precision sewing skills. Most of the time, you will find that the best quality mocs are made by machine using an industrial sewing machine. Many times, these machines need special needles and thread specifically for high-quality mocs.
How much do quality moccasins cost?
Prices vary widely depending on personal tastes, style, brand, and many other contributing factors.
What’s the difference between a moccasin shoe and a slipper?
A moccasin is a traditional footwear that is made from material like leather or suede and is worn on the feet. A slipper or a slipper-style shoe is designed to be worn on the feet, usually with socks, but some may have no insulation (the classic pair of socks).
A moccasin is a more traditional type of men’s shoe with a form that resembles an Indian moccasin. They are typically made of leather, suede or similar material and generally, they are worn without socks.
What else should I know about moccasins?
Moccasins can help protect your lower legs from damage caused by rubbing against furniture and other long-lasting hard surfaces. They keep your feet comfortable and warm and even though they work best in cold weather, moccasins can be worn year round.
What are the benefits of wearing moccasins?
Mocassins are widely known for their comfort level and style. They are made from animal hide and typically made of leather or suede materials. Although they are initially a little more expensive than other types of shoes, the quality and comfort is well worth the extra cost.
When should I wear mocassins?
An ideal time to wear moccasins is during cold weather as they keep your feet warm and dry. Moccasins are best worn during cold weather as they wick away moisture keeping your feet dryer throughout the day. One of the main reasons people should wear moccasins year round instead of wearing flip-flops, is because it helps prevent foot infection due to sweat being trapped within.
Do you need to break in mocs before wearing them outside of your house?
For most purchases, yes. Even if you buy your moccasins from a brand that has an insole they will usually require you to break them in before wearing them outside, as shoes without insole are more difficult to walk in. For example, Keen’s leather and suede style moccasins come with an orthopedic insoles. When you take the insoles out it will still be somewhat stiff and may need some break-in time.
Does moccasin come in a large size?
Yes. Moccasins come in different sizes and widths. You can buy moccasin shoes that fit over your regular shoes and socks as well as moccasin boots. The exception is Gore-Tex mocs which usually come in only one size and are meant to be worn over thick hiking socks.
Do you have to buy mocs at an outlet store?
No. Although outlet malls have a reputation for having cheap prices on quality items, you can also get good deals on moccasins online or through big box stores like Kohl’s and JCPenney which sell their own brands of moccasins.
How many pairs of mocs should I have?
Two or three pairs are sufficient enough to last your whole winter season. They are so comfortable that you will want to wear them as much as possible, making it difficult to choose from all your favorite mocs.
What’s the best way to clean moccasins and what is the easiest way to get them clean?
If they are leather moccasins, you can use saddle soap to get them clean. If the mocs are suede or a fur lining, care must be taken so that they do not get wet and then dry out leaving your foot uncomfortable. For suede moccasins, the easiest way to clean them is with a leather cleaner.
What brands of mocs are known for quality and durability?
A number of famous brands are known for quality and durability such as: Keen, Timberland, Clarks Originals, ECCO Professional, Dansko and Blundstone Boots.
Can you buy a pair of mocs that will fit your foot even if it’s larger or smaller than average?
If they are leather, yes. This is because you can stretch them as you wear them to custom fit your foot. With suede, it will take a longer time to develop that “fit”.
Do moccasins run narrow or wide?
Moccasins are usually narrow to medium widths, but there are wide styles available as well. Consider the style and how much space your feet need when buying a pair of mocs.
What should you do if your moccasin soul begins to separate from the upper like it is coming unglued?
One way you can fix this problem is by using quality craft glue that adheres well to leather and suede.