OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Shearling liner without synthetic filler
Durable nubuck leather upper and gum rubber sole
High-quality, cushy, replaceable insole
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Not machine washable and needs to stay relatively dry
Top quality comes at a price
Shoe height |Shearling
The pull of the old-school cool that just oozes from the Olukai Moloa is very hard to resist. Wearing them may bring you closer to its laid-back Aloha Spirit with every step you take. This loafer-style slipper is made primarily of natural materials, from the durable nubuck leather upper to the warm and genuine shearling liner to the gum rubber outsole. This slipper's stitch work and craftsmanship are second to none and garner an uncommon perfect &#;10&#; for this outstanding quality. Using traditional shoemaking techniques means repairs could be made to extend the life of this slipper if you need - for example - the outsole replaced. The heel can be flipped down for indoor scuff-style duties or back up for greater walkability.
The natural materials that put the Olukai Moloa slippers into a category of their own also come with a few caveats. Leather is just a heavier material than cotton or polyester, which means this pair weighs more than any other slipper in our review. A few ounces can be shed by replacing the high-quality insole with a thinner one. You'll also have to be a little more careful with these than with a more disposable pair of slips: don't lose them overboard when island hopping or when avoiding heavy drops from a surprise downpour dashing from awning to awning. With a little TLC, these slippers will soon feel like an old, reliable friend. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly and simple, the RockDove Two-Tone is worth peeking at.
The Olukai Moloas give you a choice: wear them with the heal flipped up for better walk-ability, or down for an easier time taking them on and off indoors.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Extra warm faux fur liner
Microsuede upper protected by wraparound rubber sole
Machine washable
REASONS TO AVOID
Upper not as breathable as others
Only limited sizes offered
Low |Faux fur
The Zigzagger Moccasin's style has a certain western flare to it, making us imagine renting a comfy cabin somewhere in the San Juans of Colorado to hole up for the weekend as we snowshoe the local topography during the day and lounging by the fire at night. But we're also happy to wear them on our feet in more domestic settings in the city. The faux fur lining is one of the warmest we saw among the slippers we've reviewed, and it is beneficial when the dog demands its lunchtime walk, and we don't want to switch footwear. The moccasin's rubber outsole and secure heel means we can easily duck out to accommodate. This rubber rises and wraps around the upper, protecting it from scuffs and scrapes. And if they get a little too muddy from the melting snow, we can throw them in the wash and air dry overnight, ready for the morning. With how much we love these slips, we forgot to mention the best thing about them: they're a good value for the price you can swoop these up for.
Our main pain point of the Zigzagger Moccasin is that with the amount of warmth the Zigzaggers hold onto via their synthetic liner, there's a lack of breathability. If it was already toasty inside, our feet started sweating while wearing these. This may hurt extended wear use indoors if you run a little warm like some of our testers, but if you run cold, you may never notice. As with most of the lower-priced moccasins, these aren't the most durable and may need to be replaced. If these moccasins look too dude ranch for your tastes, look no further than the Oncai Memory Foam Scuff. These are also inexpensive but are available in various colors and patterns.
The Zigzagger Moccasins proved very easy to both slip on and off with the assist of one finger.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Stylish Suede upper
Great for short walking trips with minimally treaded rubber outsole
Warm shaggy lining
REASONS TO AVOID
Best for cooler to cold temps, or your feet may overheat
Narrower than other slippers
Shoe height |wool/polyester blend
The UGG Ascot is certainly our favorite loafer-style slipper that we've tested, and one of the best slippers, bar none in our review! Their princely looks are only bettered by how comfy they feel on a pair of tired feet after a hard day of work or physical activities pushing maximum heart rate. The brushed suede uppers are a real standout and come in various handsome colors. These slippers excel indoors, but the rubber outsole makes it easy to keep them on for short trips out of the house to chat with the neighbor or pick up the mail. The inner wool/polyester blend feels quite luxurious; you'll find it lining the upper and insole.
The Ascot fits a bit narrower than other slippers we've tested, so those with wider feet may appreciate a different style altogether. Careful when taking them outside, as the toebox sticks out a bit farther than any of the rubber protects, so scuffing the pavement with your big toe will lead to premature damage. If it's too warm out, these slippers may lose their high comfort rating, so save them for wintry days. We would be remiss if we did not mention the UGG Scuff, which applies the UGG aesthetic to a dedicated indoor slipper.
The Ascot are both lounge-able and walk-able with a fair bit of support in the upper. This does mean that they'll be slightly more difficult to get into, as the heel is at a normal shoe height.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent balance of materials and design
Plush wool/polyester liner spills out of collar for additional comfort
Molded and comfy insole features arch support, heal cup
REASONS TO AVOID
Light crepe rubber outsole less sticky and durable than others
Large logo on heal might be too flashy for some
Low |Wool/polyester
The Sorel Falcon Ridge II easily became one of our favorite slip-ons to wear around the house. It's one of the only slip-ons we've tested that won't slip off too easily, meaning you walk in them without hearing the scuff of a heel hit the ground on each step. Beyond this excellent design, the Falcon Ridge II is an exceptionally handsome slipper with a gorgeous stitch work pattern that circumnavigates the entire slipper, there for little reason, it seems, but to show off a little flare. The liner is another standout, possessing just the right amount of loft to be both warm and breathable as it spills out from the upper collar to surround your ankle no matter how it flexes. The soft crepe rubber's tan color is a refreshing change from the black rubber soles on other slippers.
The outsole on the Sorel Falcon Ridge II may be one of its weaknesses. It's light underfoot, but some wearers have reported durability concerns. We didn't experience this problem ourselves, but we did note reports of the outsole coming apart with extended use. Similarly, while we wish the liner was fully wool rather than a mixed blend, we understand any such upgrades come at a cost and would likely cut into the overall value these great slippers deliver. We also found the luscious suede of the upper a bit marred by the somewhat oversized logo. If this classic slip-on isn't quite right for you, look into the Zigzagger Moccasin, a cheaper homage to this basic design. You won't find a heel with that perfect height to slip on easily without falling off, but we found it a very acceptable slipper at its easy-on-the-bank account price.
Even though the Falcon Ridge II's have a low heel, it doesn't scuff around while walking.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Walkable rubber sole
Rubber rand for more durability
Exceptionally packable
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrower fit than most
Upper collar fits tightly
Mid |Fleece
The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V most likely came to be while someone was sitting around in a warm down parka wishing their feet were just a comfy as their body was - why not make insulated slippers with a similar result? We're glad these came into existence: the idea is genius. Outdoors and in, our feet feel as if they're surrounded by soft pillows, aided by the slipper's fleece liner. These aren't only made for dreaming; they walk well and won't slip off mid-stride to the tent to grab provisions or even at a light jog when escaping the path of a curious mountain goat. The rubber faux rand around the entire slipper helps keep the thin upper fabric from getting torn prematurely, while the light tread of the outsole itself will help keep you grounded. The Traction Mules are also very packable and would make the perfect backpacking camp shoe for all but the most ultralight travelers.
But The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V slippers do run a little narrow, so expect a tighter fit. The upper collar seals well against your ankle - much like an elastic cuff of a jacket - which may need some getting used to. Hand wash these sparingly, as a washing machine will ruin the midsole, and soap will remove the DWR treatment. Don't overlook the Crocs Classic Lined for a very walkable and durable slipper if you don't mind the unique Crocs aesthetic.
The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V are some of the best walking slippers we've tested. A motivated person could make some serious miles in them but we're just happy with their dog walking ability.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent walkability due to treaded, supportive sole
Handsome, comfy upper
Collapsable heel mode allows for quick entry and exit
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin inner liner
Quilted upper looks warmer than it performs
Shoe height |Polyester Microfiber
The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons mates a slipper's upper with a walking shoe's sole. The exceedingly comfy quilted upper looks and feels like vintage gear used on the Pacific Crest Trail in the 70s found in your Dad's attic, perfect to complete your own Gorpcore look. The sole features minimal padding, arch support, and a heel cup, giving more support and motion control than practically any other slipper in our reviews. We were especially impressed with the rubber tread, which we were thankful for in particularly rambunctious ball-throwing sessions with our yellow lab. For indoor duties, the heel can convert down to allow you to insert and remove your feet quickly.
The ReEmber does lean very far into &#;walking&#; territory, so if you're searching for an ultra-comfy slipper for kicking back and watching movies on a snowy evening, this pair just isn't it. What it's best at is easy days at camp, dog walks, backyard hangs, and the like. It's a little too heavy and bulky for a dedicated backpacking camp or 0-day shoe. The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V's are very similar to the Teva ReEmber's, though the Thermoballs are more walkable and packable.
The Teva ReEmber's excel at light outdoor tasks, with a comfy and warm upper that's also quite durable, as well as a grippy, lightly treaded outsole.
Credit: Justin Simoni
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to slip into
Comfortably light
Handsome, warm, cozy faux wool liner
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as durable as other options
Thin outsole
Best for indoor use
Shoe height |Faux fur
The Amazon Essentials Moccasin comes out on top for Moccasin-style slippers. We love the warmth and comfort provided by the soft faux fur liner found on the sides and insole of the interior, which perfectly complements the soft upper that hugs the foot without feeling too constrictive. We find these moccasins quite breathable and something you can wear all day indoors without getting too warm or uncomfortable. Their thin rubber outsoles will work for quick runs outside but are best used in the great indoors. We appreciate how quiet they were as we snuck downstairs to the kitchen for late-night snack missions, which helps us avoid waking up our usually rambunctious puppy. They also pack well, easily squeezing underneath everything else that lurks underneath our bed, being at the ready for coffee-brewing duties.
These slippers won't hurt the wallet too badly, but the Amazon Essentials Moccasin's durability - especially for outdoor use - won't be extraordinary. The thin rubber outsole won't do well on marathon dog walks and doesn't protect the cotton upper from scraping against harsh surfaces like concrete and pavement. The marathons they excel at will be the series-watching kind, so prop them up on your favorite ottoman or wear them to bed, grab a bowl of popcorn, and start on Episode 1. For a more walkable moccasin, consider the Minnetonka Pile Lined Hardsole, which has a far more rigid upper.
The Amazon Essentials Moccasin can be put on with the aid of just one finger to get your heel the back of the slipper. The thin rubber outsole isn't the most durable, but contributes to how silent these are wearing around the house.
Credit: Justin Simoni
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$6065
$9064
63
$3561
$5556
$20A pair of toasty sandals is the perfect cure for a cold front moving in.
Credit: Justin Simoni
We researched the wide world of slippers before selecting what we thought were the very best at various price points. Once this final slipper dream team was established, we bought each at retail to keep our objective, journalistic integrity. Then we wore each slipper throughout the cold Colorado winter and unpredictable early spring, both inside and outside, following a testing protocol we've developed and revised over the years to discover the best slippers out there. Scales and calipers were brought out, and our freezer and infrared thermometer were put to good use. We also did some good ole fashion walkin' and our favorite: loungin'.
We tested each pair of slippers across six rating metrics:
The RockDove Two-Tone's were some of the easiest slippers to slip on in, and kept up with our fancy dance moves.
Credit: Justin Simoni
We tested each pair of slippers across
Justin Simoni answered the call to give our stable of slippers a real work over. Simoni is best known for attacking whole mountain ranges, but once home, he rests as hard as he plays, usually with the assistance of his 15-year-old wolfie dog, three-year-old yellow lab, and the neighbor's blue-eye cattle dog puppy who assists on recovery walks. Having his feet enclosed in trail runners for days on end - or, even worse, tight-fitting climbing shoes - means that afterward, he needs to get the most comfort once back home to assist with foot health and recovery. Plus, his job as a writer means a lot of time with feet propped up reading. Slippers, naturally, become the superior rest-day footwear.
The Oncai Memory Foam Scuffs sport a classic look that blends right into any homely living room.We absolutely loved the look of the Minnetonka Pile Lined Hardsole, - most especially the rawhide laces.Our review covers widely diverse styles to ensure you can find the perfect pair of slippers to meet your needs.
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a pair of slippers, which primarily revolve around the ground you will be walking on. Indoor-only slippers won't be the best for walking the dog, and outdoor-compatible options might be too bulky for kicking your feet up on the sofa. Below we outline the best style of slipper based on your intended use.
Indoors only: If your primary goal is to relax with your feet kicked up, you won't need anything too aggressive. Instead, you can stick with the fluffy, open-healed designs that don't have much tread (if any). If your house is carpeted, you won't need too much extra support in your slippers. You can opt for an option with a smaller sole height. However, if your house has hardwood, laminate, or tile floors, and you specifically want something with extra cushion, you might choose an option with a thicker sole.
Indoors and outdoors: If you're taking your slippers on strolls to the mailbox, you'll want something a little more equipped than the indoor-only style. Instead, look for options that have a rubberized bottom with some tread. The tread doesn't need to be much, as you probably won't be hiking a mountain in your slippers, but just enough that you won't be slipping on the rainy driveway. Those with a closed-heel design will be easier to walk in as they won't slide off your feet midstep, which is helpful if you want to take the dog on a quick walk without changing out of your house shoes.
Camping and travel: For camping and travel, you'll want to choose a lightweight option. If you're camping, choose an option that prioritizes warmth and walkability. As you walk around the dark campsite, the last thing you want to do is trip over your loose, flimsy slipper. Camping-specific slippers have a close-healing design and enough tread to handle the rocky ground. Depending on your travel destination, a camping slipper might work perfectly, as they are often very light. However, if you're simply looking for something to wear around your hotel room, an indoor-specific option that is light enough to throw in your suitcase will be suitable.
The Ugg Scuffs are great for indoor use with their open-healed design and cozy wool lining.The Minnetonka Pile Lined slippers have a hard sole that makes them perfect for stepping outside, even when it's snowing.The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V are great for the campsite, as they keep your toes cozy but provide enough protection to walk around the rocky outdoors.The best slipper option will depend on the location you intend on wearing your slippers. Indoor slippers are great for lounging around the house, while outdoor slippers seamlessly make their way in and out.
Our testing suite was designed to cover a broad range of use cases and hypotheticals, hoping that the information gathered would be beneficial in helping you pick out the best slippers for whatever you are hoping to use them for.
We generally like to champion products that perform well over the long run - what's the point of buying a new set of slippers if they develop holes or become uncomfortably right after purchase? For budget-minded folks, the Zigzagger Moccasin offers great value at an even better price point. Among the less expensive slipper options, these have the best construction quality, look great, and will warm your feet well. We were also extremely impressed with the Olukai Moloa. The pair is quite a bit more expensive, but the high quality of the materials and overall construction can't be denied. These slippers are an investment upfront, but if taken care of correctly, they should outlast every other slipper in this review.
Though on the pricier side, the Olukai Moloa are durable enough to last for years to come.
Credit: Justin Simoni
If any footwear should champion comfort as one of its most important qualities, it has to be slippers! This shoe is worn primarily to make you feel good, to rest tired feet from a long work day, or to keep your toes warm while you attend to more important things, like the ending of a good book or the middle of a series. To assess how well each pair delivers on this promise, we took particular note of the types of materials used in the slipper's upper and sole. What additional materials are used in the liner to make them extra comfy? How easy is it to get into and out of the slipper? Are they weighted well or feel off balance? Are the slippers supportive or more sock-like?
Most every slipper in our review performed well for comfort, but there were a few standouts. We found the UGG Ascot to be one of the most comfortable slippers in our entire lineup due partly to its toasty wool/polyester liner. Its soft suede upper easily moves with each foot's movement rather than fighting it, giving only a little structure so the entire slipper doesn't turn to mush.
Kick up your feet and replace after a hard day with the Zigzagger Moccasin, one of the most comfortable slippers we've tested.
Credit: Nolan Anderson
The Olukai Moloa also rated highly in comfort, with a real shearling lining that we found fairly heavenly. The Sorel Falcon Ridge II was also a comfort standout, with a furry liner that escapes onto the upper's collar. The Zigzagger Moccasin has an abundance of faux fur on its liner to keep your feet nice and pampered.
The Sorel Falcon has a cushiony wool and polyester lining to keep you feeling like you're walking on clouds.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Insulation matters in a slipper. You don't need to put socks on, so it's easy to put them on and get going in the morning without hunting for another piece of clothing. All our slippers had insulation properties, although some come with more than others. We generally scored those that felt warming higher.
For testing, we observed the type of insulation utilized for the liner and any other features that would promote warmth retention. We then performed a simple freezer test, noting the temperature of the inside of the slipper before putting it inside our freezer for a few minutes and then recording the interior temperature again after taking it out. Slippers that showed less temperature difference usually scored higher.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The Olukai Moloa again topped the ratings, this time for insulation. The genuine shearling found in the liner, the nubuck leather upper, and the thick, cushy insole helped retain much of the ambient heat during our freezer test. The UGG Ascot, Zigzagger Moccasin, and Sorel Falcon Ridge II were not too far behind, all three having thick liners made of wool/polyester or polyester faux fur. The least performant slippers were the open heal variety, like the UGG Scuff, RockDove Two-Tone, and Oncai Memory Foam Scuff, which trade in overall insulate qualities for quick entry and exit.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Inextricably linked to insulation is breathability. What's the worth of a shoe that's warm but also sweaty? We took to the streets and got a bit of a workout, seeing if putting a little exertion under our feet would cause the slippers to feel too sweaty. We also took note of the materials and design again to see if any design decisions in the slippers would enhance breathability. Some materials, like rubber, are not very breathable, while others, like fleece, are much more so.
The slippers in our review generally showed pretty good but never great breathability, given that they're mostly designed to be warm first and foremost. The RockDove Two-Tone was one slipper that showed some of the best breathability, given the cotton construction of the upper. This is especially effective when paired with the slipper's open heal design. The Oncai Memory Foam Scuff also performed well in this metric, although it is slightly less breathable in the toes because of its thick fleece liner. But it, too, has an open heel, which allows for airflow. The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons produce a good balance of warmth and breathability, with a quilted upper that promotes heat retention while still allowing moisture to escape.
Open healed slippers like the RockDove Two-Tone easily ranked high in Breathability.
Credit: Nolan Anderson
We like things to last, and we appreciate good craftsmanship. For construction quality, we closely examine how all the slippers in our review are made to determine how well each is built and whether that will translate to better slipper performance and lifespan. In detail, we looked at the insole's sturdiness and resistance to pressure (i.e., will it be flattened prematurely with use), how easy it is to clean and water resistant, and any durability problems that presented themselves while wearing them.
Seemingly unrivaled, the Olukai Moloa bowled us over with its incredible construction quality, from the nubuck leather upper paired with a shearling liner to its gum rubber sole that looks like it could be repaired by a cobbler when the time comes. We even appreciate what you can't see easily, such as the stitch work underneath the insole that attaches the midsole to the upper. It is a fine example of sewing in awkward quarters. Even the insole is highly intentional, providing an equally supportive and soft base upon which you can build your day.
We surprised ourselves to highlight how quality the insole is of the Olukai Moloa, but we thought it a great example of showing a eye for detail on areas you wouldn't normally inspect inside a slipper.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Not to be completely outdone, the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons show off a well-thought-out design with equally impressive execution, incorporating many different, often recycled materials that come together in harmony. Similarly, the UGG Scuff and UGG Ascot also make good use of natural materials like sheep's wool and buttery soft suede, while the Sorel Falcon Ridge II masterfully uses a hybrid approach.
Credit: Justin Simoni
There's always a chance one may want to venture from the safety of home to walk the dog, check the mailbox, or gossip with the neighbors&#;wouldn't it be nice to do so in the slippers we're already wearing? We tested the walking performance of each pair by taking the slippers for a walk and sometimes a light jog. Did they hold up, or did they hopefully fail at such a simple task? Were they quiet or loud? What sort of traction, if any, is present?
Generally, we found slippers in our lineup fell into three buckets: very walkable, walkable for short trips, and acceptable for walks from bedroom to bathroom, but no farther. Some of the best walkers look more like shoes. The The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V were some of the best walking slippers in our lineup. The tight collar kept our feet well established within the slipper, rather than the slipper flying off when we started warming up for a ten-mile run. These would work for all-day errand hopping.
The Classic Lined Crocs can easily take on outdoor walking duties in cool conditions.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons also shine brightly for walkability, having honest arch support, heel drop, and tread on the outsole. These would make a great choice if your primary goal is a comfortable pair of slippers you can wear casually outside. The UGG Ascot is the pair you could most easily sneak into an office for a day's work, fooling most into thinking they're dress shoes. And we'd be remiss if we did not mention the Crocs Classic Lined for their walkability. Crocs are the chameleons of footwear, comfortably carrying wearers from bedrooms to the street and even outdoor adventures with ease and gaining a legion of fans despite their unusual aesthetic. But, while we found the lined version well-equipped for multi-use situations, it was not our favorite in this metric since the liner limits overall breathability, making it less comfortable on everyday outings.
Credit: Justin Simoni
Slippers that pack well will travel well, which could help turn a business trip from a chore into a mini vacation in your hotel room. Packable slippers can also make good camping shoes without weighing you down on the hike. We tested packability by compressing each pair and then measuring their volume. Packability is only weighted for a small amount of the total score.
The UGG Scuff packed down smaller than most other slippers in our review, especially as it has no heel! That makes them a good choice if you're looking for slippers for hotel-based trips.
Oncai Memory Foam Scuff were some of the lightest slippers we tested, while also packing down really well for traveling duties.
Credit: Justin Simoni
The RockDove Two-Tone and Oncai Memory Foam Scuff have similar designs and pack down really well&#;perfect for throwing into an already stuffed suitcase. The The North Face Thermoball Traction Mules V also reduces well and could be a great choice for campsite duties.
Nothing comes quite close to the Oncai for weight. However, the Amazon Essentials Moccasin and Minnetonka Pile Lined Hardsole are both fairly lightweight. Though the Minnetonka is a bit bulky, these options are sure to keep your suitcase lighter, should you have the space.
The spectrum of different slippers out there surprised even us! There's a perfect slipper it seems for everyone.
Credit: Justin Simoni
We'd hate to lay down when there's so much work to do, but at least for this review, it was part of the job! Someone had to do it, and we bravely answered the call. We hope our hard work helps you pick out the best pair of slippers for your needs.
Moccasins, driving mocs, loafers&#; many men get confused as to what exactly is a moccasin or loafer, and hence today we&#;d like to share a Moccasin guide. First, we discuss the rich history of this kind of footwear, highlight variations such as driving mocs and &#;moccasins&#; with soles, and provide tips on how wear & buy them.
Bullhide Soft Sole Deerskin Lined in Tobacco 4 by WassookeagThe moccasin has a long history but first, let&#;s clarify what the term actually stands for. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes a moccasin as a &#; heelless shoe of soft leather, the sole of which may be hard or soft and flexible; in soft-soled moccasins, the sole is brought up the sides of the foot and over the toes, where it is joined by a puckered seam to a U-shaped piece lying on top of the foot. The upper part of the moccasin is often adorned with embroidery, beading, or other ornament.&#;
Note, some people claim a genuine moccasin does not have a separate sole, and while it is true that the moccasins of many American Indian tribes did not feature a sole because the soft leather was ideal for forest grounds and hunting, tribes who resided in the mountains or prairie often attached a separate sole of bison leather so the moccasins were more suited to their environment.
Shoes with heels, such as a Norwegian and loafers, are often advertised as moccasins, but technically that&#;s incorrect and what they refer to are the &#;moccasin style&#; U-shaped leather uppers.
U-shaped uppers on a soft sole moccasin Soft Sole Moccasin by Thunderbird Mountain Trading CompanyAlthough one could argue that moccasins are the quintessential North American shoes, it is likely that it arrived in the U.S. around 30,000 years ago via the Bering Sea from Asia. Subsequently, the style was adapted by Indian tribes and due to different climates and habitats across North America, various versions of the moccasin evolved, each suited to the climate and terrain of its tribe&#;s origin.
A Native American with Moccasins A Cheyenne Indian with MoccasinsEtymologically, the word moccasin is derived from the Algonquian language Powhatan where makasin means shoe. In fact, most indigenous Indian tribes of North America have similar words to denote shoes but as the Algonquians were the first people encountered by the Europeans around in North America, the term was brought to England, where is was established.
Although there are various style moccasins that evolved due to different habitats and climates, they can be broadly divided into two types: hard sole and soft sole.
While these are the two broad types of moccasins, they came in a wide variety of styles and types unique to the different tribes that wore them. In fact, these styles were so distinctive, that is was possible to identify the tribe by the moccasins. Experts even go so far as to identify different tribes by footprints.
Gagliardi Driving Mocs in vibrant colorsMoccasins were made from soft tanned hides of deer or buffalo or bison rawhide was used for the hard soled variety. Today, you can also find moccasins made of deerskin or moosehide. They were assembled inside out and thus the stitching was hidden. Sinew / Tendon was used for the stitching and holes would be punched through the hide to facilitate it. The knot would be kept on the outside to facilitate comfort. The whip stitch and the running stitch were commonly used. Moccasin construction was fairly uniform across tribes however each tribe had distinctive methods of decoration. These differences also included the cut of the moccasins and the some of the common names of the various tribes such as the Blackfoot and Chippewa are derived from their moccasins. Lavish bead work, quill work and painted designs were used to adorn and decorate moccasins. Women of certain tribes often attached thigh length leggings to their moccasins giving them the outward appearance of boots.
The moccasin was built for both comfort and practical wear and one of the unique features of this shoe was that it allowed the wearer to &#;feel&#; the ground as he walked while still protecting his feet. And as they were designed for specific habitats and terrain it was no surprise that very soon they became the footwear of choice for the European settlers. Among the Europeans settlers, they were favoured by hunters and traders who had to traverse long distances on foot. That other iconic piece of American footwear &#; the cowboy boot &#; while perfect for a life on horseback was ill suited to walking.
Minnetonka Moccasins Lookbook by Mill City Men Michael DodesThe moccasin remained a popular choice among the European settlers due to their practicality but as the country became more settled and industrialized, they slowly but surely started to lose their popularity. By the time of the Second World War, they were mostly restricted to resorts and souvenir shops. After the end of WWII, a new generation took to the highways to explore their country&#;s natural beauty and rediscovered the moccasin. By this time advances in the manufacturing sector enabled them to be made in different types of leathers and colors thus adding to their charms. They very soon regained their popularity, which is evidenced by the fact that the company Minnetonka Moccasins was founded in .
Today, most moccasins feature a double sole for increased durability and original moccasins are rarely worn on the street because pavement and concrete and much harder surfaces. As such, you will sometimes find added rubber or leather soles added to make more wearable in the 21 century. Some also use them for shoes around the house.
Tod&#;s Driving MocsToday, the most popular moccasin style is probably the Driving Moccasin or Driving Moc. Technically it is not a genuine moccasin but rather a new derivation by Diego Della Vale from Tod&#;s from Italy. His father owned a shoe company that made private label shoes for Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Aged 16, he came across an interesting pair of &#;moccasins&#; that were made in Portugal. Although poorly constructed, he found them interesting and brought the pair home with him, and today it is the core of their brand. Of course, it wasn&#;t just the product &#; the chose a simple, yet memorable name: J.P Tod&#;s and although some rumor it may have been a name from a Boston book, Della Valle claims it wasn&#;t.
Diego Della Valle of Tod&#;sTod&#;s driving mocs feature an insole with little knobs which peak through holes in the sole. Generally, they are more of a casual summer shoe because otherwise, your feet get wet quickly. Unfortunately, you cannot really repair this shoe, and so most people discard them once the knobs have worn off. Sometimes, a cobbler will be able to attach a new, more durable sole thus impacting the character of the shoe. To make them more durable, some manufacturers have started to add large rubber elements to the sole. Finding a driving moccasin that is great for you can be a challenge, because there is almost too much choice, in all price categories from thousands of brands and vendors.
Personally, I like more unusual shoe colors such as bright red, royal blue, green, yellow, sky blue&#; in suede for summer wear with seersucker trousers or shorts on warm weekends. Normally they are worn without socks but lately, people have come up with all sorts a sweat absorbent inserts, but the problem is they make the shoe smaller and often less comfortable to wear. As such, make sure that the inside of the shoe is all leather, because it absorbs moisture, unlike synthetic materials.
Moccasin Construction by RancourtBoat Shoes are loafers that are often advertised as having moccasin construction. While that is technically not true, the U-shaped uppers and construction is the same or similar to a genuine moccasin, but they add a leather sole, a rubber sole and sometimes heels to it. Most of the time, they are simply loafers and we will discuss those in a separate guide.
If you want a true soft sole moccasin I recommend going with Minnetonka Moccasins and their soft deerskin double sole moccasin, which are widely available. Alternatively, the Thunderbird Trading Company offers them and Wassookeag Moccasins make them to order so you can choose the leather and details. If you want the real deal, you can still find handmade examples by Native American craftsmen.
Do you know of a brand that provides quality moccasins that we have not listed here? Please let us know in the comments. Do you wear moccasins at all? If so, how do you combine them?
This article is a collaboration between Sven Raphael Schneider & Vikram Nanjappa.
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