Old Navajo
Moccasin Variety and Style by Terrence Hooper
The footwear that we call the moccasin came down to us from Native Americans is really Americas first footwear. Although it comes in many variations, they all share simple method of design. The moccasin in all its styles really refers to how the shoe is made.
All moccasins were made from a single piece of leather so that the sole extended up the sides and then it was all sewn together without a separate heel. The word moccasin originates from an Algonquin word for “shoes.” Each tribe back then would have had its own word for shoes, so moccasin is really a European interpretation of the original Algonquin word “maskisina.” Since each of the different European groups that encountered the Algonquin heard it slightly differently there are at least five spellings for moccasin (mocasin, mocassin, moccassin, mocassions, and mocussin).
Though the technique for making footwear was shared by Native Americans, it is important to note that each tribe had its own distinctive style. Some groups added fringes, in some the sides were higher – more like a boot, and each tribe had such a distinctive interpretation on the shoe that they could tell which tribe a person belonged to because of its unique attributes.
And just as it was then, it is also true today that there are many, many different styles of moccasins. Some moccasins are sold as house slippers. These are nearly always soft soled not meant to be worn outside and often come with a sheepskin or fleece interior to keep your feet toasty warm – a great feature on cold floors!
Outside moccasins come in both soft sole and hard sole. An important thing to think about is whether a soft sole or hard sole is appropriate for your needs. Soft soled outside moccasins (e.g. not slippers) can be worn for quick trips to the market or over to a friend’s house, but hard soled moccasins are preferable in more formal settings and places like hospitals, restaurants or bars. There have been cases of people being refused in some places because of soft soled moccasins which were seen as slippers and therefore inappropriate.
Some moccasins are very traditional and resemble the original Native footwear and others are much more formal and sometimes called loafers or boat shoe. There are moccasins that resemble ankle boots and ones that go all the way up to the knee. In fact there is a moccasin for just about every taste.
Moccasins are very easy to find online from very well known moccasins companies, such as Minnetonka Moccasin Company, but even companies not known for moccasins now sell them (e.g. J. Crew). There are also very small boutique companies founded by Native Americans who make moccasins with a modern day twist. Some very stylish moccasins made by hand following the old traditions can be found at The Indian Village Mall, Moccasin Shop (look for the Navajo, Taos and Pueblo moccasins). Their moccasins come in an array of vibrant colors, shapes and styles. They offer ankle boots, low cut slip-ons, knee high boots and even a “sandal” moccasin.
About the Author
Terrence Hooper is a writer and avid fan of moccasins for guys. He’s worn them since childhood when he stitched his first pair together from a kit.
Check out his websites to learn more about why these make great shoes for men: http://www.moccasinsforguys.com and
http://www.minnetonakahardsole.com
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January 21, 2012 5:03 am 
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