The shoes we know as moccasins came to us in many variations from the simple method of shoe design shared by Native Americans. The moccasin, in all its styles, really indicates how the shoe was made.
All moccasins have in common the fact that they are made from a single piece of leather with the sole running up the sides of the shoe and then sewn together without a separate heel. The word moccasin originates from the Algonquin word meaning “shoe”. Each tribe at the time had their own word for shoes, so moccasins are a European interpretation of the indigenous Algonquin word “masquesina”. Since each of the different European groups that encountered the Algonquin heard it slightly differently, there are at least five spellings for the shoe (moccasin, moccasin, moccasin, moccasin, moccasin).
Although the way Native American shoes were made was pretty much the same among all the tribes, it would be a mistake to think that this led to moccasins all looking the same. Some groups added fringe, in some aspects they were higher – more like a shoe, and each tribe had a distinct interpretation on the shoe so that they could tell which tribe a person belonged to because of their unique style.
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 moccasins. These are often soft-soled boots that are not meant to be worn outside and often come with a sheepskin or fleece interior to keep your feet warm – a great feature on chilly floors!
Outdoor moccasins come in soft sole and hard sole. An important thing to consider is whether a soft sole or a hard sole is right for your needs. Soft outdoor moccasins (not slippers, for example) can be worn for quick trips to the market or to a friend’s house, but hard-soled moccasins are preferred for more formal settings and venues such as hospitals, restaurants, or bars. There has been at least one case of someone being refused service at a bar because of soft-soled moccasins, so be careful about where you decide to wear soft-soled moccasins.
Some are very traditional and look like the original indigenous shoes while others are more formal (loafers, or boat shoes). There are moccasins that look like ankle boots and knee-high boots.
It’s very easy to find moccasins online from very well-known moccasin companies, such as the Minnetonka Moccasin Company, but even companies not known for moccasins are now selling them (such as J. Crew). There are also very small boutique companies founded by Native Americans that make loafers with a modern twist. Some stylish moccasins, handcrafted according to age-old traditions, can be found at The Indian Village Mall, Moccasin Shop (look for Navajo, Taos, and Pueblo moccasins). Moccasins come in an array of vibrant colours, shapes and patterns. They offer ankle boots, low-cut slip-ons, knee-high boots and even “sandal” moccasins.