Moccasins

Ranked #1,822 in Culture & Society, #42,651 overall

American Indian Moccasin Shoes

Moccasins are not only warm and beautiful, they are part of American history and Native American Indian culture.

Historically, moccasins varied in design and pattern, so much so, that a member of a particular tribe could be identified by the subtle differences in their moccasins. Some of the differences can be attributed to the climate or the region of a tribe. Others might be identified by the sewing style, whether the seam is in the middle or on the side of the moccasin, or if the moccasins were made with one piece or multiple pieces of tanned leather.

Depending on the region, some moccasins had soft soles, while others needed hard, multi-layered soles to endure the terrain. Due to the climate of the region, some moccasins were lined for warmth, while others needed no lining.

Let us not forget the detailing on the moccasins. Some bore intricate beading or beautifully hand-painted designs that reflected the gifted ability and the time dedicated to finish these articles of art.


Photo: Classic Fringe Moccasins

Moccasins Today

Thunderbird Moccasin

Due to their popularity, moccasins are mass produced by many different manufacturers. There is a wide variety of options depending on whether you prefer the slippers made for indoors or the ones made to be worn anywhere.

Soft soled moccasins are light weight and can be easily stored because they can be folded or pressed flat. An excellent shoe to stash in your car for driving or comfort after a long day in heels.

Photo of Thunderbird Moccasin

Moccasins for Kids

MINNETONKA MOCCASINS for Kids

Ankle high suede beaded moccasins for little kids. These cute beige moccasins are perfect for kids.

Minnetonka Girls Beaded Ankle Boot,Tan Suede,13 M US Little Kid

Amazon Price: $26.00 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Nice suede moccasins for little ones.

Christmas Moccasins

Native American Indian Moccasin Story for 4-8 year olds

True Story written by Ray Buckley, a Native American, about an experience he and his grandmother had when thieves beat them and stole grandmother's moccasins. What grandmother did shows the true spirit of Christmas, giving and forgiving. This is a good book to teach young kids about the spirit of Christmas and uses something as simple as a pair of moccasins to teach this lesson.

Christmas Moccasins

Amazon Price: $13.50 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

The lessons of giving and forgiveness don't belong to just one culture. This is a beautifully illustrated true story and like stories of old it has a great message.

Beige Fringed Moccasins

Classic Moccasin Shoes

This style of moccasins is called "classic" most likely because of their popularity that has spanned decades. They are beautifully detailed with fringe. These are popular womens moccasins.

Minnetonka Women's Classic Fringed Boot

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


This style of moccasin shoes is made of suede leather and has soft soles.

These moccasin are reasonably priced and can be worn indoors or outdoors.

Thunderbird Beaded Moccasins

Moccasins Adorned with the lovely beaded Thunderbird

Minnetonka Thunderbird Soft Sole Moccasins

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Typical beaded slip on moccasin that's comfortable and attractive.

Slip-on Moccasins

Slip-on style, so there are no laces or strings to tie, except the decorative tie.

Could not locate item B004DLZSO0. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Black Moccasins from the 60's

Retro Moccasins

These were my favorite Moccasins. I loved the high on the ankle, boot cut look with the 2 silver medallions on the side. These come in black or brown suede.

Minnetonka Womens Two Button Boot Softsole Boots

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Moccasins Slip-ons with a Rubber Sole

Slip-on style moccasins with padded footbeds.

Eddie Bauer Minnetonka® Tie Mocs

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


This style has a suede upper and rubber soles.

These moccasin are reasonably priced and can be worn indoors or outdoors.

Men's Minnetonka Leather Moccasins

Men love comfortable moccasins as much as women do. These mocassins are perfect, and once he's worn them for awhile they start forming to his foot and he'll thank you for thinking of him! Oh, and the rubber soles means he can work out in the garden or the garage in total comfort.

Minnetonka Men's Original Cowhide Driving Moccasin

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Moccasins for Men

Sheepskin Moccasin Slippers

these slipon sheepskin Moccasins for Men are warm and cozy, perfect for relaxing.

Ladies' Minnetonka Moccasins Sheepskin Softsole Moc Slipper Tan

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Sheepskin with pile lining.

Soft Soles

Bearpaw Women's Lined Moccasins

Comparatable to UGGS Moccasins or Boots

Bearpaw is one of the best lined moccasins for people that don't want to spend the money for a pair of UGGS.

BEARPAW Women's Moc Shearling Moccasin

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Moccasins on ebay

Loading

Native American Indian Moccasins are Still Available Today

Beaded Adult Moccasins

Moccasins are still being made and sold by Native American Indians and you may well prefer to own authentic Indian moccasins.

Here are a few places where you can purchase them online. Bear in mind, these are hand beaded and often handmade, therefore they will be more expensive than the mass produced moccasins, but you just may feel they are worth it.

Native American Art
Photo on Right: Beaded Adult Moccasins

Fort Tumbleweed
Photo included in Gallery Below: VINTAGE Beaded Native American Moccasins

Native American Stuff
Photo included in Gallery Below: Cheyenne Moccasins

Crazy Crow Trading Post

A~Cinn
Photo Included in Gallery Below: Red River Moccasins

Photo's of Some of the Moccasins Available from the Online Stores Featured Above

Moccasins with a Rubber Sole

Slip-on style, so there are no laces or strings to tie, except the decorative bow.

Could not locate item B004I9YJEM. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

Make Your Own Moccasins

If you enjoy making your own clothes and you wish to have a truly unique pair of moccasins, these patterns or kits are for you.

Butterick Pattern for Moccasins

Butterick Patterns B5233 Historical Footwear, All Sizes

Amazon Price: $6.25 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now



Butterick patterns are always an excellent choice!

This historical pattern has multiple styles and sizes.

Moccasin Kit

Silver Creek Leather Scout Moccasin Kits-size 6/7

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now



Pre-cut leather and suede pieces

This kit is for a ladies size 6/7

Silver Creek Leather Scout Moccasin Kits-size 8/9

Amazon Price: $16.21 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now


Easy to Complete Kit

Ladies size 8/9

Please Leave Your Tracks

"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave" - Dakota Proverb

  • flicker Apr 4, 2012 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    I'd like to learn to make moccasins someday. Didn't know there were kits for making them. That might be a good way to start out and get a little experience.
  • firebear Mar 1, 2012 @ 12:18 pm | delete
    I still make them and sell them and love making them. Closest thing to being barefooted and the nice thing you can still go into stores and almost be barefooted.
  • MoonMaa Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:39 am | delete
    I love moccassins they are so cute and comfy!
  • jeremykim2011 Jan 27, 2012 @ 2:00 am | delete
    I love the designs!
  • satewas Oct 23, 2011 @ 8:03 pm | delete
    I love Moccasins i wear mine almost everyday good information and i know were to go if I want more and no one in the family is available to make me any!
  • YayasHome Sep 2, 2011 @ 10:01 pm | delete
    I remember when my Nana used to make moccasins for us. I always thought they were some of the absolutely most comfortable foot wear on the planet. I think it's time for me to return to wearing 'em.
  • JJNW Aug 16, 2011 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    1970's memory flashback - moccasins were hot fashion with teens! They HAD to have fringe! *** Blessed ***!
  • filmic Aug 14, 2011 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    I've lived in places where there is a negative stigma attached to the wearing of moccasins in public. But i'm told that in Japan, wearing pyjamas / and i guess moccasins out shopping is a status symbol. different strokes. Nice lens!
  • WordCustard Aug 14, 2011 @ 4:35 am | delete
    Love that guestbook quote! How perfect for this very stylish page on Native American style moccasins. I think the ones with beading on are especially lovely. Leaving tracks... well a blessing at any rate.
  • 24websurf Aug 13, 2011 @ 6:16 pm | delete
    I totally love moccasins with the sheep wool inside! They feel so nice and warm even when the rest of me is not. ~Blessed~
  • Load More

More Native American Themed Articles

written by Kathy McGraw

Loading

by

KathyMcGraw

I used to have a hand-beaded pair of Arapaho Moccasins, and have bought several moccasins over the years for myself and my grandchildren. They are ind... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!