Moccasins

Moccasins are tough slipper shaped shoes originated by Native American Indians to offer protection for the feet. The word Moccasin comes from the Algonquian language meaning a shoe made of soft leather.

Fast Facts

1. Date back 15,000 years
2. Were mainly made of deerskin
3. Decorated with beading and other ornaments
4. The design identified the tribe and rank
5. Once worn by hunters and settlers
6. Now a common shoe that has even inspired some high end fashion footwear

History of the Moccasin

Moccasins were created by Native Americans as a way of protecting the feet and also distinguishing tribes. The tough, yet soft leather shoe was designed to allow the wearer to feel the ground as they walked and also remain soundless. Various tribes redesigned the moccasin based on their geographical location, even creating a hard soled version for mountainous terrain. Today Native Americans still wear the moccasin during ceremonial times, and the look of the shoe has surged into the mainstream becoming the look for mens and womens slippers, as well as, comfortable driving shoes.

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