Make Your Own Moccasins
By Earl Hunsinger
Moccasins, the word itself conjures up images of Native Americans, perhaps as we imagine them from Hollywood westerns. It has been said that there are only seven basic kinds of shoes. Although sandals have perhaps been more widely worn, as the website Shoe Design states, many believe that the moccasin is the oldest type of footwear known to man. Although similar styles have been worn by people in other lands, it is still appropriate to think of Native Americans in any discussion about moccasins. The word itself is Native American. According to Native Tech, the word comes from the Narragansett (Algonquin) people of southern New England. Their word for shoe, 'Mocussinass' or 'Mockussinchass,' has been adopted into English as Moccasin, and generally refers to the footwear worn by many of the Native American people.
Even if you were bored by the last paragraph; even if you care nothing about Native American culture, you owe it to yourself to at least try a pair of moccasins. After all, with only seven types of shoes to choose from, you'll be limiting your selection if you don't. Besides, if you've never worn a pair of moccasins, you don't know what you're missing. Imagine your most comfortable pair of bedroom slippers. Now, think of moccasins as outdoor slippers. In fact, moccasins can be defined as soft leather slippers traditionally worn by Native American people.
Of course, you could go out and buy a pair of moccasins. By far the largest manufacturer is probably Minnetonka Moccasins. These can be found in a multitude of stores, both online and brick and mortar stores, including The Minnetonka Moccasin Shop, Minnetonka by Internet, even Amazon.com. If you would prefer to buy moccasins actually made by Native Americans, the website Native Languages provides some links to stores that carry these.
However, unlike other styles of footwear, such as oxfords or cowboy boots, moccasins are simple enough to make that you could make them yourself. According to the Lewis and Clark Journey of Discovery, while the members of that expedition at first laughed at Native American dress, eventually they adopted it, learning to make moccasins and other pieces of clothing for themselves. Since a pair of moccasins would wear out in a couple of days, they got plenty of practice making new ones. What they made back then while living off the land, you can make today sitting at home.
Different tribes wore different styles of moccasin, making footwear that was best suited to their circumstances. Soft soled moccasins were more common in the Eastern forests, with hard soles more commonly found among the tribes inhabiting the plains and deserts of the west. Traditionally moose, elk, or deer hides were used. These are still recommended, because they are softer and stretch more than leather made from a cow or pig. You might also try garment leather or some other type of thin suede. Different styles and sizes of moccasin use different amounts of leather. Some moccasins are made from a single piece of leather and some use more than one. You'll need some form of pattern to determine how much leather you'll need.
The website Native Tech, mentioned above, provides some information and diagrams showing the different parts of a moccasin. Judy Kavanagh's Moccasins and Mukluks outlines the materials and steps involved in making moccasins, even providing a free pattern for a woman's size 7. Other patterns can be purchased. Springfield Leather also sells patterns, as well as leather and leather working supplies. Native Tech shows you how to make your own pattern. Or you can buy a video from Full Circle Videos that gives step by step instructions.
So then, whether you are a hobbyist looking for a challenging new craft or just a collector of shoes, the next time you're looking for something to put on your feet, why not try a pair of the oldest and most comfortable form of footwear around.
