Amoccasin (/mɒkəsɪn/MOCK-ə-sin) is ashoe, made ofdeerskin or other soft leather,[1] consisting of a sole (made withleather that has not been "worked") and sides made of one piece of leather,[1] stitched together at the top, and sometimes with avamp (additional panel of leather). Thesole is soft and flexible and the upper part often is adorned with embroidery or beading.[1] Though sometimes worn inside, it is chiefly intended for outdoor use.
Historically, it is the footwear of many indigenous people ofNorth America; moreover, hunters, traders, and European settlers wore them.[1] Etymologically,moccasin derives from thePowhatan wordmakasin (cognate toMassachusettmohkisson /mokussin,Ojibwamakizin,Mi'kmaqmksɨn),[2][3] and from theProto-Algonquian word *maxkeseni (shoe).[4]
In the 1800s, moccasins usually were part of a Canadian regalia, e.g. apowwow suit of clothes. The most common style is that of thePlains Indians moccasin.
Moccasins protect the foot while allowing the wearer to feel the ground. ThePlains Indians wore hard-sole moccasins, given that their territorial geography featured rock and cacti. The eastern Indian tribes wore soft-sole moccasins, for walking in leaf-covered forest ground.
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InNew Zealand andAustralia,sheep shearers' moccasins are constructed of a synthetic, cream-coloredfelt, with a back seam and gathered at the top of the rounded toe. These moccasins are laced in the front, and the lacing is covered with a flap fastened with abuckle at the shoe's outer side. The fastener arrangement prevents the shearer's handpiece comb from catching in the laces.[5] Shearers' moccasins protect the feet, grip wooden floors well, and absorb sweat.[6]
The wordmoccasin can also denote a shoe of deerleather adorned with laces.
Adriving moccasin (driving moc) is a contemporary version of the traditional Native American moccasin with the addition of rubber tabs on the sole. The addition of rubber-pad sole adds to the versatility and longevity of the shoe while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of a traditional moccasin. They were invented for men who wanted extra grip while driving.[7] There are two variations of the sole, including:
Moc Toe Boots, commonly referred as a "Moc Toe", the boots are normally combined with hard rubber compounded soles. The moccasin toework boot is a style that reflects the Native American moccasin. Normally by weld stitching two pieces of leather or fabric, the pattern creates a U-shaped design around thetoe box.
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