Moccasins or loafers. Today I would like to make a short excursion into moccasins.
First, we will discuss the rich history of this type of footwear.
Secondly, consider how to choose, wear and buy men's moccasins.
Moccasins have a long history. But first, let's figure out what this term actually means. Encyclopedia Britannica describes moccasins as “heelless shoes made of soft leather, the sole of which can be hard or soft and flexible. The upper part of moccasins is often decorated with embroidery, beads or other ornaments.
Note that some people claim that authentic moccasins do not have a separate sole. And, in part, this is true. Moccasins of many Indian tribes did not have hard soles. Because of their soft leather instead, they were ideal for woodlands and hunting. Often a separate sole made of bison skin was attached to them. Thus, moccasins were ideal footwear for hunters and warriors, allowing them to stealthily and silently approach their prey.
Heeled boots, such as loafers, which are often advertised as moccasins, are not technically considered to be. Loafers came from Norway, where they were considered shoes for the house One American family, having seen a postcard with Norwegians in loafers, quickly mastered these shoes in production. Due to their convenience and informality, loafers quickly became popular in the west. As you can see, the roots and stories are different, so loafers should by no means be considered moccasins.
While it can be argued that loafers are the quintessential North American shoe, it is likely that they arrived in the US about 30,000 years ago via the Bering Sea from Asia. Subsequently, they were adapted by Indian tribes and were slightly modified due to different climates and habitats throughout North America.
Etymologically, the word moccasin comes from the Algonquian language Powhatan where makasin means shoes. In fact, most Native American Indian tribes in North America have similar words for shoes. The Algonquians were the first people encountered by Europeans in 1615 in North America.
Although there are different styles of moccasins that have evolved due to different habitats and climates, they can be divided into two types: moccasins with tough and soft sole.
Rigid moccasins are generally associated with the western and steppe regions of North America. The sole was often made of tough bison leather and was designed to protect the wearer's foot from the harsh cacti and prairie grass that is typical of the area. In addition, they also provided protection against sharp stones. Rigid moccasins, as a rule, were made from several layers of leather.
Soft-soled moccasins come from the eastern forest regions of North America, dominated by light forests with deciduous and coniferous trees, the leaves of which make the ground soft and safe for the foot. Soft-soled moccasins were often made from just one piece of leather. The basis of these moccasins was a simple seam running down the center.
These two main types of moccasins gave rise to a huge variety of styles worn by Indian tribes. These styles were so varied and distinctive that moccasins could be used to identify the tribe to which their wearer belonged.
Moccasins were made from soft dressed deer or bison skins. The buckskin moccasins were gathered inside out so the stitching was hidden. Tendons and tendons were used instead of harnesses and laces. Moccasins were fairly common among Native American tribes, however, each tribe had distinctive decorating techniques. Women of some tribes often attached long shafts to their moccasins, giving them the appearance of boots.
Moccasins were created for comfort and practical wear. Since they were created for specific habitats and areas, it is not surprising that very soon they became the main footwear for many European settlers. Among European settlers, they were in demand among hunters and traders who had to travel long distances on foot.
Moccasins remained a popular choice among European settlers due to their practicality, but as the country became more resilient and industrialized, they slowly but surely began to lose popularity. After the end of World War II, a new generation took to the roads to explore the natural beauty of their country. And then people again remembered moccasins. By this time, advances in manufacturing allowed them to be made in a variety of leather types and colors, which undoubtedly added to their popularity. They very soon gained great popularity, as evidenced by the fact that one of the largest companies producing moccasins, Minnetonka, was founded in 1946, just after the end of World War II.
Today, most moccasins have a hard rubber sole. Original moccasins are rarely worn outdoors because pavement and concrete wear them out quickly. But some use them as indoor shoes.
The most popular moccasin style today is the Driving Moc. Technically, these are not really real moccasins, but the brainchild of Diego Della Vale from Toda, Italy. His father owned a shoe company that partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus for 16 years. Somehow he came across an interesting pair of "moccasins" that were made in Portugal. Although they were badly and sloppily sewn, he found them interesting and brought a pair to his home. Today they are the core of their brand.
Moccasins Drivin Moc have a very interesting structure. Insoles with small treads that protrude through holes in the sole. As a rule, they are informal summer shoes, because otherwise your feet will get wet quickly. To make them more durable, some manufacturers have started adding large rubber pieces to the outsole. Today, the question “how to choose moccasins” is particularly acute, and it is very easy to get lost among brands and manufacturers.
Personally, I prefer unusual shoe colors, such as: royal blue, green, yellow, blue. When choosing colored moccasins, be careful not to fall under the stereotypes that have developed about some of them, for example, red loafers. As a rule, moccasins are worn without socks. This is not very good, because socks are an intermediary between the shoe and the foot. This intermediary absorbs all sweat and odor. If you wear moccasins without socks, all the sweat and smell will eat into the shoes, which, when removed, can cause not only disgust, but also tearing in others. Although lately people have come up with all sorts of sweat-wicking liners, the problem is that they make shoes smaller and shoes become less comfortable to wear.
The first material used to make moccasins was bison skin. The sole for moccasins differed in rigidity depending on the characteristics of the area where the peoples lived.
For example, a hard sole was made for a flat area, and a softer one for a forest one. Moccasins are comfortable and versatile shoes, so they are always in demand and irreplaceable.
The technological process of making moccasins has its own characteristics. The skin is stretched over the block from below and secured with an upper seam. Often handmade is used, then the top seam remains open. The outsole is rubber, leather or rubber.
The structure of the sole for moccasins can be very different, from studded straight at low speed to elegant with a small heel. Moccasins are decorated with finishing seams in the instep area, as well as all kinds of decorations for the tongue, for example, fringe, tassels, etc.
The choice of leather for modern moccasins is not limited to bison leather. In the course is calf, deer skin, for lovers of exclusivity - snake, crocodile skin, as well as pony skin. For the manufacture of horse leather moccasins, only the skin from the back of the animal is used, therefore horse leather moccasins are the most expensive.
In Italy, boar skin moccasins are considered the most fashionable, due to their unusual grainy texture.
The range of moccasins is very large, and you need to make a choice depending on the purpose of the shoe. Before buying, you need to decide what you need them for, for the beach or for sports, or maybe you need a comfortable model for attending social events - based on this, choose your shoes.
Such moccasins in America are considered shoes for a business style in clothes. Previously, the tassels served to secure the shoes to the foot, now the shoes do not need this, thanks to the clear fit of the foot. Now tassels serve as decoration and do not play any functional role.
This model appeared in the 30s of the 20th century. This model is called "Vigeance" and the manufacturer of this model is Bass. As a rule, these moccasins are black or brown, worn without socks and do not have a lining.
One of the most fashionable models which goes well with a dark business suit. The name corresponds to the meat dish, as they resemble it in their appearance, thanks to the thickened edging in the instep area.
The most prestigious model of moccasins. Such shoes are worn with pleasure by stellar personalities, and even by monarchs and government officials. Such moccasins are quite expensive, but mainly because of the prestige. Such moccasins are appropriate for different clothes and are worn without socks.
Italy - Gucci, Fratelli Rosetti, Moreschi, Gravati J. P. Tods
America - Timberland, Allen-Edmonds, Sebago, Florsheim, Bass
France - J. B. Weston
England-Wordsmith
Germany - Harai
Moccasins are one of the oldest shoes that we inherited from the North American Indians. With their help, the Indians moved silently over long distances, which contributed to productive hunting. Moccasins are leather or leatherette or suede shoes with a solid sole, and the tongue is an invariable component, now some models are made with lacing.
For several seasons, colored moccasins have remained relevant. The color is selected either by several tones different from the ensemble, or by contrast. But black moccasins today are considered bad manners, with the exception of shoes with embroidery or sequins. Traditionally, American manufacturers of moccasins are considered the best. However, in our stores, such shoes are either fake or quite expensive. Fashionistas usually solve this problem quite easily - they order delivery from the USA. For this, there are delivery sites, such as http://www.easyxpress.com.ua. Here you will be helped to find the right thing and delivered to the door of the apartment.
Moccasins are considered a summer shoe option. Therefore, they are usually worn on bare feet. If it is not possible to wear without a sock, then it is necessary to choose a pair of socks so that it is not visible to others. Another option is to pick up a pair of socks to match the shoes. The female half can wear thin capron or stockings, this manner of combinations is typical of the office dress code.
More recently, the combination of business attire and moccasins was considered unacceptable. Today, office fashion has become more democratic. Plain moccasins in soothing colors go well with the office dress code. For men, moccasins to match an office suit or cropped trousers will be a good find; for women, a skirt with a blouse will be an excellent combination. The tone of the skirt with moccasins must match, then the legs will appear longer and slimmer.
Casual Indian shoes give you tons of options to match your wardrobe. Let's look at some of the main examples.
Moccasins look great with cropped jeans in various colors.
Not necessarily jeans should be narrow, flared fit just as well. Throw a jacket or blazer on top of a simple cut and get an interesting look, despite the simplicity. You can also experiment with plaid shirts.
An excellent option would be a summer dress, as well as a sundress. Under the dress, you should not wear moccasins with various rhinestones and embroidery. It is enough to get by with monochrome simple options so that the image does not look weighted.
And, of course, no one canceled a bright skirt. Choose a color that goes with your face, like orange, blue, acid, in general, try it.
We owe moccasins to the Indian tribes of North America, so straps, rings, earrings and necklaces with ethnic motifs will be a great addition to your look.
But expensive jewelry made of precious metals will not be entirely appropriate here. You need to understand that moccasins are between shoes and sneakers, between sophistication and comfort.
To summarize everything written, then moccasins are the type of shoes in which it will be easy for you to move, and at the same time you will feel stylish and free.
It seems incredible, but loved by the whole world, moccasins are also one of the oldest types of shoes.
This oldest type of shoe was invented by the Indians of North America, and the name comes from the word "mohkisson", which was present in the dialect of the Algonquin Indians.
It was previously believed that the first moccasins were created as early as 5,000 years ago, but during recent excavations conducted in a cave in Armenia in 2008, an even older pair of similar shoes dating back 5,500 years was discovered. Its owner had a foot size 37 (foot length 24.5 cm), and the products themselves were made of cowhide.
Interestingly, the shoes of the Indians from pieces of skin of various animals replaced the wicker shoes that existed 8-10 thousand years ago. And if initially moccasins were made from whole pieces of leather, then in 700-900 AD. they began to be sewn, thanks to which a pronounced heel part (back) appeared and excess skin disappeared.
Improving from century to century, by the 18-19 centuries, Indian shoes began to be classified into 2 categories:
The former were more common among the Indians of the northeastern and southeastern tribes: they were cut out in a whole canvas and, as a rule, sewn together in the center or side. Even then, moccasins began to be decorated with embroidery and complement the side seam with a tongue. This shoe was versatile - soft, durable, comfortable and silent, it was perfect for hunting and for any other activity. The skin of elk, bison or deer served as the starting material for its manufacture.
Moccasins were almost never left unpainted - the pale hue became brighter as a result of the method of smoking, processing time and the type of firewood used for the fire.
Even then, each Indian tribe formed its own secrets and unique features of making moccasins:
By the way, the fringe on such shoes was not just a decor - it performed protective functions: it was believed that in this way it was possible to cover both the physical and mental traces of its owner.
In the 19th century, the Indians made mostly rawhide moccasins, and it was then that suede began to be used as a top. The role of the sole was performed by a thicker, rougher and tougher rawhide.
An interesting fact is that it was during this period of time that the tendon threads used to sew shoe parts were replaced with strong nylon threads. At the same time (that's what industrialization is doing!) rawhide was replaced by calfskin, made in factories.
The color scheme has also changed. Now white skin was left as is, and if necessary, to obtain other shades, coloring pigments, both natural and artificial, began to be used.
An important difference between moccasins of that time and today is the fact that the shoes of the century before last were knee-high, both for women and men, which made it possible to reliably protect the legs from snake bites, abrasions and scratches.
By the way, pay attention to the tongue of moccasins - from the end of the 19th century it began to be made separately, it had a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. However, occasionally one could meet a pair of shoes with a forked tongue - it symbolized strength and power, resembling a buffalo footprint.
By this time, Indian shoes are becoming more aesthetic, richly decorated with beads, appliqués, fringes of various types (including silk threads) and even porcupine quills.
Well, the most famous industrial moccasins are, without a doubt, the products of a shoe factory. minnetonka moccasin, which began to be produced in 1946, becoming a cult brand. Their models are worn by Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and other stars.
In 1958, another American brand appeared - Hush Puppies, which began to produce moccasins, but not simple ones, but with a latex insole and a soft cushion under the heel. The products of this company became especially popular in the 90s, when colored moccasins appeared in the assortment. Europe has not lagged behind.
If at first moccasins were imported from North America as souvenirs, then later shoe production began to open - these are Italian brands Arfango, Vittorio Spernanzoni, Car Shoe, French Celine. The most famous in the world are studded moccasins from the Italian factory Tod's - they were worn by the inimitable Audrey Hepburn, and Bill Clinton collected the largest collection of shoes of this brand.
Fashion designers and fashion designers are sure that given the comfort and aesthetics of moccasins, they will be in trend for another 50-70 years. Most likely, in the future, more inexpensive and practical material will be used, perhaps the design will also change, but what will definitely remain unchanged is their amazing comfort!
Good afternoon, if you have come to this page, then you need to know all the names of modern shoes ... so that you no longer get confused in its types and have no doubts about the name of what you are wearing at the moment. Apparently one of these days someone called your moccasins an incomprehensible word LOAFERS, and sports slippers that have been serving you faithfully for the second season, unexpectedly turned out to be SLIPONS. And you firmly decided to clarify the situation about the name of all this MODERN SHOES ... In this article I have collected in pictures all the names and all types of shoes - now you can confidently distinguish OXFORD DERBY boots and never confuse LOAFERS with SLIPPERS.
So, welcome to the world of modern types of shoes and their English names, which have become part of the fashionable vocabulary of the Russian people.
Let's start with the types of shoes on a flat sole... smoothly move on to boots and all their kinds... and finish women's shoes(yes, there will be Louboutins too).
The names that we will analyze are equally present both in the types of women's shoes and in men's models. That is, for each variety from the list there are female and male styles. Therefore, today you will learn not only to understand women's shoes, but also in the men's store you will be able to show off your erudition.
Let's start our list of shoes. All names will be with pictures and explanations of what is the characteristic difference between this species and all others.
The first name is beautiful with the taste of aircraft - ESPADRILLES (just like a flying squadron). Let's take a closer look at this type of shoe.
Espadrilles are a type of shoes that are distinguished by a woven sole and a natural (usually textile) upper material.
Where did it come from - initially the Spaniards came up with these shoes. They wove the soles out of ropegrass, and the uppers were made out of cheap jute material. Such shoes, due to their naturalness, were pleasant for the feet in hot stuffy weather. Very quickly, not only poor Spaniards, but all glamorous Europe began to wear these shoes.
The next name of shoes is SLIPONY They also gave me soft and comfortable textile slippers. But they are very different from espadrilles, just look at their appearance and find the differences.
Slipons- these are shoes with a soft sports sole made textile. A characteristic feature of slip-ons is a slightly protruding tongue and an elastic band next to the tongue. This type of shoe is worn with a sporty look, with jeans of all styles from skinny to boyfriend. Slip-ons of delicate colors also look appropriate with daytime summer dresses. The picture below shows that this type of footwear is often sewn not only from breathable textiles, but also from leatherette leather with various fashionable textures (like a snake or a crocodile).
Very often, slip-ons are given the name of another type of shoe SLIPER (they are really similar). Let's see what is the difference between slippers and slip-ons.
Slippers - similar to slipons only the shape of the tongue- but differ from them in the first place by the absence of an elastic band, and a solid sole (see the picture below). As well as the material from which they are made (sleepers are often made from smooth non-textile materials). Sole this type of footwear is the same as flat pumps. spout shape slightly pointed, with a graceful roundness. And in the place where the slipons have an elastic band sewn into the slippers, it’s just empty cut.
Now let's get acquainted with such a shoe name as LOAFERS . A beautiful elegant model of women's shoes and a stylish style of men's shoes for tight trousers.
Loafers are easy to distinguish from moccasins and sleepers - all loafers have jumper on the toe(just over the tongue) Loafers are often decorated with tassels or small metal buckles on the jumper tab.
Loafers - originate in Norway of the last century (they were worn as indoor shoes and had a soft sole. The Gucci fashion house brought a new loafer sound - they gave the loafers a solid sole and a gold jumper on the toe. Loafers were popular from the first users - John F. Kennedy, Grace Kelly , Michael Jackson - how can a mere mortal resist and not buy himself a similar type of shoes (at least get close to the great ones).
The name MOCKASINS is familiar to us since childhood, and here we consider them only to identify their differences from loafers and topsiders. Now we will compare this type of shoe with its cut brothers.
Moccasin- moccasins are the name of the shoes that the Indians gave us. Moccasins have U-shaped stitched spout with a convex relief seam. This is a real moccasin cut. Although sometimes a jumper (a strip of leather) is sewn over the tongue of a moccasin, and then the moccasins already acquire the sign of loafers ... and the controversial question arises of loafers on our feet or moccasins. This is such fun))) - you can argue and even fight.
The next name for shoes that are close in cut to moccasins is TOP SIDERS. - most often these are men's shoes, although they are also found on women (but rarely).
Dockside- topsiders in their cut resemble moccasins. A distinctive feature of this type of footwear lies in its sailor flair - a decorative lace runs along the upper edge of the boot. They differ in a cord threaded along the top of the shoe, which serves as a decor (like a lace in the collar of an English sailor).
It's funny that their names in English (docksiders) and in Russian (topsiders) are different. In Russia, they are called topsiders by the name of the Sperry Top-Sider company, which invented them in 1935. This type of shoe was specifically for sailing yachts - the ribbed sole allows you to not slip on a smooth deck, and the beige or white color of the sole (as opposed to black) does not leave marks on the expensive deck flooring.
The next type of shoes MONKI more common in men's collections, although women's options similar in design also come across on fashionable bows. Let's look at this variety of modern shoes.
Monkey- the type of footwear that distinguishes the presence of a strap with a buckle- sometimes one, more often two at once. The height of the monks is not higher than the ankle (this is how they differ from such types of shoes as COSSACKS)
The name of this type of footwear comes from the Anglian word MONK "monk". It was the monks who, back in the 11th century, came up with the idea of wearing such simple boots with a clasp in the form of a wide strap and buckle. They were very convenient to take off and put on without getting tangled in the laces swollen with dirt. The poor monks made such boots not from their skin, but from coarse textiles. And in the modern world, this shoe design is sewn from expensive, high-quality, smooth, shiny leather.
But the type of shoes that everyone knows - and everyone calls them OXFORD - once they fell in love with Oxford youth and with their light hand, that is, their feet, they became popular and spread to the whole honest world.
Oxfords differ from all other similar types of boots in that LACE BOARDS are sewn with their lower edges into the cape boot. That is, in fact, the lacing of this type of footwear performs a decorative function, it does not really expand the toe when unlacing. By the way, the correct lacing on Oxford shoes is considered to be the one where the lines of the laces run in neat parallel stripes (and not as in the picture above). The photos below show us that in the modern world, the design of Oxford shoes can be the most imaginative and even freaky.
And here are the Derby boots - a type of shoe that is often confused with OXFORD. But they have one very obvious difference.
Derby boots sidewalls are sewn over the main part of the boot. And therefore, when the laces are untied, these sidewalls can bend freely (spank like ears). And if you remember, in Oxfords, opposite the sidewall of the lacing part, they are tightly sewn into the toe of the boot and cannot be folded back and even move apart with difficulty. They are less official, than oxfords, and therefore they can be worn not only with trousers, but also with jeans and corduroy trousers, chinos, etc.
You probably noticed that many of the shoes presented have perforation in the form of holes to ventilate the feet in hot weather. For such a holey type of shoe, a special name was invented - these boots are called BROGs.
Where did Brogie boots come from?- It is believed that this type of shoe has Scottish roots. It was there that the Scots grazed their cattle in tall and wet grasses, suffering from wet boots. Before the boots had dried out during the night, it was again necessary to drive the cattle out to pasture and put on nasty damp shoes. That's why the idea arose to make holes in the boots for their quick airing and drying.
Brogues are a type of footwear ideal for trousers made of cotton or linen fabric, for chinos, for corduroy pants and elastic sports pants. As you can see in the picture below, brogue boots can have both oxford and derby designs.
The next type of shoe on our list is DESERT. They got their name from the word desert. It was these boots that the British military wore in Egypt. The hot sand did not make the heels hot thanks to the thick sole, and the soft leather allowed the feet to feel comfortable and comfortable. When the war ended, the remnants of the uniform were sold freely and fell in love with the entire civilian population of England.
A distinctive feature of DESERT are their thick sole and soft, more often suede leather and a very small number of holes for lacing. Women's versions of these boots are often put on a heel and make a more sophisticated toe.
And in their cut, they are very similar to the next type of CHUKKA shoes . In fact, deserts are one of the varieties of Chukka boots. Let's look at this type of boots, very beautiful and concise in their meager ascetic lacing and the simplicity of a laconic smooth cut.
Chukka (or chakka) boots differ from deserts more free cut range- it is allowed from higher sides ... and more holes for lacing are already allowed - not two, but three. And the material for this type of footwear no longer has to be suede - even smooth patent leather is welcome.
Now the turn has come to high boots and the first in this list of styles are smooth and minimalistic in its design CHELSEA BOOTS. They are often found in both men's and women's types of shoes. I will specifically write an article about what you can wear with such fashionable and insanely comfortable boots for women.
Chelsea boots- Chelsea boots do not have any decorative elements on them - no buckles, no laces. They are laconic in their cut and their beauty lies in their pure radiance and impeccable smoothness. They have a side slit on both sides, into which an elastic band is inserted, for ease of dressing.
Fashion houses often play with this laconic style of women's shoes, giving it different additions in the form of a heel (as in the photo below) or perforation and a cut without elastic.
High boots in military style, which our people still like to call boots or army boots, in the states they call it DR. MARTINS.
Dr. Martens- This type of boots is decorated with high lacing to the very top of the shoe. They have quality soles with deep treads, making them comfortable shoes for muddy off-season and slippery winters.
Designers love to play with heavy combat boots by incorporating Oxford-inspired designs, BROG perforations, or thin wedges (see photo below).
Timberland boots TIMBERLANDS - in translation, it sounds like a forester's boots. They differ from other lace-up boots with a height just above the ankle and a velvety surface of the material from which they are sewn.
The popularity of these boots brought cheerful mustard color- such a color scheme turned out to be crucial for the popularization of this type of footwear. Now this color is considered the classic color of the TIMBERLANDS. A feature of the design of these boots is their ability to fold the fur outward.
Well, the turn has finally come to bitinok with a chocolate name. SNICKERS - got the name from the word "sneak" - the soft, silent sole of this type of shoe allows you to silently sneak up.
Sneakers are similar to sports shoes - because of the flexible rubber sole and the cut, close to sneakers with Velcro or laces. This shoe was originally used on the tennis courts- and now she was raised to a high platform and even to a wedge for lovely ladies who have long dreamed of sneakers with heels.
This is such a journey into the world of names for shoes that we made today. Now you feel like an expert in a variety of different types of shoes ... and are well versed in all types of lace-up boots. Now you can instructively comment on fashion articles on fashion blogs and correct negligent hacks who called derby oxford boots.
I am inviting you in continuation of this article.
After all, we are not finished yet ... we have to figure it out with types of women's shoes, Yes, and the boots did not hurt to build in a strict classification ...
Good luck with your choice of shoes.
Olga Klishevska, specially for the site
