The Long History Of The American Moccasin

Who Is Wearing Minnetonka Moccasins These Days? Everyone!

Moccasin History
Native Americans wore moccasins long before Columbus discovered the land. It's fair to say that moccasins are truly America's first footwear. Complete casual, they define a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. Since their inception in 1946, Minnetonka Moccasin has shaped the moccasin's place in history.

Following World War II, Americans took to the highways to discover its natural beauty. Visiting resorts and souvenir shops, they brought Minnetonka moccasins home to the new American suburbs. they soon became casual classics.

Today, Minnetonka is a mainstay of American style. Minnetonka moccasins, fringe, sandals, shearling, boots, slippers, hats and accessories can be seen everywhere...from the streets of New York to the mountains of Colorado. From the Opry in Nashville to the Santa Monica pier and from London to Tokyo. No matter the footprint, all are made with genuine "moccasin soul".

It's a simple idea... Classic design that never grows old combined with a natural, free-spirited heritage. Minnetonka Moccasin continues to define casual and comfortable American style.

What Makes Hand Made Minnetonka Moccasins So Comfortable
Conventional shoes have the sides glued or sewn to the sole. In genuine moccasins like Minnetonka moccasins and boots, the sides and sole are one piece of leather sewn to the upper part of the moccasin or boot. What this allows is the whole shoe to flex and shape itself to your foot. It is because of this way that genuine moccasins are made that make them so comfortable and breathable. All of our moccasins are made with top quality leathers, moose hides and deerskins. All of them are finished and sewn by hand. For those lucky people who try Minnetonka Moccasins, it becomes much like a love affair and there is a real passion about them because they are simply so comfortable and look so good.

Why Do Native Americans And Others Wear Soft Sole Bottom Moccasins ? Indian Moccasins traditionally have soft sole bottoms. Many wonder about that so here is your answer. First of all, they feel great and it's almost like walking barefoot! Secondly, Native Americans wear soft soles because they are so in touch with mother earth and wish to not damage anything on it. Therefore, soft sole moccasins are much easier on plant life than hard soles. Our Taos style moccasins towards the bottom of this page (the ones that have white bottoms) are sort of hard when you get them but they soften up and mold to your feet as you wear them. I know that you will agree with us that once you wear a pair of authentic handmade moccasins made in the USA, you will not want to ever wear anything else (other than maybe cowboy boots) and will tend to fall in love with them. While there are many people who prefer traditional moccasins with soft sole bottoms for the same reason many Native Americans want them, crepe soles and sports soles have become more common since we now have to walk on gravel, cement walk ways and harder floors. Even most Native Americans now prefer moccasins with some sort of sole on the bottom because of this. However, there are still those who still want soft sole moccasins which can be worn outdoors.

Sandals With A Very Special Indian Look!
While great focus is placed on Moccasins when it comes to Native American footwear, it's also important to point out that the original Americans also wore sandals. When it comes to footgear, you will find our handmade Desert Sandals And our Buffalo Sandal unlike any other sandal on earth. While we started this description by calling moccasins America's first footwear, if you want to include sandals in the overall description of footwear, really these sandals were the first. These handmade Desert Sandals date back to the beginning of mankind and there is a reason the strapping system has not changed much through the decades. The Buffalo Sandal was developed in India and quickly spread throughout the ancient world. Check them out, you'll love our sandals too! Our Handed Beaded Flip-Flops have that Indian Soul right in them and the new line of Minnetonka Sandals have complete Indian Moccasin soul built right into them.

Super Popular Minnetonka Sandles With That Special Indian Look! New 2010
Sandles In Stock Now! Click Here To Review This Extensive Collection You Will Love!

Types Of Moccasins
Types Of Moccasins Like almost all footwear that has developed over the centuries, there are many different types of moccasins. During the time that Native Americans were the main occupants of the United States, each tribe developed it's own style of moccasins and this varied widely. You can click here to view a map of various Native American tribes and then click on each red dot to see a photograph and description of early Native American Moccasins. Since almost the beginning of time, Native Americans decorated and embellished their moccasins with various beads, braiding and fringe. It is often stated that members of various Indian Tribes could be identified by the type and style of moccasin they wore. Some Tribes, like the Blackfoot; are even named after the primary style of moccasins they wore. Today, there are more types of moccasins than ever before. Here is a short review of them.

Types Of Moccasin Soles

There are several different types of moccasin soles. We have mentioned that there is a demand for soft sole moccasins. Both Minnetonka and many Native Americans make them. Although white people tend to consider soft sole moccasins slippers for only wearing around the house and not outside, many soft sole moccasins are designed with double and thicker lining on the bottom which is then treated in a way so they can be used outside. Minnetonka has developed what they call a crepe sole which is a thin layer of cushiony black that will hold up very well. The Minnetonka sporty rubber sole has traction pads and holds up very well. There is what has come to be called the Taos sole which is a Native American made moccasins that has a hard white cowhide bottom. These moccasins are worn by almost all of the New Mexico pueblo indian tribes. They hold up very well and soften as you wear them and form to your foot. There is also what is called the Driving Moccasin sole which is rubber tabs attached to the bottom of the moccasin. These hold up very well and is actually a cross between a soft sole moc and a hard sole moc.

Handmade Navajo And Taos Authentic Moccasins With White Bottoms!

New For 2010! Handmade Navajo And Taos Authentic Moccasins

About Taos, Navajo, Pueblo Moccasins!
Click Here For A Breakout Menu Of SpecialHandmade White Bottomed Navajo/Pueblo/Taos Moccasins!

New Five Layer Fringe Boot Minnetonka Indian Moccasin With Side Zippers

Various Hides And Skins Used To Make Moccasins

Moccasins have been made of various hides and skins almost since the beginning of time and many of them are still made the same way they were thousands of years ago. Cowhide is a popular skin. Deerskin, when treated correctly can make a much softer leather as can Moosehide. Buffalo Hide makes a very good hide for moccasins because it is very tuff. Cowhide and suede are the most popular and likely the cheapest type of hides to use. Deerskin and Moose hide would be a step up from that. Various processes that softens the Deerskin hide to make it like butter can become quite expensive. As you might suspect, Buffalo is likely the most expensive. At one time, before white man; Buffalo was a the most common form of hide used to make moccasins. It must be said that the American Buffalo was, at one time; the mainstay of Native American life. At one time in America there where tens of thousands of them running in the wild in large herds. It's been estimated that at one time in America there were about 50 million buffalo rooming the American Plains. Native Americans hunted them for food and every piece of the Buffalo was used for something. The meat was their main food source. The hides were used for clothing and shelter. The buffalo horn and bones were used in ceremonies and religious practices. Because of a bad immigration policy which let the white man come into their land, the American Buffalo was slandered into extinction by the white man mainly out of greed and to make Native Americans starve and force them onto reservations. By the 1870's, with the encouragement of the US Government, huge buffalo herds were being slaughtered by the thousands just for the sport of it. It wasn't uncommon for travelers in the West to come upon vast buffalo herds consisting of herds of dead buffalo shot by white man simply rotting away in the hot sun. White man almost slaughtered them into obliviation. Fortunately today, many Native American tribes are raising and herding buffalo again.

Sharp Looking Knee-Hi Fringe Boots That Become Part Of You!
Also Pictured (From Left To Right)
Beaded Fringed Lamb Leather Or Suede Western Shirt/ Jacket
Hand Beaded Indian War Shirt Reproduction Number Six
Handmade Cherokee Warrior Shirt

Special Process Deer Skin Fringe Boot Moccasins
Deer Skin Special Process As Soft As Butter Fringe Knee Hi Indian Moccasins! These Moccasins are like glove leather and feel
like butter on your legs and feet. The soft sole bottoms are double lined with a thicker hide and treated for wear. This Fringe Boot
Moccasins become part of you when you put them one.
Click Here To Review The Lady's Models. Click Here To Review The Men's Models.

Styles Of Moccasins

There are really thousands of different types of moccasins from the traditional loafer type moccasin to ankle boots, to Knee Hi boots and everything in between when it comes to length. Click here to review Minnetonka Boot Moccasins. There are many different types of Indian beaded moccasins and moccasins with different kinds of fringe. Knee Hi Fringe boot moccasins, especially those made by Minnetonka are highly popular. Minnetonka's beaded Thunderbird loafer type moccasin has been a best seller since the 1970s. Recently, peace signs have come back and there is now a Peace Sign Moccasins that has become very popular. The Minnetonka Ankle Boot and Fringe boot are also a highly popular model. Head beaded Native American made moccasins have been highly collectable for over one hundred years. There is a new fringe boot with wood beads called the Woodstock Moccasin Boot that has become highly popular.

Pow Wow Practice In A Classic Minnetonka Fringed Moccasin Ankle Boots!
Click Here To Review The Classic Minnetonka Fringed Moccasin Ankle Boots!

Handmade High Grade Butter Soft Footskin Brand Moccasins And Boots You Will Love Wearing!
Click Here For The Footskin Brand Selections

Handmade And Hand Beaded Authentic Moccasins! Click Here For Hand Beaded Moccasin Menu

Custom Made Authentic Moccasins You Will Love!

Custom Made Authentic High Grade Native American Style Moccasins!
All Custom Hand Made From Your Foot Tracing! Nothing Will Fit Better, Feel Better Or Look Better!
Click Here For Details And Styles

Cherokee Beaded Eagle Moccasins Leather Hand-Made by artist Judy Shaner ALL SIZES This pair of Cherokee Beaded Moccasins is highly collectible and a true work of art. They were masterfully hand-crafted out of genuine soft moosehide leather that is lifetime commercially tanned. Plus, they have genuine moosehide leather fringe around the rim and for the laces. Each moccasin has been intricately hand-stitched and features an incredible display of seed bead work with overlay stitch, which is exacting and difficult.

Indian Moccasin Map!
Click Here To View A Map Of Various Indian Moccasins From Various Tribes And Then Click On Red dots for Photos.

Been here before... be here again

We are told again and again that the world is fast-paced, ever-changing and that busy lives drive people apart. Minnetonka does not believe that is true.

It’s not the way human beings are programmed. We create memories and store them within us. Whether it's a sight, a touch, a melody or a place once visited, we find comfort and refuge in memories. No matter how busy, or how distracted, we will always be drawn back to those experiences that frame us.

I've been here before...

I remember. I relive. It could be a personal experience or a shared experience. It could be something I aspire toward. But, to me, it is real. It can give me a moment of pleasure in a time of stress or motivate me to work harder. It can center me when the world seems disoriented.

I will be here again...

We seek moments in our lives where we feel relaxed. At peace. We strive to find balance. Because special memories don't live in the past. They are woven within the fabric of who we are. For over 60 years, Minnetonka Moccasin has created products that create those special memories and has become a placeholder for things natural, casual, comfortable and real. And we are honored that you have chosen to share a part of your life with us.

Featured And New Minnetonka Moccasins You Will Fall In Love With!

The Famous Minnetonka Knee-Hi Fringe Indian Boot! Many Styles, Colors And Soles!

The Famous Minnetonka Thunderbird Moccasin- Huge Selections And Colors!

Hi Top Back Zipper Boot Four Colors To Pick From!

Classic Fringed Boot Three Colors To Pick From-Men's And Woman's Sizes

New Woodstock Fringe Minnetonka Boot! Two Colors To Pick From!

Tramper Ankle Hi Boot Men's And Woman's Sizes. Four Colors To Pick From

Double Bottom Fleece Lined Slipper/ Moccasin

Driving Moccasins

Two Button Boot Minnetonka Moccasin Classic In Two Colors And Two Bottoms

Menu Categories Best Sellers For Fall/Winter • Womans Knee Hi Boots • The Woodstock Boot • Womans Boot Moccasins • Hi Top Back Zip Boot • Mens Boot Moccasins • Tramper Ankle Hi Boot • Womans Sheepskin Boots • Mens Sheepskin Boots Womens Moccasins • Beaded Thunderbird Moccasins • New! Womans Peace Moccasins • Womans Fringed Kilty Moccasins • Amanda Fringed Moccasins • New! Woodstock Boot! • Womans Suede Moccasins • Womans Moosehide Moccasins • Womans Deerskin Moccasins • Womans Sheepskin Slippers • Womans Classic Moc • Womans Driving Moccasin ••El Pasco Moccasin • Womans Weekend Moc • Womans Knee Hi Boots • Womans Boot Moccasins • Womans Sheepskin Boots • Woman's Sandals • The Bearfoot Sandal! Mens Moccasins • Mens Moosehide Moccasins • Mens Traditional Style Moccasins • Mens Deerskin Moccasins • Mens Sheepskin Slippers • Moosehide Classic Moc • Moosehide Softsole Moc • Moosehide Weekend Moc • Mens Driving Moccasin • Mens Gore Slip-on Moccasin • Mens Boot Moccasins • Mens Sheepskin Boots Childrens Moccasins • Childrens Moccasins Minnetonka Hats • Minnetonka Leather Hats

New Minnetonka Sandals for 2010 With That Special Indian Look!
Click Here For More Information And New Styles

Handmade Ancient Buffalo Toe Loop Sandal- Click Here For More Information

AMERICAN INDIAN LEATHER COMPANY
A DIVISION OF THOMAS INVESTIGATIVE PUBLICATIONS, SPYTEK WHOLESALE IMPORTS,
THOMAS TURQUOISE TRADING COMPANY, UTRACK AND NAIS

TRIBAL IMPRESSIONS
THOMAS TURQUOISE TRADING COMPANY
AMERICAN INDIAN LEATHER COMPANY
108 W 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626 , Phone: 512-864-2081
Email: RThomas007@mac.com

Copyright, 2010, Ralph D. Thomas
All rights reserved.