What are Moccasin Shoes and Why You Might Need A Pair

Moccasin shoes are a type of flat footwear that is traditionally made from pure leather. Historically, moccasins were constructed out of a single piece of leather and did not have a sole. But today, both women’s and men’s moccasin shoes do come with comfortable insoles and outsoles so that they can be used in different climates and conditions.

Saint G carries an extensive collection of moccasin shoes for both men and women, each one with its own unique personality and aesthetic. We work with the best artisans and shoemakers in the footwear industry to bring you premium leather shoes that are handcrafted in Milan. So, if you want to learn what to wear with moccasins, check out our expert style guide below.

Features of moccasins

Moccasin shoes are often conflated with loafers and boat shoes and the two names are often used interchangeably, but they are, in fact, quite different. Genuine leather moccasins typically feature a distinct U-shaped stitch seam that is found on the shoe upper, and they are also usually embellished with beading, embroidery, or other aesthetic fabric detailing. They usually have a loose or relaxed fit on the foot, which makes them very comfortable to wear. This also means that moccasins are perfect for both casual wear as well as formal wear or party wear. While these shoes are usually flat, you can also find heeled moccasins in Saint G’s collection for extra variety.

History of moccasins

If you want to know what are moccasins, you also must try to understand where this style of shoe comes from. The word ‘moccasin’ comes from the Native American Algonquian language Powhatan and has since been generalized to mean any kind of Native Indian sewn footwear. Barring the most extreme climates, most Native American tribes wore something resembling moccasins to protect their feet from the elements. They were hand-sewn, usually from a deer-hide, but the signature detail of the moccasin was the gathered toe. The puckered U-shape above the toe was the detail that marked a true moccasin and now features most prominently in modern footwear generically marketed as moccasin shoes.

What to wear with moccasins?

Moccasin shoes can be a very versatile piece in your shoe collection because they can easily fit into a variety of different aesthetics. If you don’t know what to wear with moccasins, then we’re here to help. Check out our top fashion picks to wear with moccasins:

For a professional look

It can be hard to add a touch of colour to an office or a formal look, but Saint G’s multicolour woven leather moccasins fit the bill perfectly. The chain detail and the leather piping on the upper elevate the shoes and give them a professional feel. Make your shoes standout by pairing them with a black pantsuit or switch it up by wearing different prints.

For running errands

Moccasins make for great everyday footwear because they are extremely comfortable to wear while still being functional and chic. Black distressed leather handcrafted shoes from Saint G are a good choice for day-to-day wear because they will easily match any colour or style of clothing from your closet. The gold chain embellishment adds a touch of elegance to the look which will make you look put together at the grocery store.

For brunch

If you are a man looking to upgrade your brunch fashion game, then opt for a pair of Saint G’s premium leather olive moccasin shoes with tassel detailing. Pairing your simpler outfits with standout footwear like these shoes is an easy way to make a statement. The cool-toned olive colour of the shoes will pair perfectly with blue jeans or tan-coloured trousers or chinos. Just make sure you give your moccasins a good clean after each wear.

How to wear moccasins in the summer

Many people struggle to figure out what to wear with moccasins, especially in the summer months. The weather being warmer is no reason to put your moccasins away just yet; you can rock them in the summer as well. The looser fit of the shoe makes it a very comfortable wear on days where your feet might be sweaty. Be it cutoff shorts and a t shirt or a bright and flowy sundress, you can pair moccasins with almost any summer fashion staple. As for styling men’s moccasin shoes for the summer, you can pair them with a pair of chinos and linen shirt for a smart casual look.