I do solemnly believe that the Native Americans of the 15th century were the forefathers not only of America but for what looks to be the biggest footwear trend across both spring/summer and autumn/winter 2009: the moccasin.
The Native Americans were staunch wearers of this style of footwear, which was durable, sustainable and damn comfortable. It seems that a vast majority of the fashion industry is championing and cashing in on something that was first adorned by the chiefs and the squaws, and later by the beats and the preps.
So, I feel a run down of brands and styles is required to ensure that you don’t put your foot in a proverbial buffalo pat.
- For the chief that likes waxed coats, heavy plaid, selvedge jeans, a wide cuff and something from Japan in their attire, I recommend Red Wing’s hand-sewn Chukka moccasin. It’s lightweight, durable and comfy like a pair of Hush Puppies.
- For the brave that is a global nomadic itinerant who lives half their life on a plane and considers a technical overnight bag their wardrobe, I present Vael Project’s Deckard boot, named after the hero from Blade Runner. This is designed to serve you stylishly in the bar and the creative meeting room.
- For the squaw that likes to keep it real, we revert to Minnetonka. Made in Minnesota by modern day Navahos, this is the closest you will come to walking the plains with Running Bear. Preppy and hippy merged just nicely.
Other brands to consider include Quoddy, Sperry, Oi Polloi, Albam and Visvim.
MR MONAGHAN
Reader Comments
January 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
Native Americans were staunch wearers of Topsiders?
January 14th, 2009
9:28 pm
I really like the ones in the picture but they don’t seem to be any of the ones that are listed. Where did you find them?
January 15th, 2009
7:11 pm
In certain corners of NW England, the mocassin / geography teacher shoe never really went away. I sit writing this in moosehide minnetonkas, a tad perturbed that you have taken this “overground” gentlemen.
January 20th, 2009
11:39 pm
Try aboriginal.
February 8th, 2009
11:48 pm
stupid in england the rain pools in the top because of the stitching
and they look whack