Information Christian Louboutin Outlet About Moccasin Shoes

From plains and forestland to the runways and high-end catalogs, moccasins have been a popular and functional form of footwear for Christian Louboutin Discount ages. There are many versions of this type of shoe, and many other shoes based on its look or function, proving its versatility, from basic footwear to fashion statement.Other People Are ReadingHow to Build Your Own Moccasin KitTandy Leather Moccasin Lacing InstructionsPrint this article Origin of MoccasinsMoccasins originate from Native American tribespeople, who used them as a basic form of footwear. They were constructed out of various types of animal skins, like deer, elk and rabbits, among others, and their basic function was to protect the person's feet from the weather and objects on the ground that could damage the feet.Different tribes and nations had different words for this kind of footwear, although the design and function were relatively similar. The word "moccasin" is an Algonquin word, from the New England region of the United States, but is now used to denote traditional footwear of Native American tribes.Basic DesignJust like regular shoes today, moccasins were constructed out of a sole--the bottom--and an upper--the top. However, the materials and the hardness or softness of the material--particularly the sole--depended on what kind of terrain the Native American was traveling on. For instance, if the terrain was hard and rocky and full of cacti, like in the Southwest region of the United States, then the sole would be hard, for protection. If the person was traveling over grass and leaves, soft soles helped them stay quiet and feel the ground underfoot while hunting.Ornamentation and Other ElementsOutside of the basic design of the moccasin, there was room for ornamentation and other elements. Beads and fringe were often used to ornament these shoes.The Native Americans of the cooler climates, generally in the Northern United States, also lined their shoes with fur or used sheepskin instead of leather.Moccasins TodayMoccasins continued to be a popular form of shoe throughout the modern centuries. In the 1960s and '70s, for instance, a resurgence in the taste for "back to nature" and "earthy" designs made moccasins a popular fashion statement for hippies and Earth children. These days, the fancier designs, with beadwork and fringe, are collected by Native American art enthusiasts, as they can be quite fancy and intricate. Native Americans celebrating their heritage may have a hand-constructed pair or two to bring out during ceremonies honoring their culture.Moccasins in Mainstream FashionThe moccasin still persists in today's mainstream world, although it has been modernized quite a bit. These days you can get shoes in moccasin design, but with synthetic material, which would be cheaper and more durable. Today's mass-produced shoes also come with arch supports and heels, elements that are not necessarily modern, but did not belong to the original design. They also come in materials that make the shoe more urban, like patent leather. Slip-on loafers or sheepskin slippers are examples of shoes based on moccasin design Christian Louboutin Outlet.