Native American Moccasins

The moccasin in its oldest shape: a soft upper gathered over the toe, a seam running around it, and very little between your foot and the ground. Two fifths of this small rack is suede and a third is synthetic suede, with a few fabric and faux leather pairs.

See also: Suede Loafers, Baby Shoes, Women's Soft Loafers, Brown Loafers, Camel Loafers, Beige Loafers

What sets this shape apart

It is the construction rather than the decoration, and it is the reason the shape has lasted.

1. The gathered toe seam
   The upper wraps the foot and is stitched over the top instead of being pulled onto a stiff frame. That is what makes it fold the way it does.

2. Suede and synthetic suede
   Real suede is softer and holds color more deeply. Synthetic suede looks flatter up close and copes far better with a wet sidewalk. Both are well represented here.
   See also: Suede Loafers

3. Fringe and beading
   The decoration most of these carry. Fringe moves as you walk and it is the first part to show wear, so check that it is stitched rather than glued.

Where they work and where they do not

With almost nothing under the foot, these are at their best indoors, on short walks and on soft ground. On concrete all day you will want a real sole under you.

Keep the suede pairs dry, brush them in one direction when they dry out, and let a damp pair dry in open air rather than near a heater.