Moccasins for the trail?

i havent yet, but i have been thinking about it. the only thing keeping me away is the lack of arch support, and i have rather pronounced arches, so the lack of support might be a problem for me. But, they are pretty inexpensive so i may try a pair anyway.
 
What should you look for in a moccasin?

Most I've seen are made of suede, and lined with fleece, are these suitable for hiking in? Do they make them with heavier leather and perhaps wool linings?
 
Tandy Leather makes a kit. Pretty heavy leather and no lining. Those are the ones I've always used. They've always held up pretty well for me.
 
I have a pair of Apache's from Steger that I wear. The soles are flexible throughout and have no heel so you can really feel the ground as you walk. From my experience you will see a lot more animals when wearing these mocassins vs.hiking shoes. I think it has to do with the slower pace at which you move and how quiet they are. Also, feeling the ground can really heighten your awareness.

Not sure they'd be great for rigorous hiking, just given the lack of ankle support though.
 
I like the idea of them. It'd have to have a pretty tough sole for me given that most places that I hike are littered with broken glass, rusty fishhooks etc. I had a pair of slipper type mocs for a while and they were great for around the house and such but after they wore out I went back to rubber flip flops. I imagine that if I had more chances to wear them, I would go with some of the higher legged versions of mocs. That way you almost get the effect of snake boots without the weight. Carolina River Rat, I give you credit for going bare foot man....hard core!
 
I have a pair of thick Carl Dyers, which I almost never wear anymore. I tend to wander in Teva Proton water shoes.
 
Moccassins and kamiks are great, but be warned - not waterproof!
Can make your feet miserable depending on your environment.

If you can find a pair made from seal skin, it will be waterproof, but I don't know anyone who makes them commercially.
 
Chunk said:
Moccassins and kamiks are great, but be warned - not waterproof!
Can make your feet miserable depending on your environment.

If you can find a pair made from seal skin, it will be waterproof, but I don't know anyone who makes them commercially.
Click to expand...

If you use lard or fat you can make a decent water resistant moccassin. It's more for like early morning dew than for walking through water though. That's the way the old timers used to do it.
Later,
Iz
 
Ankar,
Have you considered making your own? It's really pretty easy. You can also make some really warm mocs by making what's called a shoe pack. Basically a shoe pack is a moccasin made out of wool that you wear under your over sized mocs for winter walking. That and the aforementioned lard make for a warm and water resistant moccasin. Be careful though, they can be a little slick.
Later,
Iz
P.s. Check out Mark Baker's website for more info. Also, you can find moc patterns on line.
 
hadn't really considered making my own, but thats an idea. There is a Tandy's in town... What do you suppose I'd need in terms of tools? Besides scissors, sewing needle and a fabric pencil?
 
I can't think of a much poorer choice for hiking than moccasins. They offer almost no protection or support for the foot. You might as well go bare foot as you hike across those jagged rocks. I tried boat shoes. Feel the same way about them.
 
Ankar Sheng said:
hadn't really considered making my own, but thats an idea. There is a Tandy's in town... What do you suppose I'd need in terms of tools? Besides scissors, sewing needle and a fabric pencil?
Click to expand...

An awl (if you can't find one you can use an old ice pick) and some thread. Oh and a razor knife or utility knife for cutting your leather. That's about it. Tandy should have everything you need.
Later,
Iz
 
I don't use mocs, but I often either go barefoot or wear sandals on the trail. I reserve closed toe shoes for some running and when it's too cold to sensibly go open toed.

I've considered mocs, but I haven't found what I'm looking for in a prefab shoe, and I don't really feel like making my own...but I've been happy with sandals for when I need some separation from the ground for whatever reason. They are also nice for wading across muddy areas, small streams, or for hiking up the middle of a stream.
 
I haven't worn moccasins. However, I do most of my hiking barefoot. On rare occasions, I wear sandals.

I don't use boots or shoes.
 
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