Moccasin Slippers: How They Are Made, How They Fit, Which Sole

Moccasin slippers are soft leather or suede slippers built like a traditional moccasin, with one piece forming the sole and sides, stitched at the top. They wrap the heel, so they stay on well. A new pair should feel snug, since moccasins stretch with wear. Choose a softsole for indoors and a hardsole for quick trips outside.

How moccasin slippers are made

Moccasin construction is what sets these slippers apart from a clog or a scuff. Wikipedia describes a moccasin as a sole and sides made from one piece of leather, “stitched together at the top.” Some add a vamp, an “additional panel of leather” over the top of the foot. Traditionally they were made “of deerskin or other soft leather.”

The moccasin is the footwear of many Indigenous peoples of North America, and the word “derives from the Powhatan word makasin,” according to Wikipedia. Styles varied by region: Plains peoples wore hard soles, while eastern peoples wore soft soles suited to forest ground.

Modern moccasin slippers keep the wrap-around shape and the soft upper. Many add a lining and a separate sole. Our leather slippers guide compares suede and smooth leather uppers.

Softsole or hardsole moccasin slippers

The sole is the biggest choice after size. Minnetonka, a moccasin maker, sets out the two types plainly.

A softsole feels closest to bare feet and folds with the foot. A hardsole gives a firmer base and keeps the leather off damp ground. On polished floors, check how the sole is described rather than assuming either type will grip.

How moccasin slippers should fit

Moccasin slippers fit differently from most slippers because the leather gives. Minnetonka says “your moccasins should fit snugly without feeling uncomfortable,” and that “over time they will stretch to the contours of your foot and wear pattern.”

That has two practical results:

• A pair that is roomy at first may end up loose. Choose the snug size if you are deciding between two.
• A thick lining fills space. Sheepskin or a deep pile takes up room inside, so a lined moccasin can feel tighter than an unlined one in the same size.

Width is the other half of fit. Minnetonka marks wide with a W and extra wide with EE, and says it offers “different widths in limited styles.” Dearfoams lists moccasins among its wide width styles for women and men. Our wide slippers guide covers how to measure for width.

Moccasin slipper linings and warmth

Moccasin slipper linings range from none to full sheepskin. An unlined suede moccasin is light and cool. A pile or fleece lining adds warmth at a lower weight, and a sheepskin lining is the warmest of the three, in our reading.

The heel wrap helps too. Because a moccasin covers the heel, it tends to stay on better than an open scuff when you cross a room or climb stairs. Our women’s slippers guide and men’s slippers guide compare moccasins with clogs and slipper boots.

How to clean moccasin slippers

Moccasin slippers in suede need gentle cleaning. Minnetonka’s care steps:

1. Loosen dry dirt with a suede brush, emery board or toothbrush.
2. Brush with a suede cleaner or mild baby shampoo on a damp brush, then rinse with clean water.
3. Stuff the toe with tissue and air dry away from direct sunlight, with no hairdryer or radiator.

Minnetonka says not to submerge or machine wash its moccasins. Dearfoams also keeps suede out of the washing machine.

Choosing moccasin slippers

Moccasin slippers suit anyone who wants a slipper that stays on and shapes to the foot. Pick the sole for your floors, size snug, and check for a wide width if you need one. More styles are in our slippers guide.