When shopping for men’s moccasins, it is important to consider the style of the shoe as well as the materials from which it is made. Moccasins can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, suede, and fabric. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.
Since the wide range of options online can be daunting, we’ve put together the following list of some of the best pairs you should consider. We’ve specifically selected from Zappos as they not only have a seemingly endless inventory of shoes on their site, but they also back up every purchase with free shipping, free returns, and a 365-day return period.
Before getting to our top picks, we’ve also provided some background on this unique type of shoes as well as what you should consider if shopping on your own.
What Are Moccasins?
Moccasins are a type of shoe that has been worn by Native Americans for centuries. They are typically made from soft, supple leather and are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear.
While the traditional “camp mock” is what one first thinks of when considering a pair of moccasins, the truth is that the moccasins category is very expansive. Indeed, even loafers and driving shoes can be considered moccasins! They can also be can be slip-on or lace-up, as well as employ a number of different outsole styles.
Are Moccasins Essential To Your Wardrobe?
It’s difficult to argue that mocs are a vital part of any man’s closet. However, those who live in warmer climates or regions where there is a lengthy summer will undoubtedly benefit from having a pair at their disposal.
This is because moccasins are generally very comfortable and can be worn for a variety of activities, from casual walks to nights out on the town, as well as be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
The Most Popular Types Of Mocs
As briefly mentioned above, the camp moccasin is the most popular style of moc; this is the traditional boat shoe style attributed to preppy outfits but which can genuinely be paired with many other looks.
Driving mocs, or driving shoes, are another very popular type of moccasin. These shoes usually don’t possess laces and have a “nubbed” sole that uniquely separates them from other types of shoes.
Lastly, consider that most penny loafers are also moccasins. They boast very similar construction, are also slip-on shoes, and have a “beefroll” on top of the toe box.
- Color: Black, Tan
- Material: Leather
- Pricing: $72.95 [Buy Now From Zappos]
The Minnetonka Camp Mocc is probably the shoe style you think of when you hear the word “moccasins.” However, not all moccasins are made equal, even if they look similar. This is why Minnetonka separates its shoes from the rest with premium materials and construction.
Made from smooth leather in black or tan, the Camp Moccs also features a rawhide lace, 360-degree lacing, padded insole for comfort, and rubber sole.
We prefer the tan option as they’d be easiest to match with a pair of shorts, trousers, or light linen pants, though the black tone may be just as versatile.
- Colors: Black, Cordovan (Dark Burgundy), Rust (Brown)
- Material: Leather (Varied)
- Pricing: $374.90 [Buy On Zappos]
Taking advantage of the fact that some loafers are technically also moccasins, we couldn’t pass up the chance to highlight this phenomenal pair of penny loafers from Mephisto, the Cap Vert.
Crafted with a svelte brown leather upper, the Cap Verts also boasts leather linings and cushioned insole for ultimate comfort. The padded tongue will also help in the comfort department, as penny loafers tend to place extra pressure on top of the foot due to the extra layer of leather on the vamp. The Caoutchouc outsole also helps cushion your feet while preventing slips or falls caused by slick surfaces.
We’ve highlighted the rust brown leather version, though the black and cordovan options could also pass off as casual dress shoes, even more so if you give them a fair shine.
- Color: Chocolate
- Material: Moosehide
- Pricing: $99 [Buy Now On Zappos]
If the previous pair of mocs were on the more formal side of the spectrum, these Moosehide Slippers from LL Bean are definitely at the other extreme. That’s because they’re basically house slippers, extremely comfortable house slippers.
Constructed with a premium moosehide upper in the traditional camp moc style, they also boast an Australian sheep shearling lining that will keep your feet cozy and warm. The synthetic rubber sole ensures you have traction throughout the house as well as outside of it, for those early days when you have to leave the house and don’t want to deal with the hassle of putting on a more formal pair of shoes.
- Colors: Light Brown
- Material: Calfskin Leather
- Pricing: $150 [Buy On Zappos]
Another interesting moccasin hybrid, the Gunnison Drivers by Cole Haan combine the look of an authentic moccasin with elements of a driving shoe. Designed with wrap-around laces, these shoes are perfect for easy outdoor wear and, most importantly, for traction and comfort behind the wheel!
When pairing these less-than-traditional moccasins, stick to shorts, light colors, and warmer weather.
- Colors: Brown, Navy
- Material: American Full Gran
- Pricing: $195 [Buy On Zappos]
J&M’s execution of a hybrid between a bit loafer and moccasin results in these Baldwin Loafers.
Crafted either in pebbled or smooth full-grain leather from the renowned Horween leather company in Chicago, they do an exceedingly fine job of being casual and refined at the same time. The usual stitching details on top of the toe box are there; however, the vamp is further enhanced by a rawhide leather bit, an element more often encountered in metal.
As you can see from the picture, the product is outstanding, and while it leans towards the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality of materials as well as the construction ensure these will last for many years. Available in the brown full-grain or a pebbled navy iteration, it’s difficult to go wrong with either option.
Should You Add A Pair Of Moccasins To Your Wardrobe?
As you can see from the shoes highlighted above, the moccasin style is much more versatile and broad than most men believe. For this reason, and particularly if you live an area where there are plenty of warm days, we highly recommend getting one or even two pairs of mocs. An inherently comfortable type of shoe, the moccasin is a staple of a diverse shoe locker.
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