This shoe, worn by the children of good families on the Upper East Side in New York, like Chuck Bass in
Gossip Girl
, was not always part of the nice neighborhoods.
It originates from the Native American people of the Algonquins, whose first models resemble slippers made of tanned skin, decorated with fringes and beads, before Norwegian fishermen took possession of them at the beginning of the 20th century.
“
At JM Weston, its official birth dates from 1946. Until then, men wore derbies and brogues, before moccasins replaced them for their particularly resistant sole.
We also called it the 'slipper shoe' ,
”
explains Marc Durie, president of JM Weston, a pioneering brand in the manufacturing of moccasins, founded in 1891 in Limoges.
Feminine or masculine?
Today, moccasins are worn by both men and women, whether with a skirt or jeans, like the famous Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid.
However, you have to be patient to be able to enjoy the comfort of this shoe.
“
At first, its
rigidity can hurt your feet, but it softens over time,”
continues Marc Durie.
The solution found at Weston is to have 5 possible foot widths per half size to best adapt to our customers' feet.
»
Also read: Moccasins with or without socks
You still need to find the right model for an androgynous or more feminine look, and the right quality that will stand the test of time.
These 10 models will suit all budgets and all tastes (if you like moccasins).
1.The classics: JM Weston & Sœur at 795 euros
180 JM Weston & Sœur moccasins in box calfskin, on sister.fr, 795 euros.
JM Weston & Sister
JM Weston has joined forces with the French label founded by sisters Angélique and Domitille Brion to reinterpret the emblematic 180. An admittedly classic model, which required "
180 workshops
" in Limoges, here, revitalized by its larch color and black and its waxed thread points.
“
These moccasins can be resoled up to 5
times
!
», specifies Marc Durie.
2. The sophisticated:
Hereu at 480 euros
Sineu heeled calfskin moccasins, on hereustudio.com, 480 euros.
Hereu
There are several reasons to appreciate Hereu (“heir” in Catalan).
This artisanal and Spanish brand, which we see everywhere on social networks, manufactures its shoes and leather goods according to the rules of the art in Spain (whose tannery is based in Padrón, in Coruña).
José Bartolomé and Albert Escribano are the founders (2014), whose ambition was to launch a handmade and local brand, with very contemporary pieces, like this model with 5 centimeter heels.
3. The discreet ones: The Row at 1230 euros
Sophie suede moccasins, on therow.com, 1230 euros.
The Row
The Olsen sisters' brand, which excels in discreet luxury, offers these fine suede moccasins with tone-on-tone piping, the details of which are hand-sewn in Italy.
Sober and chic.
4. Bon chic bon genre: GH Bass at 210 euros
Weejuns Venetian leather moccasins, GH Bass on ghbass-eu.com, 200 euros.
gh bass
Legendary in the history of the moccasin, the American shoemaker GH Bass popularized this style of shoe in the 1930s, before everyone in Hollywood wore them.
This unlined model for added comfort is handmade in El Salvador, Central America.
5. The
classy
: Toteme at 530 euros
The Block-Heel Pump in calfskin, on int.toteme-studio.com, at 530 euros.
Totem
The moccasins sit on a pretty heel at Toteme.
The Swedish label, launched by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in 2014, is known for its impeccable and timeless cuts.
An embossed leather model to slip under flared pants.
6. The all-purpose: Polo Ralph Lauren at 499 euros
Suede pony penny loafer moccasins, on raphlauren.fr, 499 euros.
Polo Ralph Lauren
These Penny Loafers that Maine sailors wore in the northern United States at the beginning of the 20th century are also in suede at Polo Raph Lauren (at a slightly more attractive price than The Row!).
7. The most couture: Dior at 1050 euros
Dior boy moccasins in calfskin, on dior.com, 1050 euros.
Dior
The house's flagship spring 2024 model, the Dior Boy can even be worn as a mule (by folding the counter).
Most ?
Perforated details and the golden Christian Dior signature on the top of the shoe.
8. The revisited: Maison Margiela at 750 euros
Leather moccasins, Maison Margiela on mytheresa.com, at 750 euros.
ACC_04 / ACC_04
At Maison Margiela, the counter imitates cork, placed on a square heel.
A more unusual choice for those for whom the moccasin remains an accessory that is far too formal.
9. The essentials: Gucci at 795 euros
Jordaan leather moccasins, on gucci.com, at 795 euros.
Gucci
The success of the Gucci moccasin comes from the golden horse bit, emblematic of the house which has always had a passion for the equestrian world.
Here, the Jordaan model makes it more flexible and refined.
10. The Americans: Sebago at 229 euros
Classic Joe Brown Burgundy in leather, Sebago on sebago.fr, 229 euros.
Sebago
Sewn by hand, Sebago shoes originate from the state of Maine, in the United States, where the moccasin experienced a meteoric rise.
In 1954, the brand sold a million models, the quality of which is still there 70 years later.
The Classic Joe also features the horse bit.