This summer is looking to be all about moccasins. I added a pair of LL Bean Signature camp mocs to my line up a last month, but it didn’t stop there. This time I turned to something even more casual.
What could be more casual than a pair of camp mocs you might ask. The answer is, probably nothing. What I meant to say is that I was looking for additional pair of camp mocs that are closer to traditional moccasins than shoes. My requirements were simple. I want a moccasin that is unstructured, flexible, and has a sole that allows for outdoor wear.
After some quick research I got my list of options together. I could purchase from Quoddy, Arrow, Russell, or Minnetonka. The prices ranged from $50-$300. I was leaning closer to the $50 side. The soles also ranged from a boat shoe style to double leather bottoms. I stayed away from boat style soles, because I wan’t looking for another shoe, but at the same time I was concerned that leather soled mocs wouldn’t last long with all of the abuse I was planning on giving them.
In the end I landed on a pair of classic drivers from Minnetonka (see here). This moccasin fit the bill perfectly. First and foremost, it had a great moccasin shape. Exactly what I was imagining. It also had a nub bottom s0le that will allow for me to wear them outdoors. I know that this will shorten their life span drastically, but I went into this purchase knowing that I was looking for a disposable shoe . The $58.95 price tag makes it manageable. If these mocs become the love of my life I may look into a more expensive version in the future. Until then these should do the trick.
I’ve been looking for the same kind of mocs. Did you have to size down like the review on the Minnetonka product page suggested?
Murray – I bought the same size that I wear in Weejuns and Sperry. That worked for me. However, I tried the Moose Drivers as well and they fit at least 1 size smaller than the Classic Driver.
I live in Memphis TN. for about ten years now Colehaan Driving Mocs are the rage for the young guys.
They bounce in price from $120-150. I don’t know if this is just a regional preference for my area. They are too narrow for my feet so I do not own a pair. However, my 14 year old son has managed to make his last this school year with some pretty hard wear.
My son wore through a couple pairs of the Cole Haans while at Ole Miss. Referred to them as “frat cleats”. Although graduated and working he still sports a pair from time to time.
Rancourt has a very nice pair of driver’s that are carried by Harrison Limited in Alabama: http://store.harrisonlimited.com/collections/footwear/products/rancourt-driving-shoe-in-tan
Though I’ve never owned a pair, I like the vibe of them, particularly the way P. Johnson Tailors (Australia) and Sid Mashburn style them. Your pair seems like a nice entry point that I may consider as well.
What are the shoes in the top photograph?
Robert – Both shoes featured in the post are Minnetonka Classic Drivers.