Moccasin Boots

The Moccasins pictured are a representation of the custom tailored footwear that we can create for you. THIS ITEM IS CUSTOM ORDER ONLY. We handcraft each hide order as it is received, so please allow 4 to 6 weeks for completion. Prices begin at $275.00 and range up to $680.00, depending on the hide and decoration options selected.

All custom items are HAND SEWN with artificial sinew out of your choice of elk hide colors. All hide products have natural flaws, scars, and holes that occur during the life of the animal or the tanning process.

The color of hide choices possible are tan, light tan or cream commercial deer hide. Moccasin can be ordered with no beadwork or fully decorated with pigmentation and beadwork. Please not that we only produce designs from the Fur Trade Era. Therefore, we only work with size 8 seed beads and your color choices will be limited to this historical period. The pigment color choice and beadwork pictured on these moccasins are examples only of possible designs. Contact us through Etsy to begin building your custom design.

This tall moccasin boot was traditionally worn by the women of the Southern tribes. To protect their legs from the harsh underbrush, they combined their moccasins and leggings. This style was refined to perfection by the Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho during the mid-1800s.


Construction Details

This tall boot is an adaption of the “two-piece” plains moccasin. It is created by whip stitching a long hide tube at the ankle onto the moccasin. As with all Elk Dreamer moccasins, the boot features an elk inner sole and welted sole seam for comfort and durability. The outer side seam of the upper legging has an opening covered by a side flap. The side flap is often decorated with metal tacks and beadwork. It is held closed by a series of small hide ties. The tall tube extends above the knee, where it is then folded down over a garter tie.

No matter which hide option you choose for your Two Piece Moccasin, we include an Elk hide inner sole. This creates a double layer of hide between your foot and any rough terrain. Also, we reinforce the sole seam on the toe and heel with double stitching. The sole seam stitching is protected even further with the creation of a welted seam. A welted seam is formed by the addition of a strip of hide between the upper and the sole that is trimmed close after the seam is sewn. This additional hide strip will protect the moccasin stitching along the sole from daily wear and sharp objects.

This double sole and soft leather upper make this style of moccasin unbelievably comfortable. The double stitching and welted seam work together to make the moccasin durable. They will only improve over time as the snug upper begins to soften and the thick sole molds to your foot.

Adornment Options

The most common decoration is done with pigmentation, beads and metal tacks. Everyday wear moccasins were left undecorated, while highly decorated moccasins were reserved for special occasions. Fur Trade Era moccasins have beadwork across the instep of the upper and sometimes along the edge of the sole. The side panel was often decorated with metal tacks or “conchas”. As traditional in most Southern garments, the beadwork was usually sparse on the tall boot. The most common beadwork patterns are the Morningstar and Southern style strip across the instep.

We will work with you to build your design within this historical era. Before beginning construction, you will be presented with a full detailed sketch for your approval. All you need worry about is the amount of beadwork decoration that will fit your budget. This allows you the ultimate control in creating your garment, while remaining within your budget.