What is the Difference Between Loafers and Moccasins

The main difference between loafers and moccasins is that loafers may or may not have a heel while moccasins do not have a heal.

Loafers and moccasins are two types of shoe wear with many similarities. Both have comfortable designs that are easy to get on and get off as they do not have a fastening system. In modern fashion, people tend to use these two types of shoes interchangeably, but they are not the same. There are several subtle differences in their designs.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Loafers 
     – Definition, Designs
2. What are Moccasins
     – Definition, Designs
3. What are the Similarities Between Loafers and Moccasins
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Loafers and Moccasins
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Loafers, Moccasins, Shoes

What are Loafers       

Loafers are flat, leather shoes with no straps or laces. As these shoes don’t have a have lacing or fastening system, they can be simply slipped on the foot. This is why we sometimes call them as slip-ons. They are very easy to get on and get off. Loafers usually have low heels or no heels at all. They are worn by men, women and children, and can be casual or dress shoes.

The history of loafers can be traced back to Scandinavia, where fishermen fastened two pieces of leather together with a strip across the middle to create a shoe that is comfortable and supportive. Today, loafers come in several designs and styles. Some popular loafer styles include:

Penny Loafers – there is a leather strap across the forefoot with a diamond-shaped slot, which is big enough to hold a penny

Gucci Loafers – Gucci brand loafers in black colour with a brass strap, which are suitable for business wear

Tassel Loafers – Loafers with decorative lace and tassels on the top, introduced by Alden Shoe Company

What are Moccasins

Moccasins are a type of leather shoes without a heel. The design of modern moccasins is inspired by moccasin shoes worn by Native Americans. Traditionally, moccasins were made from one single piece of material, and they didn’t have a sole. They formed a wrap-like shape around the foot, coming together with a seam at the top. However, most modern moccasins have a sole, making them more comfortable and practical.

Moccasins typically contain decorations like tassels, beads and embroidery. This is an influence from its Native American History. The key features that help you to identify moccasins from other similar shoe wear are bold seam lines, absence of heels and loose fit.

Similarities Between Loafers and Moccasins

• Loafers and moccasins are slip-on shoes that are very popular.
• They are usually made of leather.
• Both are easy to get on and get off as they do not have a fastening system.

Difference Between Loafers and Moccasins

Definition

Loafers are flat, leather shoes with no straps or laces while moccasins are a type of leather shoes without a heel.

Heel

The main difference between loafers and moccasin is their heels. Loafers have low heels or no heel at all while moccasins do not have a heal.

Lace and Other Decorative Elements

Loafers do not have any types of laces, while moccasins are sometimes decorated with tassels or laces. But these laces are for purely a decorative element rather than tying.

Bold Seam Lines

While moccasins have bold seam lines, loafers may or may not have bold seam lines.

Origin

Moreover, loafers have a Scandinavian origin, while moccasins have a native American origin.

Conclusion

Loafers and moccasins are slip-on shoes that are very popular today. The main difference between loafers and moccasin is their heels. Loafers have low heels or no heel at all while moccasins do not have a heal. Moreover, loafers usually do not have any decorations like lace or tassels while some moccasins have decorative lace, tassels and bold seam lines.

Reference:

1. Stimpert, Desiree. “What Kind of Shoes Are Loafers?” LiveAbout, Available here.
2. “What Are Moccasins? (Plus 3 Ways To Wear Them).” Yogi Footwear, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Presidio Loafer” By Robert Sheie from Minneapolis, USA – Presidio Loafer (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Airwalk Men’s Mason Mocassin Slippers” By Dwight Burdette – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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