BIG Moccasin Review: Part I {And a Giveway!}

{Update:  The giveaway on this post ended on Wednesday 12/11.}

So, I am a HUGE fan of moccasins and absolutely adore them on our little Lemon.  I am not just a fan when it comes to the style, but am also a fan of the fit and how easy they are to get on.  I love how they are soft soled, but most are still sturdy enough for outside wear, and how they can add style to any outfit.  Anyone that knows me also knows that I spend a lot of time on Lemon's fashion (so silly I know) but not a lot of money.  I shop on Instagram (used) and at Goodwill mostly and like to be frugal but fashionable; the same way I feel about my own style.  Being a teacher, married to a teacher, I can't spend a lot on clothes/shoes/accessories but think you can still be fashionable on a budget - for sure.  Anyone that knows me also knows that being married to a Native American allows me to think that I have free range to dress in Native-borrowed fashion, and to dress my super fair, blonde daughter the same way.  Ha.

After my review of Freshly Picked, and after I purchased a second pair in their 25% off sale (and then sold them immediately after receiving them because of buyer's remorse), I knew that there had to be a better, cheaper option out there.  And guess what, there are many.  Who knew that there were all of these talented mamas making moccasins for a living (or in their spare time) and selling them on IG, Store Envy, Big Cartel, Etsy, etc?  And who knew that you didn't have to get just your standard, Freshly Picked style moccasin; you could, instead, get a MoccBoot, a saddle shoe with metallic leather, a lace up style and even a pair with fabric or studs?!  The options are endless and in order to wrap my head around all of the different shops/styles/choices I thought that I needed a place to compile all of my favorites for others to see.  A big moccasin review so that you could see some of what is out there, choose what you like best and get your favorite fit and style for the price.

So, here it is, Part I of my BIG moccasin review!  My goal is not to say that this company/moccasin is better than this one; but to instead to highlight what each of these ladies/companies do differently so that you can find exactly what you want.  However, my job is also as a reviewer so I will, of course, add in how they fit, durability and other thoughts/comments.  My goal is to get you to shop small this holiday season and support these moccasin makers - they all definitely deserve our support!  (Please keep in mind that all of the moccasins listed below are hand made and any "cons" listed are just my opinion of the moccasin, not the maker.  I could never do what these women do and am super jelly of their incredible talents!)

Also, don't miss our GIVEAWAY!  Lauren, from Feather & Filly, is giving away a pair of her NEW MoccBoots (Lemon is modeling a pair, below)!  You have your choice of two colors, if you win, scroll down for details!

Now, on to the moccs!!

Humble Hilo

  

About:
"Humble Hilo not only brings beautiful handmade and unique Guatemalan textiles to you, but we are also creating opportunities and changing lives. By buying our products, you are not only supporting families in need of employment, but a portion of EVERY item you buy will go back to directly benefit those in great need by supporting projects. YOU get to choose to support projects in child nutrition, education and literacy for women, and microfinance loans for women to start their own small business to help break the cycle of poverty and help create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. The effects of what you are helping us do through your support are endless…

We are confident that change is possible, and we hope that through your support and awareness, you can be a part of helping to change the lives of Guatemalan people in great need. We are excited to share this journey that is Humble Hilo, with you. We look forward to your comments, feedback and suggestions and creating a common thread with you. Mil Gracias."  (Read more about Erica and Lauren's company here.)  (Courtesy of humblehilo.com.)

(Picture courtesy of humblehilo.com)

Style:
I received a pair of their Bow Leather Baby Moccasins in Cielo ($35) and also purchased a pair of their Leather and Fabric Baby Moccasins in Violeta ($30) because I HAD to contribute to their cause!

(Picture courtesy of humblehilo.com.)

 (Picture courtesy of humblehilo.com.)

Fit:
I ordered the 12-18 month size which measure 5 inches and they fit true to size.  This is the largest size they have so if your baby wears over a 5 inch moccasin, they will not fit.

The leather moccasins are well made and the color is really cute, kind of a mix between a seafoam green and light blue.  The ankle part of the moccasin is very well made, very sturdy, but is a bit stiff and has tight elastic (not a lot of give), so they were a bit hard to get on Lemon's chubby foot.  The bottom is also leather, matching with the rest of the moccasin, so they do have a slip factor on slick surfaces.  The foot part matches Lemon's chubby foot perfectly, once they are on, and they aren't too roomy or slip off easily; I would say they are of narrow width.  They seem to be comfortable and are really cute.  The bow are not sewn or glued in, so tend to slip out either side if you pull on them, but can easily be slipped back in if they come out.

The fabric moccasins are a bit more roomy and are easier to get on with a little bit more give in the elastic (although I think there could be even more on both pairs).  They are REALLY cute and I'm so happy I ordered a pair.  I like the Guatemalan themed fabric and the spotted leather used for the upper part.  They are also leather on the bottom but it is a very, smooth leather so these are even more slippery than the others.  These fit like a wide width and Lemon's foot seems to have more room in there which I like.  These fabric moccasins were definitely my favorite of the two, and what I believe sets this company apart, aside from their charitable contributions with every purchase - no matter which moccs/sandals/clothes you buy!

Durability:
The leather bow moccasins seem to be made of a good quality leather and appear to be really durable.  The bottom is just one piece of leather but it is thick and durable making it last a long time.  The stitching is also great, very clean and no extra fabric on the inside to make a baby's foot uncomfortable.  Since the part around the ankle is so well made and sturdy, I think it would stretch over time (and make it easier to put them on) but hold up well too.

The fabric moccasins are a little lighter, not stiff, and are well made also.  The bottom is very thin, however, and with the top being fabric I'm not sure if these will last as long as the others.

Overall:
At checkout, you can choose where you want your contribution to go, when you purchase a pair of moccasins:  "Nutrition: Feed a malnourished child 2 meals for 1 week, Microfinance: Provide a portion of a microcredit loan to a woman for the duration of 5 days, and Literacy: Provide literacy classes for a woman for 3.5 weeks."  The fabric moccasins are also handmade and handcrafted in Guatemala.  I think the price reflects the moccasins and what you are contributing to.

I love this company and love what they do.  My experience with these ladies has been great and their customer service was wonderful.  How awesome is it that you can get some cute moccasins, at a great price, AND contribute to a good cause!  Not to mention they have AMAZING handbags, baby dresses, rompers and sandals so I know I will be shopping with them in the future.  Check out their site for more cute items and to make a difference in someone's life!

Social Media:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

The Coral Pear

About:
"I have 3 kids and I was always terrible at putting shoes and socks on them when they were babies.  In fact, I always would get comments from the little old ladies at the store asking, 'Where are his shoes?'  It drove me nuts, but I felt like I couldn't find cute, stylish shoes that would stay on their little feet so my babies just went shoe-less.  I loved the moccasins because they actually stayed on.

My husband is a medical student so, of course, our budget isn't super huge.  When I couldn't afford another pair of moccasins for my youngest I decided to make them myself.  After having any friends want me to make their kids a pair as well, I finally decided to make a small business out of it.  I truly never thought I would even sell 20 pairs.

This small business has become something I love.  Sewing is an outlet for me and something to do while my kids are sleeping.  Making the moccasins got my creative juices flowing and it has been so fun designing new styles as well.  I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me."  - Amanda

Style:
I received a pair of the Platinum Leather Bow Moccs ($50).  She offers shoes for babies from 3.5 inches (0-3 months) up to 2T (6 inches).

(Picture courtesy of etsy.com/shop/thecoralpear.)

Fit:
At first I ordered a size 5.5 inch in these moccasins and then got them and they were too big.  Lemon's foot measures 4.5 inches so I assumed that a 5.5 wouldn't be that big and she could eventually grow into them.  Well, I was wrong and wrote Amanda about returning them for a size 5.  She was really sweet and accommodating (and even offered to take the stitching down a bit to make the 5 even smaller), and a new pair was quickly sent out to me.  The sizing was definitely my mistake and when we got the new pair they fit perfectly.  I would describe these moccasins as medium width, and fit Lemon's chubby foot perfectly.  The width also makes for a snug fit so they take a bit of work to get on her foot but do stay put when they are on.

Durability:
These moccasins are made of oh so soft leather and I love the style.  The bows are big (the biggest I've seen so far), really well made and sewn on well (there is even a tab on the inside so you can see that the bows are attached to the moccasins).  This tab inside, however, lends to the bows moving around while the shoe is on, and sometimes they flip up while wearing.  I love the color and the leather, they are one of my favorite pair of moccasins that Lemon owns.  They seem like they will last a long time and the stitching is sturdy.  The leather is not slick, more soft, so the bottoms are not slippery when worn.

Overall:
I think these moccasins are a bit pricey and could be a bit more affordable.  But, based on the competition (and their crazy prices!) these moccs are well made and will sell at this price.  I already want to buy another pair of these moccasins - the plum ones are calling my name!  Amanda also makes baby boat shoes (so freaking cute!), mary jane style moccs (BabyJanes) and felt moccs.  She is super talented and her shoes are of such good quality - I will definitely be buying more from her in the future!

Social Media:
Instagram

Knotty Tots

(Picture courtesy of etsy.com/shop/Knottytots)

About:
"I am a work at home mom with three rowdy boys and one little princess. Everything in my shop has been inspired by them.  I started Knotty Tots in 2009 after a year of trying to come up with the perfect leg warmers to keep my little princess warm! I had lots of people asking me to make them and that's where Knotty Tots was born! From there I've added hats, flowers, dresses, stuffed animals, barefoot baby sandals and more! I even have things for the fellas!"  (Courtesy of etsy.com/shop/Knottytots)

Style:
I purchased a pair of the Stella Baby Moccs in suede Watermelon ($40).  The color is more pink in person, not as red as I had hoped.  She offers sizes 4 inch (0-3 months) to 6.5-7 inch (2-3T).

(Picture courtesy of etsy.com/shop/Knottytots)

Fit:
Even though I measured Lemon's foot before ordering (back in August), I ordered a pair of the 6-12 month size (4.75 inches) and they were a bit smaller than I thought they'd be.  So, I would say these run a bit small so get a size larger than you think you should.  They can definitely accommodate a wide foot and are easy to get on and off.

Durability:
These moccasins are fragile - that's the only word I can think to describe them.  The suede is very thin and the metallic leather is very delicate as well.  The suede on the bottom is not doubled, so is thin as well, so I'm wondering how these will hold up over time.  I'd say that if your baby is a walker, the suede version of these is not the best choice.  (I am not sure about the leather version, I only bought the suede.)  The stitching, the bow and the craftsmanship is great, and I love this style (so different from others that I've seen), but they are just really delicate little shoes. 

Overall:
Candace was very quick to respond back in August when I first contacted her about my review (these were the second pair of moccasins I bought after my Freshly Picked review).  However, since then I have written her a couple of times on here, on Facebook and on Instagram and have heard nothing back from her.  I am not sure if her business is just booming (which is great!) or if she is just tired of me (ha!) but I can't say that I've loved her customer service.

I think these moccasins, the suede at least, would be so cute on a baby's feet that isn't a walker yet, and wish I would have gotten Lemon some before she could walk (and potentially trash) them.  I also think the price is a bit much for what you get, although the unique style means she can charge more for what she does.  She has some awesome colors in her shop (like neon yellow) and I am loving the pink metallic leather moccs she has available right now, I just may have to snag a pair!

Social Media:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Big Cartel (crocheted goods/patterns)

Hello Little Scout

(Picture courtesy of hellolittlescout.storenvy.com/)

 

About:

"Hi ladies! I am Jamie from Hello Little Scout.  I am married to the love of my life and a first time mom to our sweet little boy Bentley.  A Utah girl at heart, but now living life in the fast lane of Los Angeles.  I am a lover of beach days, chocolate chip cookies and green smoothies!  I am currently a blogger at Hello Little Scout which journals our life, my attempts at being domestic, and most importantly learning mommy hood!  I started making moccasins when I was in dire need of something that was not only cute but also functional our little boy.  It was important for me to find something that would survive the wear of a toddler.  When I made my first pair of moccasins we all fell in love.   Our little boy wore them for months with no problems.  They even survived a swim in our tub (which I would not recommended haha).  

Our moccasins are 100% genuine leather and are made locally in Los Angeles.  Our moccasins have been designed with durability, comfort, and style in mind and are the perfect accessory for walking toddlers to even the tinniest of toes!  They have been designed with elastic to fit snug around the ankle to keep those babies from pulling them off."

Jamie is just the cutest and so is her little family, I die for that little Bentley! 

(Picture courtesy of hellolittlescout.com)

Style:

I bought a pair of the Rusty Red Moccasins ($30) in a size 4 (5.5 inches).  She offers sizes 4 inch (0-3 months) to 7 inch (3T/4T).  The color is more brown in person than red, even though the title suggests a reddish color.

(Picture courtesy of hellolittlescout.storenvy.com/)

Fit:  

I originally ordered a size 3 (5 inch) but when I received them they were way too small.  After writing to Jamie, she let me send them back to get a size 4 (5.5 inches).  Since Lemon's foot measures 4.5 inches, I thought a size 3 would fit so I'm going to say that these run a bit small, order a size up.  This moccasins fit Lemon's foot perfectly and are on the wider size so I would say these have a medium/wide width. 

Durability:

These moccasins are made of high quality leather and are really well sewn.  The stitching is solid and the elastic she uses around the ankle is thicker than others I've seen so it takes just a bit of work to get them on a chubby foot.  The bottoms are also leather but aren't too slippery and the insides (and out) are really well sewn.  The toe shape is one of my favorites - not too pointy, not too round - really clean and classic.

Overall:
I think of these as our no nonsense, casual moccs.  I love the no fringe look on the front and think that's what makes me think of them as simple but classy (she does have ones with fringe in her shop though).  These moccs are a standard moccasin color, simple but well made, fit Lemon's foot perfectly and stay put.  They dress up a casual outfit and are great for running around in.  Totally one of my favorite pairs!

Jamie is super accommodating and responds to emails quickly.  I love that her shop is an extension of her blog and that she is successful in both, sharing with other mamas and offering encouragement through her posts.  She is a mama after my own heart and I am so happy to have found her and her shop.  It's funny that her very first "moccs are now for sale" post popped up on my Instagram right when I opened it so I had to order a pair!  Her prices are awesome and I definitely need a pair of those Metallic Silver Moccs ASAP!

Social Media:

Pinterest

Instagram

Feather and Filly 

{Giveaway Time!!!}

(Picture courtesy of etsy.com/shop/FeatherAndFilly)

About:
"Feather and Filly first began in January 2013.  I didn't sell my first pair of moccasins until March that year but made my own daughter [the cutest Logan] several pairs from a variety of fabrics before I started selling them to others.  I made Logan her first pair because she couldn't wear any other shoes, her little feet have very high in-steps and no shoes fit over the top of her foot.  I posted a photo on Instagram and a very sweet mama @mrsjasonmiller forced me into making more and selling them!  I had previously made military themed custom purses but it didn't really bring me joy to make each one.  But, when I started making these moccasins, I found my niche!

I love every second of the process of making, selling and packing these moccasins for my customers!  Once FF took off, it became a huge blessing to my family.  My husband is in the US Army and that does not bring in a great paycheck.  We were living paycheck to paycheck, watching our bank account sink to below $10 at the end of each pay period and had bills, car payments and a strict budget.  Since March, however, I have paid off 2 credit cards, our car and have actually put money into savings to create an emergency fund for the future!  Which is very important to us because our future is full of unknowns.

My husband has recently been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder and his symptoms mimic a combination of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (or Huntington's) Disease.  He isn't able to work for the military anymore and won't be able to hold a job once released.  While we continue to receive some benefits once he is released, the financial security I am building on my own is crucial for our survival.

Thank you for supporting this small, family business; it is really what is holding our family together!  It helps me to spoil my two children rotten, something they definitely deserve after all they've been through!" - Lauren

Style:
I ordered a pair of the Antique Brass in a size 5 inch ($35.50).  She offers sizes 4 inch to 7 inch and only has sales on Saturday mornings.  You have to be quick to snatch a pair in your babe's size - but it's worth the race!  (The 6.5-7 inch are only available in limited quantities and Lauren only uses leather she thinks is durable enough for bigger kids.)

(Picture courtesy of instagram.com/featherandfilly)

Fit:
These moccasins are super easy to get on.  There's something about the ankle part/elastic that is really durable but also really stretchy.  And, I think the best part about Feather and Filly moccasins are the double suede bottoms if you order a size 5 inch or larger in leather.  This makes the sole not slip and the double suede makes it more durable.  These moccasins are a wider width and are great for a chubby foot.


Durability:
Lemon outgrows these moccasins faster than they get wear and tear on them.  We have had 3 pairs so far and Lemon has outgrown them before I've noticed anything coming apart on them.  They are very sturdy, very well sewn and the leather is always soft but durable.  The stitching is great, no extra fabric on the inside and Lauren is always perfecting her craft.  Since ordering my last pair, she has even made the heel of her moccasins seamless for a sleeker look (and more comfy fit).

Overall:
Feather and Filly were the first moccasins I bought after buying Freshly Picked moccasins.  I really liked her style and the way she ran her business (and have you seen her cute kiddos?!).  I also love the mad rush to get a pair of moccasins, sometimes they sell out in minutes on Etsy.  Her prices are awesome and totally reflect her craftsmanship.  And now, she is making MoccBoots and I am dying - they are the absolute CUTEST!  And, we are giving one away (see below)!!!

Social Media:

Instagram

Feather & Filly MoccBoot Giveaway!

For a chance to win:

• Follow featherandfilly and I (allisonpants) on Instagram and repost our giveaway picture.  (If you don't have an Instagram account, just follow my blog and comment below to be entered!)
   
• For an extra entry, follow my blog and comment on this post saying why you would love to win a pair of MoccBoots for winter (or Christmas)!

Winners will be chosen at random on Wednesday, December 11th at 8pm MST.  If you win, you can choose a pair of Feather and Filly MoccBoots in either Vogue Pink or Silver Grey in any size from 4 inches to 7 inches (shoe sizes 1/2 - 10/11).

Good luck and we hope you win!  Stay tuned for my BIG Moccasin Review:  Part II next weekend and ANOTHER giveaway!