By definition, a mukluk is a tall, soft boot worn in the North American Arctic, traditionally made of sealskin. A loafer, on the other hand, is a slipper, specifically without a separate heel, that consists of two pieces of material sewn together to create a shoe shape.
Origins of the Mukluks
Mukluks were first made by the Inuit and Yupik people of northern Canada and the United States. There is evidence that settlers from Siberia and Russia may also have used mukluks. Mukluks were created to combat the extreme, dry cold that Inuit faced on a daily basis. Materials to create the boots generally consisted of seal or caribou skin for the basic boot covering, animal sinew as thread to sew the pieces together, and fur to create warmth. Mukluks came in many different shapes and sizes, but typically fitted just below the knee for maximum warmth and protection. Intricate beadwork was added as a creative element, an important tribute to Inuit culture. Often, beadwork was held to have cultural and spiritual significance within the traditional tribes of Northern Canada.
Origins of moccasins
According to Native American lore, a chief on the Great Plains used to suffer from very sensitive feet. One morning he woke up in his town and saw paths that had been created with animal skins so that he could walk comfortably. Of course, the chief realized that he could only walk on these paths made of soft leather and would not be able to deviate from them. He demanded that the land be covered with this leather, however the village healer knew that this demand was unrealistic. He offered the boss two objects that, to the boss, looked like bear’s bare paws. These leather shoes eventually became the loafers we know today.
In the most basic sense, loafers were traditionally made from two pieces of animal skin, sewn along the top of the foot with animal sinew. Usually fur was added around the top and bead work was done on top of the material. This beadwork was used as a way to distinguish the tribes from one another.
The main differences between mukluks and moccasins are:
Height
• Mukluks were used as ample protection against the elements. The knee-high boots provided warmth and comfort during hunting excursions, fishing trips, and collecting expeditions that often lasted days. Today, mukluks are designed to be worn as outdoor boots in the winter (and sometimes summer!) and are intended for walking through deep snow.
• Moccasins, since they only covered the foot, were worn more casually and in warmer climates. Tribes facing less extreme weather could wear moccasins to camp without suffering from the cold. Today, moccasins are mostly worn as slippers inside the house, and are usually swapped for mukluks if you go outside.
Heat
• Mukluks were, and still are, designed to protect the wearer from aggressive elements. Added linings, thicker animal skin, and more hair were trademarks of traditional loafers.
• Tribes living in warmer climates wore moccasins and may not have survived on frozen tundra year-round. Today, loafers are worn like slippers, and while they provide warmth in the home, they may not hold up to the outdoors for any significant length of time.
Spent
• Mukluks were seen as required clothing for any outdoor activity. They were the primary footwear for the Inuit, and still are today. Today, mukluks have been slightly updated for use in wet climates, in addition to dry areas. An added sole provides protection against moisture, and zippers and ties offer more accessible wear.
• Traditionally, loafers were worn casually and in warmer climates. Today, loafers are an excellent option for house slippers. Soft materials and warm fur provide comfort at home, especially in winter.
Although moccasins and mukluks are made from the same materials and retain the same meaning, their uses and designs differ.