Moccasins originated from Native American tribes and became popular in the 1930s. Penny loafers were popular in the 1950s and have since evolved into dressier versions with tassels and chunky heels. Loafers can be worn with or without socks, and women may wear peds for added comfort.
Moccasins are simply constructed shoes that base their style on the ancient moccasin worn by many Native American tribes. Although they are often credited with coming into fashion in the 1930s, many early Americans styled their sneakers after loafers. The elaborate buttons were still considered fashionable and more European-inspired than early loafers.
In the 1930s, moccasins were reintroduced to the United States through images of Norwegian farmers wearing them to get work done. The shoes featured no buttons or laces, had a low heel, and fitted below the ankle. This style suddenly became quite popular, and they were made by the Spaulding and Bass Company. Bass retained the Norwegian name for moccasins, calling them Weejuns. You can still buy Bass Weejuns today, although technically they only differ from other similar shoes in name.
The styles of the 1930s were designed primarily for men. However, by the 1950s, penny loafers became popular shoe choices for both men and women. The poodle skirt and sweater set was an outfit incomplete without these simple flats or saddle shoes. Interestingly, penny loafers rarely had pennies, but rather dimes or nickels. A dime was enough for a phone call home if needed, or often a good place to store bus fare.
As these shoes continued to be popular, they also became more stylish. Tasseled loafers soon appeared, and are considered standard footwear for male lawyers. Women’s styles have also seen many changes.
Although flat loafers, and often penny loafers, can still be found, dressy versions with tassels and chunky heels have become popular. These styles tend to fluctuate over time, sometimes sacrificing comfort for fashion. Other women’s styles from companies like Soft Spots may have extra padding to make a taller shoe more comfortable.
Loafers can be worn with or without socks. Since they don’t have ties, they’re easy to put on if you’re in a hurry. The more traditional styles are often made of heavy, stiff leather, which can be hard on your bare foot and cause blisters. Very often, men wear stockings, especially with dress shoes. Women can wear stockings or nylons, but trends tend to discourage nylons. For added comfort while achieving the bare-legged or bare-ankle look, women in loafers may wear socks called peds, which cannot be seen.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
