Bastien Industries Women's Earthing Grounding Natural Moosehide Leather Ankle Moccasins

I tried these and the ballerina mocs with the chromexcel sole. I've rated the fit 'as expected' because the slight variations in fit, though a little different between the two, are what I expected considering the different cuts and styles. The ballerina is slightly longer, my toes definitely all touch the end on this ankle style, and the overall fit on this one around my foot is extremely snug, even a bit tight. I would not go up a size though, if I would be wearing them barefoot or with thinner socks, because it wouldn't take much more space to be perfect and with some time and stretch would likely fit fine. If I wanted to be able to wear some mid to heavy weight socks though, I would probably go up a size. Personally, given the style and high cuff on these, if the heels did end up slipping up and down a little with the larger size, it wouldn't bother me one bit. The two soles have a slightly different feel - both very supple. This softer sole moose hide leather is just the littlest bit thicker so there's the tiniest sense of a little more pad to it than the chromexcel. On the other hand, the chromexcel has more acute ground feel. It's almost splitting hairs to try to define the difference though because both feel great. The leather on this one seems slightly thicker and between that and the stitching around the top vamp it isn't as supple and conforming right out of the box though I don't doubt that with time and wear it would conform very well to my foot, just not quite as completely as the other does right from the start . I was attracted to the cuff on this ankle boot; however, it is very wide and open. Because the foot on the size I tried is almost tight, the contrast between that and the super loose cuff feels disconcerting to me. If I went ahead and tried the larger size, since I wouldn't mind a more casual and slightly floppy fit in these, the extra wide cuff might not bother me then. It also nicely allows for tucking in jeans or pant legs. For my purposes right now, though, I really wanted something I could occasionally step outside in with a snugger cuff to keep any dust or debris kicked up from settling inside the shoe. Meanwhile, I am so totally enthralled with the ballerina style fit that I would rather have another of those and perhaps try a different style in a low boot cut. So I'm returning these but would still unflinchingly recommend them to anyone who wants this style. They're a beautiful example of top quality materials and craftsmanship for a very fair price. For an easy, slip on casual bootie I've never seen nicer.

The more I wear these, the more I love them. I get so many compliments and "where did you get those" ?'s. Made very well and, with the cold weather coming on here I found they feel great with wool socks. I feel my feet have gotten stronger, it's like being barefoot but much more comfortable for this tenderfoot! Will buy again if I wear them out!

These are such excellent moccasins! The hide is so so soft and pliable, but tough enough to walk around the desert earth that is strewn with stickery thistly things. Highly recommend these super-comfy classic mocs, made traditionally by native craftspeople, for re-grounding oneself with the earth.They do run about a 1/2 to 1 size large, so take that into consideration when ordering.

I dithered a long time comparing Bastien's Hiawatha moose hide moccasins with Minnetonka's and with L.L. Bean products. I wanted "earthing" or "grounding" footwear and Minnetonka's most natural needed an insole ripped out to qualify, but I was afraid Bastien was some cheap Chinese ripoff of Minnetonka. Not so. All the Minnetonkas I researched were made in China, but the Bastiens were made in Canada. I didn't realize until they arrived that they were handcrafted on the res by Huron Indians of Canada. The miniature brochure printed on recycled paper acknowledges respect, appreciation, and gratitude towards the moose, Mother earth, and the Great Spirit, so I'm relieved, maybe downright thrilled, that I love the moccasins. Much better than buying a Chinese product and ripping out the synthetic bits. Definitely worth spending a bit more. Also of note: having studied the Amazon customer comments, I ordered a 6 instead of my usual street-shoe 7. The 6 is a little loose, but a 5 would have been too tight, especially given one swollen ankle and the need to leave room inside for wool or cotton socks in winter. I have just one question: how did the People of the First Nations run around woods and prairies, etc., in moccasins without their laces coming untied? Did they use some secret knot? Because tripping over an untied lace while running from an enemy or chasing a moose would be a real bummer.

I really thought I'd love these after reading the reviews. I always wear a 9 shoe, so I purchased an 8 as suggested. Still a little too long for me but the really huge part is the hole that you put your foot in to put the shoe on. The part that would be around your ankle, it's absolutely huge!Even if they hadn't been a bit too long, say if I'd try a 7 (I really think that's too small for me) I still wouldn't be able to keep it on because of the opening.Somehow that needs to be in the description. No amount of Jeans tucked in or thick socks would've helped this.I do not wear a narrow shoe either, just normal size feet. And I still very much would like to find a pair of earthing shoes as I had to send these back.Well made though, very well made.

Bought these for my wife who was looking at some minnetonka moccasins for around the house wear. She specifically wanted a leather sole moccasin. In may opinion these are a very fine and well maid pair of moccasins and the workmanship is better than Minnetonka. The company also claims that these are made in Huron tradition, I have no idea about that, but these look to be a great value, I wouldn't mind a pair myself !

Beautifully made but way too narrow for a medium. I would have preferred to exchange them for a wide or extra wide, but I didn't have that option, so I returned them. Would love to have a pair that fit !

The quality is fantastic but the sizes need to be reconsidered by the manufacture. I tried two consecutive sizes and they were so extreme both had to go back. One was huge and the other being so short the stitching was pulling.