Momma Told Me: Momma Mondays: Mom, You can have my old Moccasins! - The Comfort and Beauty of Manitobah's NAPPA Mukluks

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Momma Mondays: Mom, You can have my old Moccasins! - The Comfort and Beauty of Manitobah's NAPPA Mukluks





As most people; when I thought of moccasins; I remembered the ones that I wore, proudly, in the 7th grade (everyday). They were lightweight, loose-fitting, and not particularly flattering. Don’t get me wrong; my mom couldn’t get me to stop wearing them, everywhere. The only thing that finally stopped me was the two, big holes, in the bottom of my right shoe. I had resorted to putting a shoe pad inside of the moccasins to keep the elements out, but to no avail. In afterthought; they probably had needed to be discarded long before they met their demise. I’m not sure what ever, really happened, to those moccasins. I have my suspicions; but can’t prove a thing.


Just as I have grown up and almost forgotten those moccasins; my daughter, Jenna sent me the link to Manitobah’s (68 Page PDF Catalog). This catalog makes my fond memories of those childhood moccasins, nearly disappear. Their moccasins and mukluks are nothing like the ones that I wore in the 70’s. In fact; they are not even in the same league. I couldn’t have been more “blown away” and impressed with their offerings. This company doesn’t just (make) mukluks and moccasins; they put their hearts and souls into every, individual pair.


There is so much thought that has gone into each design. They’ve even designed the soles to tell a “story”. For instance; My NAPPA Mukluks feature a “Tipi” Sole. The art, yes I said art, on the sole; has (5) components. *See Photo of Sole: (1) The Sky represents life-giving water falling as rain and snow. (2) To the right are the western mountains. Trees to the left of the tipi represent the Woodland People. (3) This is the doorway we walk through together as modern hunter-gatherers. (4) Fire tells us our People will always survive. Prairie plains, behind, are home to the Great Horse and Buffalo People. (5) The swirling Four Winds cleanse, as the Sun circles, our Mother Earth. The soles are made from Vibram® (developed by the world leader in high-performance rubber soles; these soles are not only pieces of art, but they are designed to withstand the effects of extreme cold and highly abrasive environments). It’s almost a shame to walk on them; they are that cool!


Now that I’ve properly described the soles; let me tell you about the rest of my brand new mukluks. They are constructed of Black Cowhide and Black Rabbit Fur. The NAPPA’S that I chose arrived in a box with artwork on the cover, depicting a “Tipi”. When I opened the box I found the Certificate of Authenticity; noting that they were made in Canada and in fact, real Manitobah Mukluks. These mukluks are a nice, 15’ tall which is just perfect for me. They retail for $329.00 which is what one would expect to pay for something that is hand-made with high quality materials and, for all intents and purposes, pieces of art. It’s so much more than the materials, though; it’s the camaraderie one “feels” with the Aboriginal People. It’s an honor to be included. The front of the mukluks has intricate beadwork, not too much, just enough to accent them, in small purple and white beads. The interior lining of the mukluks is really comfortable due to the thick (in this case dark grey/black) sheepskin shearling.


As I slipped my first foot into the right mukluk; I couldn’t believe how well it fit. As Jenna had said to me; “I don’t want to take them off!” Now; I understand what she was talking about. My husband is the one that photographed this pair for me, in order to share pictures with this review. I was the model, for lack of a better term. This was an easy “assignment” for him. It’s not too difficult to provide excellent photography of an item of superior quality, stunning workmanship and rugged, elegant beauty.


Just as Canada’s first peoples and now (me); you too can have your very own pair of mukluks or moccasins. Thanks to Métis siblings Sean and Heather McCormick we all have the opportunity to own and enjoy this Aboriginal made footwear. I could go on and on about my new NAPPA Mukluks; but it would be better if you were to just order a pair for yourself. That way; you can start “gushing” about them, as well.



We invite you to return during Blog POP!'s upcoming Christmas Wishes Luxury Gift Guide (November 4-7) to catch Jenna's counter review and our Manitobah
Mukluk Giveaway!
While you're waiting, swing on by the Manitobah Mukluk Facebook page and 'like' them to stay in touch!

As Required by The FTC: Momma received no monetary compensation for her opinions. She did receive a product sample to conduct her review. All opinions expressed therein are hers, and hers alone. All photography for this post was provided by David G. Rigg of Select Photo Prints.

82 comments:

  1. after this review i will now await the counter one and the giveaway! these definitely seem like a great find!

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  2. i can't wait to hear Jenna's take. I need good footwear in our winters!

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  3. Those are soo cute, hope I understood right that your were doing a giveaway! Can't wait. Love mukluks.

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  4. I love that the shoes tell a story and that they are truly authentic. I can't wait for your giveaway to start. Thank you for the great information.

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  5. I loved my mocs in Jr High and High School TOO! Awaiting the givieaway with anticipation!

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  6. These are sweet. I could so use a pair during the Iowa winter

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  7. These look so comfortable and warm!

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  8. Great Review! I totally love Mukluks :)

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  9. I love the story the soles tell. Thank you for such an in depth review!

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  10. These are absolutely gorgeous~!! I would love to own a pair myself...they look warm enough even for my Canadian winters~!!

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  11. Great review. In fact, I had to hop over and look for myself. The mukluks are awesome. I also loved the Deerskin Slipper. :)

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  12. Oh those sound so comfy! I'm going to go take a look at what else they have.

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  13. Love your Review! Gosh I Love Moccasins! I wear them all the time and Manitobahs are the best! I love the look of Mukluks
    so much, I always wanted a pair but have never had any. My feet get so cold in the winter months, and Mukluks are so pretty and so warm.
    I totally love Mukluks they sure would go well with a Spirit Hood :)
    I'll be watching for the giveaway!
    chocho1957@hotmail.com
    (Donna D)

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  14. Oh boy, did this review spark some memories. You reminded me of my 70's moccasin days. I never had this brand but I wore mine until they fell off.
    I paid a visit to their facebook page. Made in Canada, eh? They know what cold is so I bet these are so warm. I also checked out their site online. They have some way cute styles coming out next Spring. Now, I really, really, want a pair of moccasins again.

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  15. my daughter wore out the sole of her mukluks last winter and she will go nuts if I get these for her!

    madamerkf at aol dot com

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  16. The Nappa's would go magically with my new SpiritHood! ♥

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  17. I love these Mukluks! They are so cool - I really want to buy a pair :D

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  18. I have never been a fan of mukluks but these are pretty cool looking. They are very pretty and look comfortable and warm for winter
    ut_oh_its_kim@hotmail.com

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  19. these look so comfortable and cute!!

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  20. They look very comfortable, will have to put it on my Christmas wish list.

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  21. I have wanted a pr of these for a long time! I particularly love the Lakota & Ojibwa, & the "Jackie" is super cute!!! This company has been in business a long time, quality footwear!

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  22. Oh my!! I LOVE these!! I might have to put some of these on my Christmas wish list. :)

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  23. Wow!! Those boots looks so cool and fluffly x3.. I love them!

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  24. those look uber warm and id probably take a nap in them haha

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  25. Oh I am anxiously awaiting the giveaway. Thanks for a great review.

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  26. Wow!! Cant wait for the giveaway!!! Great review they sound so cozy!

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  27. I LOVE THESE! They look so cozy!

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  28. I had a pair made from a reserve about 24 years ago. They didn't have a sole like these ones though. Mine are long gone and this review really teased me. Now I really want, need and desire a pair of these. hee

    DOREEN RIOPEL ON ENTRY FORM.

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  29. I love these boots. I especially like the Gatherer Mid, which I found in their catalog

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  30. Great review! I am loving these. So much better than the ones I had when I was younger!

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  31. These look magnificent & so so warm! I could surely use them on the wet, chilly west coast of Canada!

    I love that they are keeping tradition alive and well.

    ty

    nancyrobster at gmail dot com


    RAFFLECOPTER NAME is Anne Taylor

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  32. your review is great it tells the whole story and makes a buyer want to know more great job gerri_bolen@msn.com

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  33. I like them a lot more then I thought I would. They look warm and comfy.

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  34. these boots are amazing and gorgeous, hanks for the review!

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  35. I really, really need a good pair of warm boots for winter! These would be perfect!
    amoeidson@yahoo.com

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  36. These look adorable and so comfy. Perfect for winter.

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  37. Oh my gosh, now I want some mukluks even more! It's difficult for me to see them daily and not be able to afford them...so many people talk about how wonderful they are!

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  38. These look like wonderful boots! I think they would be great for the upcoming winter.

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  39. I love the style, and they look so warm, I'm from Mn and could use some warm boots

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  40. What a story-I loved readind the meaning behing the artwork on the sole alone! I'm dying to try a pair right now after reading both reviews-Thank you! barkergirl33@hotmail.com

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  41. I am a HUGE boot fan and these sound so comfortable. I love the style too..so me!!

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  42. my niece loves Mukluks shes a dancer and they are easy for her to slip on and off for class or a show.

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  43. I just love the design just wish it was cold enough in Florida towear them, lucky you.

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  44. Wow what an amazing pair of boots. I've never owned a pair this nice in my life and they look so well put together that I could wear them for the rest of my life! Thanks for the review.

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  45. These look so warm, and I really love the black color!

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  46. Great Review!! They look so warm and cozy. After reading what you wrote, I really wish i had they money to go out and purchase a pair :0(

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  47. I'm with the person above me! I really wish I had the money to spend on these! Sounds like they're warm and comfy, perfect for Chicago winters.

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  48. I have tried on many a pairs of Mukluks. They are super comfy! Wish I could afford to buy actual pair. I love their slippers!

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  49. Thanks for the review. Those are some awesome boots!
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

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  50. I was up in Estes Park, Colorado this weekend and these would have been perfect in the blizzard conditions we had.

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  51. I LOVE these! I might buy me a pair for christmas!

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  52. these would be great for our trip to lake tahoe. thanks for the great review!
    pkeintz@gmail.com

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  53. I am thinking of getting a pair of these for my daughter who is stationed in NY near the Canadian border.

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  54. i notice you are having a giveway for these but I cannot open the link to it. I keep getting a "Internet Explorer cannot display this page" message. WAAHH!!! Is anyone else having this problem? Can you send me a couple of different links to the page please? I really want to own a pair of these because I'm always freezing!
    chichijunk at cs dot com

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  55. My daughter has 2 pair of these and SHE loves them! If anyone has a teen girl on their list this year these are a HUGE hit! I got one pair for only $15 on black Friday last year. :)
    Angela Michels
    lilsweeper76 at yahoo dot com

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  56. I love your review. Your wonderful story and complete review makes me want them now!!!! The picture of you on the beach is what did it. I live 3 minutes from the beach. Thanks for introducing me to them. Rita Spratlen rjspratlen@gmail.com

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  57. These are outstanding! Looks comfy!!
    AlexDean03(at)yahoo.com

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  58. Great review! My daughter really wants a pair of these.They have some beautiful items.

    cshell090869@aol.com

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  59. I too loved a pair of mocs when I was young (Id say the 5th - 6th grade range) and I loved your review with all of the great pics and I love that you provide every detail that we could ever inquire about. They sound super comfy and I can see myself not wanting to take them off lol
    ticklemetiffy at gmail dot com

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  60. Thanks for sharing this wonderful & beautiful product with us. These are so unique! I have got to have a pair!

    mnrquick at yahoo dot com

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  61. I love the Tall Wrap Mukluks!! They look so stylish and warm!!!

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  62. Those are simply gorgeous! love them! :)

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  63. Those are really nice! Maybe I should get myself and my mom a pair!

    sweetmissa at gmail dot com

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  64. Thank you so much for sharing your review on the beautiful mukluks from Manitobahs. They are so beautiful, you just don't see that kind of workmanship around anymore.

    kellysydow at yahoo dot com

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  65. These are SUCH awesome shoes. I would love some of my own.

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  66. I love the review! I am so jealous of how comfortable your feet are in those shoes - has me dying for a pair of my own!

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  67. I love this review! I remember my dad's mukluks when I was a kid growing up in Minnesota. So fun!

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  68. Those are some gorgeous boots! :) Thanks for the review.

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  69. this is a great mix of old and new. the soles look really nice.

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  70. These are great looking boots.You gave a very thorough review.

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  71. These moccasins and mukluks look very nice. Thanks for the informative review!

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  72. These boots are just beyond the ordinary boot. LOVE LOVE LovE. Thanks for linking this up last week on the Verizon Voices Fashionista Style Hop. Head on over this week and link up here: http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/2013/08/plymouth-style-verizon-voices-fashionista-style-hop/ We'd love have more of your style, so sign up for our weekly reminders too (if you haven’t!)

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