For years been wearing a classic Timberland (moccasin type) 2-eyed leather chukka type shoe for early season hunting, casual, and work, but they are now on their last mile. The Timberland's are basically ankle height thin leather moccasins with flat rubber soles. They're loosely fit with the leather laces tied in a square knot and I slip the on and off much like loafers. I luv these shoes but browsing their website, I can't find that model and it is likely discontinued for that style was so old, but if you ask me, a classic.
Anyhow, been surfing the web looking for something similar, and have kinda narrowed it down to "Arrow Moccasins Co", although I know nothing about them or the company.
Carl Dyers original moccasins are a little out of my price range, although I bought my X a pair of Dyers mocs 20 years ago at GLLB and she says she still has them, although she doesn't wear them much.
Any info is much appreciated... Thanx
I have a pair of Minnetonkas that are very comfortable and a good price($60 as I recall).
They've held up really well.
The Arrow mocs look really nice,too.
arrows are top notch for the price, worth much more than what you pay
I got some Arrows a little over a month ago. I'm impressed. They are very well made, and were comfortable from the start. I had some Dyers before these, and I prefer the Arrows.
I have both arrow and dyers and I'll take the Arrows,, the Arrows are more comfortable right out of the box! the dyers are nice but not nearly as soft as the arrows.
I've been to Arrows shop, (hudson, Ma) and when you go in there you know your walking right into the family buisness and you can see the people tying the moccs on these 1' solid old wooden tables that are worn done to what looks like 2" from years of cutting out moccs,, its a sight to see (and smell too) anyway arrows are a little cheaper costing too,, both very very nice, both fit perfect, never a stitch broke and i do wear them in the woods..
these are next, http://www.arrowmoc.com/muk-8.html
thanx much guys, looks like arrows it shall be, thanx.
I ordered some Arrow mocs after reading this thread and received them 2 weeks ago. They fit perfectly. The workmanship is excellent. they came 2 weeks sooner than I expected. I've put about 3 miles on them and they have formed to my feet very nicely. I would buy from these folks again.
I have 3 pairs of Arrows and love them all. I have the lace boot, bush boot and mukluks.
Their service is excellent and the quality is as good as anyone's! He always says it will take 7-9 weeks for delivery and 2 of my 3 orders were at my house in 2 weeks, third only taking 4 weeks!
Great mocs :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
58WINTERS - What style/model did you buy? I ordered a pair of the "Trail Boots" on June 10th. The gentleman taking my order gave me a 4-5 week timeframe, looking forward to their arrival.
Thanx everyone for your input,
Gary
Zbone,
I purchased the double sole lace boot. I'm considering the bush boot and the canoe moc. models. I first had to wear them with out socks for a couple hours to get them to stretch enough to wear socks. I have a high instep so it was tight with a sock on. They are warm so I'm a little concerned about that in regards to the bush boot. I'm going to use the ones I have a while before making that decision. I was given a 6 week lead time and got them in 4 so you are getting close. I'm sure you will be pleased.
The Arrows look good. Does anyone have any feedback on these? They look nice.
http://www.footwearbyfootskins.com/store/item.asp?Category=3&SubCategoryID=&GroupID=&SKU=540%2DC
Billy
LA TRAP.
In looking @ the web page you listed they appear to be more of dress moc with lighter stiching and material?? Arrows I would call a heavy duty working moc for anything you would want to do in a moc. I live in lava country and I wouldn't walk on lava as it would cut the soles up pretty quickly but other than that I have no worries as long as I can get good footing. Lifetime warranty on stitching says alot.
Point taken 58Winters.
Question for you. You live in Bend, OR. I have been there. It is very dry, powder dry from what I saw. I live in Louisiana, very wet. Every morning, everything is covered with a HEAVY dew. It rains a lot.
Arrow recommends sno seal to waterproof. Any experience with it and the Arrows and wet weather?
Anyone else with this kind of feedback. I am very interested in the lace boot.
You mentioned the lace boots were hot. Were those the lined laced boots? Can you explain? Sorry to be a bother but the wet weather in LA is ususlly in the winter. If the lace boots are too hot for summer, I need to re-think the model. You guys up North get some warm weather. We invented it!!! It is hot here most days in the summer 97 plus with humidity. I am just trying to pick the best model for me to wear year round.
Thanks;
Billy
58WINTERS - I went with the single sole mainly for feel when stalking and because my X said she doesn't wear the double sole Dyers because she couldn't get them to break in.
I figured if the single sole doesn't hold up well, will get them resoled with the double. I'm 51 and plan on these being my last set of moccasins...8^)
What are you guys treating yours with for waterproofing?
Thanx
I have a pair of Arrow Moc lace boots (double sole, unlined) that I've been wearing for years. LOVE them!
First thing I did when I got them is went bird hunting for a day (1/2 of it was raining) and got them thoroughly soaked. Perfect fit after that :) I treat them with Snoseal. NO leather can be waterproof - the Snoseal does an excellent job of keeping you dry and lasts a whole lot longer than most of the alternatives.
The mocs are made out of ~1/4" of leather. If you're used to well ventilated sneakers they are going to feel hot, just like any other boot that keeps water out. If it keeps water out, it mostly keeps air out too ;)
I wear mine year round, but mostly switch over to real lightweight homemade mocs during the summer and lined boots during the winter if I'm going to be out for a while.
If I ever wear these out I'll get them resoled and buy the mukluks for winter.
EDIT: I should add I've had this pair since 2006 and they are still my favorite boot!
LA
Yes it is very dry here low humidty. In regards to the snow seal I've only used it on hiking boots. It works well doesn't attack the leather but the leather doesn't breathe. The leather in the mocs is quite heavy so they trap the heat. trade offs in everything. I will snow seal them if I expect to be in the wet but if the weather is fowl I'll have something else on my feet. My mocs are not lined. I would think lined mocs are good for cool but dry weather.
58
I live with in 1/2 hour of Hudson, NH. I need to make a trip over there. Which moc are you guys wearing for hunting? Jeff
I just thumbed through the new TBM and saw an advertisement for Arrow Mocs.
First I thought COOL! Then I noticed they are now owned by Kentrek Boots...I have nothing against Kentrek (never owned anything of theirs) but things tend to change when a "mom and pop" company go corporate.
Time will tell...
Ahh, man, you mean I not going to get originals... :dunno:
Zbone,
I think you are ok. Arrow's web page is still active. Kennetrek shows them on their website as well but they also show Eberlestock packs. Maybe they did buy them?? Don't think they will mess up a good thing at least not for a while.
58
Thanx Bob - They arrived at the door today, but still at work and haven't had a change to check them out yet, but looking forward to trying them on tonight.
Order on the 10th and received on the 28th.... Not bad.
I just ordered a pair of boots today. I spoke with Paul. He said Kennetrek just resells the mocs. Arrow is alive and well.
I told him that I was going on a trip to the Boundary Waters at the end of July. He asked me my shoe size and after I answered he said, "today is your lucky day!" Paul will be mailing out a pair in the morning.
Martin
Thanks mmisciag, I was thinking about pulling the trigger on a pair of lace boots. Good to know the same folks are at the helm.
Billy
Billy,
Yep, the lace boots are what I bought. Call Paul and Co, They may have what you want in stock.
Martin
Glad to hear they are still going as before, he makes a great product!
Martin,
Evidently we Tradgangers have had two lucky days this week. I called Paul, he had the DS lace boots in stock and they are going out tomorrow.
Billy
Awsome!!!
I think he needs to have stock for the Kennetrek Co so they are in stock.
Enjoy, I can't wait to give them a go.
Martin
Received my Moccasins today. I have to say I like them. I was surprised as to how thick the leather is. They will need some time to break in. Only the upper part of the boot is stiff. Everything else feels great. Did I say that the leather is thick?
I would rate these as good as any dress shoe I would wear for work when it come to how I think the sole is going to wear. It should last a while.
When they arrived today, my 17 year old son Mark, wanted to try them on. We have the same size foot. That says a lot for the styling. They look like shoes but are definitely moccasins.
For the money, I would recommend Arrow brand Moccasins. Its the first pair of shoes that fit out of the box.
Martin
mmidciag
They will break in very quickly. I had mine on for the last 3 days on our holiday camp trip. Very comfortable a little warm in 80 degree weather but no more so than my boots or tennis shoes. I hate tennis shoes!
I can't wait. Martin, what method of shipping did they use?
I have a pair of the sheep skin lined double soled trappers boot with the wrap around mooshide upper( http://www.arrowmoc.com/s.html ). And they are Thick. I wore them a good bit when I first got them but after returning to the industrialized world I put them away. I think it would take a pair of lifetimes to wear them out and since this thread reminded me about them,I will go digging for them. and just maybe order a pair of everyday shoes or boots. Getting tired of jammin my hoof into a pair of synthetic,rubberized, hurt my foot everyday made in(not AMERICA)shoes. I think a nice pair of our thick felt insoles will do just the trick in there too. OH! and they do break in quickly. I didn't have any problems. Thanks for posting about this,they are great moccs
Billy,
They shipped UPS.
I finally just took them off. I had them on for about 6 hours. I think I need to wear them a bit more. One thing that did bother me was wearing cotton socks with them. The socks bunched up at the front of my ankle. That hurt. I switched to wool sock that stretched tight over my ankle and problem solved. These are Smart Wool socks and they work. They are thin but have some loft to them so a small amount of cushion.
Chuck,
I can say go ahead and order a pair. The leather is about a quarter of an inch thick. I have the double sole so I know that I am walking on about a half an inch of leather. That is about as thick as any dress shoe I have with the leather sole.
Oh, and I was shooting in the drainage basin. The basin has steep sides. I was able to walk or run up them in very dry grass. The bottoms are smooth but griped the grass. What a surprise!
Your wool is next. I just need to put some money away.
Martin
i just received a pair of knee high foot skins mocs and WOW just got em tonight after work so no time to put them through the paces but i promise as light as they are... i doubt my lacross boots will see much time this year....( i have a pair of mukluks that you could not afford to buy from me for winter hunts...) I'm 27 and just got in to the minimalist approach and man i thank God everytime i go out for the chance to do it the old way
I received my lace boots from Arrow today. They are great. Martin was right, the double sole leather on the bottom is extremely thick. My two sons 19 and 21 individually and at different times asked me about them. They were impressed. They both wear Sperry's. My oldest asked if they made them in a low quarter. I told him they do make a canoe moc.
I wore them to WalMart and had three people stop me and ask what are those shoes?
I called Paul at Arrow when they arrived with a quick question before I put them on. I told him about this website and all of the good things being said. I invited him to look at the site and maybe become a sponsor.
I am very impressed with these mocs.
Billy
Folks,
Wondering if I might pick your brains a bit. I have been eyeing the Bush Boot from Arrow. I am interested in getting an idea as to how the sizes run with Arrow products? I normally wear a size 10 running shoe but a 9 or 9.5 in a dress/casual shoe depending upon manufacture.
I would want the Bush Boot to be comfortable with at least a medium weight wool sock. Thank you in advance for any input.
Craig.
Craig,
Check out the website and call them and ask.
They will get you in the right size.
Billy
Craig,
I think I am a poster boy for Arrow!
I remember dress shoe was the question. However, I have worn them with thick socks and thin socks. Somehow they still fit! I was shocked. Also, I have found that I can not wear cotton socks with them. For some reason, they bunch on the top of my foot where the laces are. That hurts me. When I where smartwool socks in any thickness, that goes away.
Like Billy said, the leather is thick. it is supple however. I think I am walking on a half inch of leather. I was wearing them in the city and could feel every crack on the sidewalk and every bump in the ramps at corners. It was proof that I should feel every stick under my feet as I slink through the woods while hunting.
Billy is also right that you should call Paul at Arrow. He will ask you the right questions to get you what you want the first time.
Martin
Thank you for the input folks.
I told Paul that my feet looked like they belonged on a duck -- wide up front and narrow at the heel. He suggested I send him tracings and other information, which is what I have had to do with my Russell custom boots in the past. I sent him the information a few days ago, and he told me he will call me when he gets it. I am definitely going to order a pair of the double sole lace boots -- maybe two pairs. I used to wear moccasins for years, but then wasn't able to find good ones, so I am excited about getting some Arrow moccasins. They seem to be exactly what I needed when I was in Australia when we got close to the animals and needed to have a silent stalk to shooting distance. I ended up taking off my socks and shoes and going barefoot, but that was pretty uncomfortable for a tenderfoot like me. Having a pair of Arrow moccasins in the pack to slip on would have been a true blessing.
Allan
Allan, please post followups as I would be very interested to see if Paul at Arrow can build a moccasin to fit you. My feet are similar (12EEE)very wide at the front and narrow at the back. I've never found a moccasin that I could wear without tearing out a side seam because they weren't wide enough.
Guys,
Try putting some Lexol leather treatment on your Arrow Mocs. I really put mine through the wringer with doing yard work fixing the roof and other gotta get it done before hunting season projects. They looked a little beat up but a treatment of the Lexol and they look like new but shaped to my foot.
Great moc. great leather treatment.
58Winters,
Is Lexol leather treatment like Marvel Mystery Oil for Mocs? Tell us a little more.
Love my Arrow mocs!!!!
LA TRAP
Lexol is a leather treat to keep it from drying out and cracking. I found out about it from Steven Catts when I bought a back quiver. It's what he recommends. I found it at a shoe repair and in several places where horse tack is sold ei ranch farm supply stores. It really does make leather come alive again and doesn't attack it.
Hope this helps.
58
I'm the guy that started this thread and wondering how you guys that own a pair still like them and how they are holding up?
I like mine so far so good....
I remember reading Jay Massey were he somehow glued shredded rubber to the soles of moccasins to help with traction in wet weather and was wonder if any of you folks have done so or know the process?
Thanx
I haven't used Arrows, but I have put together a couple pairs from the kit at Hobby Lobby. You can glue and/or stich on the Vibram Cherry Rubber, cut to fit. It's the thin floppy rubber commonly used to make Hurrachie Sandles for minimalist type running. I forget the website, but you can probably find it with a search.
I have a pair if double sole arrows I bought in 2003. I've worn then to work and in the field ever since. They still look almost brand new. Very tough, exceptionally crafted moc. I sent in a tracing of my feet, and these mocs fit perfectly! IF they ever wear out, I'll get another pair. Been eyeing his gladiator mocs for years.
sweeney3 - That is exactly what I was looking for, THANX!
z bone
I ordered a pair in May got them in June. Bought the Trail boot with the lace up the front double bottom sole. I absolutely love these mocs. They have formed to my feet I feel like am barefoot but have protection around my foot. The longest hike I have been on with them is about 6 miles round trip over varying terrain. I wore them in a canoe and got them soaked. They suffered no ill effects from the dunking but a bare foot in a wet moc is a little slimy feeling so I wouldn't recommend them for canoeing. I typically wear a pair of Wigwam comfort hiker socks with mine the socks are merino wool. They are more surefooted than I thought they would be probably because my foot tends to form around the ground contour to some degree but you definately need to exercise caution they are smooth soled after all. My only issue with them is that the top cuff behind the heel flairs to the rear slightly and seems to catch small stones or debris as you walk. A short gaiter or cutting the bottom out of sock and pulling it over the moc till it forms a gaiter like covering over the open top solves the problem. I think the flair is a necessary design feature for proper fit. Seriously considering the high top version of the the Trail moc and the standard slip on moc. Craftsmanship is outstanding and sole shows no real wear just some scuffing. High quality product.
ZBONE....just to throw this out there...I've never owned any Arrow Mocs but being a K9 handler I have owned several leads and collars manufactered by them. Myself and many of my fellow handlers will not use any other leather products from other companies. Their leathercraft, tooling and leather are "top-notch"!
I'm loving mine. I wear them for general use, and for hunting when the weather is warm. There is a noticeable difference between them and hiking boots as far as quietness is concerned, but they are also pretty slippery on hills, but that makes me slow down and probably is better for hunting anyway. They should last for many hunting trips.
ZBone, I got my Lace Boots the first week of July and wear them every day. What you read about wearing wool is my same findings. Cotton makes you sweat and bunch around the top of your foot. I live in Louisiana and we know a thing about heat and humidity. I wear them from can to can't on the weekends and everyday when I get in from work on weekdays. Nothing negative, nothing.
If you wear them for any period of time on a hard surface say concrete or asphalt, it changes the way you stride. You will definitely not make a heel strike as you walk, more of a flat foot or slightly ball first.
I wear them on any surface, all day, including concrete with no wear. I don't drag my feet though. I have the double sole. Got them on right now at almost 11 pm. No sign of wear on the bottom.
Lots of people ask about them.
They are somewhat slick when it is wet or walking on leaves on an incline, but they are mocassins. Control your center of gravity and it will work.
I put them on with a pair of wool socks and short sleeved britches and hit the yard to work. My wife just shakes her head, no need to comment. I wear them with jeans and go to town, doesn't matter, they feel good and look good.
This is quality.
Billy
I have a pair of arrow double sole mocs. My only complaint is the odor from the leather. I have to keep them outside or my family will complain. I do admit they have a strong odor and I wonder how that affects game? I am amazed how much I like them for hiking.
All,
I have the three eyed boot. One issue only. Between the heel and the top of the boot there is an area of the boot that dents in to catch the top of your heel. That is a little to tight for me. I guess I have a fat ankles. Over the day, it irritates me. Other then that, I can tolerate the smell, they look good, I can feel the ground, I have changed the way I walk and I would buy another pair if I could.
I only wear them with wool socks. Cotton socks feel awful and bunch up.
I was thinking about purchasing wool insoles. They would need to be very thin. Does anyone have a recommendation? I am finding that I need a little insulation on bottom. I had to stand on some cool concrete the other night and my feet were freezing!!!
All in all, I really like them.
Martin
I know this tread is an old one but, I had to post on it. I just received a pair of Arrow double sole lace boots and love them! They are everything that you folks said that they are and more. Plus they are made right here in my home state of Massachusetts!
When I called to place an order I expected to have to wait 4 to 6 weeks. But I got luckey and they had my size in stock. I placed my order on Monday and they were on my door step the very next day. Paul the owner of Arrow was great to deal with and very helpful.
I will most likely use them around the house and for early fall squirrel season. But I wouldn't hesitate to put them to more of a test because they are made that good. I may even order another pair of their canoe moc's for the summer.
If anyone is looking for a great pair of moccasin, these babys are the real deal and worth checking out. Glen
If everybody liked Arrow Mocs as well as I do Paul would probably be so far behind in his orders that you could never get a pair. They are definitely one of the best kept secrets in footwear.
I have 2 pair of the double sole lace boots and a pair of the mukluks. I wear the lace boots for everything: work, hunting, casual, church, shopping. I went on a back-pack elk hunt last fall wearing my mocs and I use them for work every day - I'm a surveyor. When the weather is wet I slip on a pair of stretchy rubber overshoes and I have a higher top pair of Neos overshoes for when it snows. Most of the time, though, if the ground is just damp or slightly muddy, they're fine as is.
I treat them frequently with either Obenauf's or Ray Holes "Dri-Boot". I have one pair 1/2 size larger than the other so I can wear thicker wool socks in colder weather. The leather is thick and tough, but it is still soft enough to conform to your feet, which is why they are so comfortable out of the box. They need no breaking in, but they just fit better and better the more they are worn.
Traction is remarkable considering the smooth soles. Steep grassy, hillsides and snow are the worst, but if you are carefull and take your time you can maneuver in some pretty rough terrain.
I think I need to order another pair - just in case.
Funny story, every year for the last eigthteen years either my wife or her mom has given me a new pair of moccasins for Christmas.
Well this year they didn't and I'm glad becase I never would have bought the arrows for myself. Although I always appreciated the gifts they never lasted more than a year. I won't have to worry about replacing this pair anytime soon. I can't wait to go for a hike with them.
Truly a great value.
Still loving mine.
Martin
I just ordered my second pair. Double sole Lace boot. I love em.
CTT
Love mine, it took me a about a week to stretch them out. I used the ice trick. Next pair I will order a half size up. Great moc's!
Whats the Ice trick??
Chuck
After all the foot pain associated with wearing undersized moccasins for a week, apply ice to help relieve the soreness. :p Sorry -- just kidding. I couldn't resist!
I have a pair of the Arrows, and they are exceptionally well made. You don't see that kind of quality in footwear much anymore.
Allan
Hi Chuck, I ordered my moccasins true to size but the toe part of mine were a little too tight for my liking (too narrow). So I took a small plastic sandwich bag and filled it up 1/2 way with water and took the air out of it and double bagged it. Then I stuffed the bag with water into the toe area and put it into the freezer, toe down heel up. The water expands as it freezes stretching the toe area only.
I did this twice to get them where they are perfect now. It doesn't hurt them and it worked like a charm. I can't take credit for the idea I saw it online. My next pair I will probably order a half size bigger.
They would most likely stretched out in time from regular wear but I didn't want to have to use ice on my feet. Thats a good one Allan.
You either love the smell or hate it. When you open the box for the first time, it is like a new baseball glove on steroids.
GMASIUK, you will not wear these double soled mocs out in a year or two unless you drag your feet on concrete. You are walking on some seriously thick leather that is tough.
That sounds like a cool trick.
I have a pair of the Canadian bushboots
They are a tad small so I will try this Ice trick.So I can avoid the ice trick,good one.
I think the Arrow Moccs are about as good as it can get for this type of footwear.