Mill City Men Shows You Eight Hot Moccasin Looks

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What’s one thing Kate Moss, Reese Witherspoon and menswear designer Matt Baldwin have in common? No, it’s not their good looks (though that’s #2), but what they’re wearing on their feet: Minnetonka Moccasins.

“Once you wear them, you’re hooked,” said Michael Dodes, founder of the blog Mill City Men, a photographic journal that captures stylish men in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The 24-year-old photographer isn’t ashamed to admit he owns nearly 30 pairs of shoes, but he said few are as comfortable, or as versatile, as his pair of Minnetonka original cowhide driving mocs. 

“They have this unique blend of styles that can go from day to night, and from casual to formal depending on your needs. For the average modern man who’s living, working and playing in any urban city, that’s what he wants,” Dodes said. “He knows he doesn’t want to carry around three pairs of shoes. The great thing about Minnetonka is that he doesn’t have to.”

The Skinny:

  • Fun Fact: Each moccasin is made by hand, so no two are identical. Some take up to 30 steps to create. 
  • Mill City Men 
  • Minneapolis, MN

Recently, Dodes took to the streets of the Twin Cities to photograph men who emulate that effortless style the Minnesota-based moccasin company is known for.

“They’re completely different guys, but they all found this common thread with Minnetonka,” Dodes said of the eight men featured in the look book.

“The comfort is the clincher I think,” said Minnetonka marketing director, Kalyn Waters. “People might like them because they’re stylish, they’ve seen them in magazines or they grew up with them, but once people own a pair they’re hooked.”

Dodes —who now owns six pairs of Minnetonka mocs — couldn’t agree more.

 

Like what you see below? Tell us which pair of moccasins you dig the most on Facebook or Twitter and you'll be entered for a chance to win your favorite pair. 

Chukka Boot

Bjorn aka Bloomer, 20, beatboxer + photographer. "My mocs are great for adventuring and exploring around Minneapolis, whether it be in a tunnel, a forest, a train track or the urban landscape."

Bjorn aka Bloomer, 20, beatboxer + photographer. "My mocs are great for adventuring and exploring around Minneapolis, whether it be in a tunnel, a forest, a train track or the urban landscape."

Street Moc

James, 34, art director. "I've lived in and loved Minnetonka mocs since I was a kid."

James, 34, art director. "I've lived in and loved Minnetonka mocs since I was a kid."

Leather Laced Softsole

Bobby, 21, artist + student. "From all-nighters to next day client meetings, my mocs are versatile when it comes time to take off the sweats and put on a blazer."

Bobby, 21, artist + student. "From all-nighters to next day client meetings, my mocs are versatile when it comes time to take off the sweats and put on a blazer."

Double Deerskin Softsole

Jeff, 50, marketing consultant. "Whenever you can combine serious comfort with style, without looking like you're trying too hard, I'm in."

Jeff, 50, marketing consultant. "Whenever you can combine serious comfort with style, without looking like you're trying too hard, I'm in."

Moosehide Driving Moc

Jordan, 28, ballad composer + musician. "My mocs are perfect for lounging at home, or a night out with the guys."

Jordan, 28, ballad composer + musician. "My mocs are perfect for lounging at home, or a night out with the guys."

Classic Moc

Justin, 34, production manager. "I grew up with Minnetonka mocs on my feet. The style, craftsmanship and comfort is unmatched."

Justin, 34, production manager. "I grew up with Minnetonka mocs on my feet. The style, craftsmanship and comfort is unmatched."

Venetian Slip-On

Thomas, 26, digital communication consultant. "My mocs are always noticed wherever I go. They're the perfect combination of classic and modern." 

Thomas, 26, digital communication consultant. "My mocs are always noticed wherever I go. They're the perfect combination of classic and modern." 

Double Bottom Fleece

Titus, 31, digital strategist + Musician for Greycoats (band). "I like how the simple, classic design doesn't sacrifice comfort. My mocs are my weekend go-to."

Titus, 31, digital strategist + Musician for Greycoats (band). "I like how the simple, classic design doesn't sacrifice comfort. My mocs are my weekend go-to."