Loafers and boat shoes for women

Moccasins and boat shoes are no longer the exclusive attributes of men. For over a century now, these two laceless shoes have transgressed genders and opened up to the world of women, who have made them their own with grace and naturalness.

The Besson Chaussures collection reflects these evolutions and offers a range of moccasins and “bateaux” models specially tailored for wardrobes, from classics to the most contemporary versions, imbued with the spirit of the times.

While official history traces the origins of the moccasin to the craftsmanship of North American Native tribes, the product really came into its own in the early 20th century under the decisive impetus of a Norwegian shoemaker, Nils Gregoriusoon Tveranger, who initially trained in a Boston workshop. This Scandinavian shoemaker is credited with inventing the famous tongue that holds a shoe in place.

The moccasin, the unisex shoe par excellence

In the USA, the Nordic version inspired a shoe manufacturer in Maine in the 1920s to start producing them on an industrial scale: across the Atlantic, the black leather “moc” earned a landmark nickname, loafer. It appealed to all social strata thanks to its utilitarian nature (manual workers appreciated its lightness, versatility and ease of use) and its stylistic identity and aestheticism, which the star system and soon New England academics loved, making it a staple of Ivy League or “preppy” fashion, the forerunner of today's casual chic or preppy trends.

Some of Hollywood's biggest names helped forge its legend and establish its unisex character, a universal status that led it to be worn, with equal ease, on the feet of international stars such as Cary Grant, James Dean and Paul Newman, as well as Katherine Hepburn and Grace Kelly

Moccasin streewear and even espadrilles!

With its long history and deep cultural roots, the moccasin has stood the test of time without losing its personality or prestige. Today's women know how to exploit its silhouette and image with taste, thanks to a certain creative diversification that has renewed the genre, if not betrayed it: in addition to timeless flat shoes with tongues, tassels, bangs or tassels, whose classic identity is still a sensation at work or in the evening, contemporary versions are raised on high heels (8 or 9 centimeters) or chunky wedges, a perfect compromise between elegance and modernity, tidy style and streetwear.

Besson Chaussures offers a wide range of moccasins in its online catalog, so that you can match them to any style of dress, whatever the season: this wide choice is reflected in the eclecticism of materials, patent leather, grained leather, velvet and textiles. The multiplicity of shapes and patterns opens up a wide range of uses and aesthetic possibilities: platform moccasins, flat moccasins in supple leather, moccasins on small block heels, moccasins printed with a “python” or “crocodile” motif or...moccasins with “espadrille”-style rope soles!

n this category of laceless models, Besson Chaussures also showcases another sure value, the “bateau” shoe, not as old as its cousin (its patent was filed in 1937 by an American sailor who intended the model for seagoing personnel), but recognizable by its low shaft and decorative lacing around the neckline. This symbol of preppy style (sportswear), as easy to slip on as loafers and just as androgynous as them, underlines dressy outfits with its lightness and casualness.

Versatile, boat shoes are the perfect accompaniment to casual looks and are a perfect match for a fashion style, provided you opt for a bolder, more colorful model with sequins and prints. In summer, purists like to pair them with shorts and a sailboat, a nod to their original function.