Hi, I am new to this forum! Lately I have become very interested in moccasins, and making them comfortable. I have already made one pair and it's very nice, yet it has no application in hiking. My main goal is to get something which 'feels' the ground while also being 100% comfortable so I don't get any blisters. Equally as important, I need it to be water-resistant and not slippery. I will be hiking through pine forests, so I need something with a little ankle protection so leaves don't get in my socks. The next pair I plan on making is something like this (a great tutorial on a simple moccasin):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY12eXHxTPY&feature=player_embedded
It's a very elegant and simple design that has a lot of room for modification.
I want to add a second sole on the outside, stitched into the foot-pad area. I was wondering if I can tool the leather to give it a better grip. Or the next option (less traditional) is to put glue and sand on the bottom of the shoe.
I would prefer a traditional approach.. idk when I make something out of leather, with my bare hands, I don't want to cheat.
What do you guys suggest?