Mocs, Not Crocs

Meet Manitobah: The Indigenous-rooted Canadian brand I'm completely obsessed with

Hello, Gorgeous!

Today’s coming in a bit late because life. But it’s a good one. Manitobah —the Canadian shoe brand with deep Indigenous roots— has such a beautiful and cozy collection of fall-into-winter footwear. Prettier than UGGs and with so much more soul. In fact, if possible, the brand story is even better than the artist designs.

When I found out about the brand I was excited but also a bit apprehensive of any whiff of cultural appropriation. I love native designs but worried I might look like I was cosplaying If I walked around with beaded moccasins. But I didn’t have to worry. A brand rep assured me that Manitobah is a brand created for cultural appreciation, so you don’t have to admire the designs from afar, you can make them part of your daily wardrobe or down time.

I find myself particularly obsessed with the Two Rivers collection which feature different soles on each shoe/boot. And imagine such thoughtful design that the part of the boot you step on is artistically rendered as well. Prices vary by design, and some have genuine fur while some feature faux fur. For instance Micro Mukluk boots usually run about $150, while the Tipi beaded suede moccasin slippers are about $80 and make a phenomenal hostess gift. You might be able to score some seasonal deals on their website.

Honestly? I’m just so in love with the entire line that I actually stopped a journalist colleague from heading home after an event to encourage her to see these stunning shoes in person. Here’s some info if you want to find out more about the artists.

Seasonal Artist Collaborations

Every season Manitobah announces the artists they’re partnering with to create their incredible designs. This fall their lineup includes five artists:

• Arianna Lauren (Coast Salish, Cowichan Tribes) is a hand-poked tattoo practitioner and plant medicine keeper who blends ancestral teachings with contemporary design.

• Jamie Gentry (Kwakwaka’wakw Nation) is a moccasin maker and beadwork artist who draws inspiration from the natural world.

• Ocean Kiana (Anishinaabe, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Pic Mobert First Nations) is a fashion designer who creates modern Indigenous apparel rooted in traditional floral motifs.

• Jamie Okuma (Luiseno, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki, Okinawan) is a celebrated beadwork and fashion artist whose work lives in the Met and Smithsonian collections—and who became the first Native American inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

• Lauren Good Day (Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, Plains Cree) is a multi-award-winning artist who blends beadwork, quillwork, ledger art, and fashion, with features in Vogue and The New York Times.

Incidentally, Manitobah’s mission is to build a global brand that creates positive impacts within Indigenous communities while creating stunning designs used by Indigenous people for thousands of years. Please note that because these are made in Canada, there might be shipping or tariff issues so plan your holiday shopping accordingly.

Click to find out more about their artists and philosophy. Or have a look at the Manitobah Indigenous Market where artists sell a variety of stunning crafts and decor (they can be a bit pricey but are spectacular!).

Is anyone else obsessed with Indigenous design? Let’s meet in the comments to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

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Quick note: I included some affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission, but I also throw in stuff I love just because. Prices are current at publish time.