Tabs, Heels, and Lacing - # - ShoemakerSharon's Photos

In this gallery I will explain the different parts of a moccasin and show you photos of various heels, tabs, and construction details. This section is definitely a work in progress, so check back once in awhile. Or, e-mail me if you have questions. Here is my e-mail - take out the spaces - sn or th11 (at) dc si .net

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Long laces are an option on the sandals. They are laces that criss cross up your leg. They aren't very practical, but... sometimes practical isn't what we want!
'Tabs' on a sandal are the pieces on either side of the foot that the lace goes through. Sandals are named either 'Two Tab' or 'Four Tab'.

This is a good photo of the tabs. The heel cup has the first tab as part of the shape. The Olive Green Bullhide tabs go up the leg, with the lace crisscrossing as it connects with the buttons. It is called a 'flat lace' - because the lace stays flat and never turns from leather to suede side.
The tabs are in the traditional 'triangle' shape.
I usually suggest that you do not put a design on the heel, although it is up to you. The heel is a very important part of the structure of the boot. It shouldn't be weakened by cutting into it. The heel can also be a wear point - especially if you wear your moccs while driving. The deerskin used in the appliques is not as durable as the full grain hide used in the heel and the main structure of the boot.
This pair has a top welt in rust deerskin.

This pair of boots has the tabs and heel all joined together. In fact, they join with the front button trim also. The wearer of these boots wanted a feel of joining, of flow.
I think it worked.
The solid piece up the back provides an interesting feel - kind of like a spine.

Usually the first tab is part of the heel piece. This pair of boots has a Redwood Bullhide heel with the first tab in the heel. The tabs going up the leg are Creme Bullhide.
The Natural Antler Sidecut Buttons were chosen for this pair of nine button moccasins.

This pair of knee high moccasins shows you that the tabs can be different shapes. The goal with the tabs is to create a loop for which to lace your moccasin. Usually, the first tab is involved in the shape of the heel, not a rule though.
It is a rare moment when I get to be present when folks receive their new moccasins. I love when it happens, as there is so much learning that can occur - and validation.
Note - this pair of knee highs uses the 'dart' in the back of the calf to help shape the leather around the calf.

Wowsers!
The tabs are sewn in a spiral design instead of the traditional triangles. There are raggy natural edge pieces of deerskin in various colors/shades, hanging from the tabs.
The heels are in the shape of a wave, with underlays showing the moving tides.
The full welt edging is in chocolate deerskin.

A close-up of the amazing ocean boots - the heel is cut in the wave design, with the heel leather continueing on the inside of the foot, to crash on to the sand. The water movement is implied with the deerskin layered to show different waves undulating on the sea.The raggy tabs, sewn in a spiral, are hanging down like a storm.

Cassidy's Leaf design is cut and sewn into the inside of the heels. The triangle shape tabs are shown well here, done in black on tobacco buffalo.

Cassidy's leaf trim on the heel - both in the cut design, and then embroidered. Love it!

Long laces are an option on the sandals. They are laces that criss cross up your leg. They aren't very practical, but... sometimes practical isn't what we want!
'Tabs' on a sandal are the pieces on either side of the foot that the lace goes through. Sandals are named either 'Two Tab' or 'Four Tab'.