Stealth Trackers
The Ultimate Moccasins
for Tracking, Stalking
Tactical, Earthing,
or Traditional Bowhunting
"The Stealth Tracker"

Like the Moccasins worn by Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio Del Toro in the Movie,
"The Hunted"

VISA & M/C
 credit, debit & Bank card transfers,
PayPal, Money Orders & Checks

For more information contact:

SodHoppers
141 Winston Section Rd.
Winston, OR 97496

541-679-9530
E-mail:
paul@sodhoppers.com

Medieval-Reenactment-Renaissance-SCA-LARP-NERO
Earthing-Earth Friendly-Eco Friendly-Barefoot Moccasins
Tracking-Minimalist-Motorcycle-Stage-Traditional Bowhunting-Stalking
Tactical-Police-Military-Western-Hiking-Diabetic-Hard To Fit
Mountainman-Blackpowder-Muzzleloaders-Play-Comfort-Fun!
Tracker Moccasin/Moccasins

Questions & Answers

Just clink on a topic to find Answers to common Questions

Cleaning Moccasins?     Oiling Moccasins?    “How To DVD’s” Apprentice Program?
Do I Need Two Fittings?    Lacing & Breaking In of Moccasins?   Fitting Process?
Contract/Refund Policy?    Repairs & Replacements Questions?   Guarantee?

How Do I Clean These Moccasins?

Your moccasins are made of a high quality top-grain-leather. They are designed to breathe, allowing moisture to escape. They also are designed to shed water, due to their thickness and the natural oils in the leather. When they are worn, your feet perspire, and they get dirty. They also get weathered by the sun, heat, rain, wind and dirt. Your feet give off toxins and salt as they perspire, which builds up in the leather, and with the heat and moisture of your feet, start the rotting process. If unattended, in time they will become dry and crack or split, usually in the toe box region. To get the longest and most comfortable wear out of these moccasins, they need to be clean, oiled, and free of the toxins and salt buildup. If maintained properly, they should give you 10 - 20 years of wear. I recommend washing them a least a couple times a year, if you wear them for any appreciable time throughout the year. If you wear them most every day, they will need more washings. If your feet perspire more than average, again, they will need more washings.

They are designed to be hand washable, inside and out. They can also be spot cleaned on the outside as well. Remove the insoles and completely submerge them in a tub of lukewarm soapy water. It is important to use a non detergent agent, such as Woolite or Ivory Soap. Once they are completely saturated, lightly scrub with a wash cloth. The most important area is to get the inside toe box area. The idea is to rid the dirt and dust, but mainly to remove the toxins and salts that permeate the leather from the inside out. They need to be rinsed well to remove all the soap and then air dried in a warm area out of direct sunlight. I recommend placing a broom handle in them and hanging them upside down. It will take about 3 days for them to dry completely. Another excellent method is to use a boot dryer, which provides a low heat.

A simpler method is the Washing Machine, which will do a better job most likely! Again using Woolite or a non-detergent soap, on gentle cycle, with warm water. Be aware that colors can run, and they should be washed separately from other articles of clothing. Remove the insoles and wash by hand. Drying is the same as when hand washing.

If you just want to clean a spot or get the dirt or dust off the exterior only, they can be wiped with a washcloth with water, no soap. Leather will darken and leave a ring around and moistened area once it dries. To avoid this, after washing the area in need, slightly dampen the whole exterior with the damp washcloth - just enough to slightly darken the leather. This technique can also be used if they are dry and have a spot ring. Go over the whole Moc with a damp cloth, once dry the spot ring will be gone.

Proper Storage:

Proper storage is very important. If they are placed in a bag or box after perspiring in them, especially if they are well oiled, they won't be able to breath or rid themselves of the moisture. This will cause them to mildew, and will destroy them in a very short time. So, don't throw them in the bottom of your closet, or stuff them somewhere in the garage etc. The best thing to do is hang them up to air dry in a cool-to-warm place, out of direct sunlight.

How do I oil these Moccasins?

When you first get the new Mocs, there is no need to do anything to them but break them in. See: “Lacing & Breaking In of Moccasins.” After a bit of use, they will loose a bit of their natural luster, especially in extreme weather conditions. They will need a bit of conditioning. If they are dirty and in need of washing, do that first, and wait till dry.

They should be clean and dry to start. Any good leather dressing that adds oils back into the leather will work. The oils in the dressing will darken the leather. Once dry, the natural color will still be slightly darkened. I do not recommend any product that has any silicone, such as Snow Seal. Silicone will seal the leather so that it will no longer breath, and will dry the leather and cause it to crack. I also don't recommend Saddle Soap, which is more of a cleaner than a conditioner. I sell a leather dressing which I have found to be unequaled by anything I have found on the market, it's called "Montana Pitch Blend" and can be purchased on the Order Page in the Accessories section. It is a unique blend of pine pitch, mink oil, and beeswax. Follow the leather dressing directions. Generally I recommend putting on a small amount and rubbing it in while wearing them till the oil soaks in well. You will want to avoid getting them dusty or dirty till the oils have been absorbed. If you get too much on, wait a while and wipe off the excess. Heating them will also help absorb the oils. Remember, they don't usually need much!

Montana Pitch Blend's directions are as follows: Apply with hand or soft cloth. Melt wax with hair dryer or place in warm area until dressing is absorbed. Repeat with second coat.

One more note about general moccasin care, when off your feet, store in an area where they can breath. If they are thrown in a closet after use, they will start to mold because of the moisture in them.

The “How To DVD’s & Manual" Apprentice Program”comes with 4 DVD’s with over 5 hours of video that takes you through the complete construction of a pair of kneehigh moccasins from the cast to the finished boot. It is comparable to an Apprentice Program, short of hands on training with a personal instructor. I instruct you in all aspects of the process as we go through each step. No step is excluded. All steps are well covered.

The steps in the process include: The Cast, Patterns, Leather Types, Tools & Materials, Cutting, Gluing & Sewing Leather, Soling, Buttons, and Finish Work.

In the “How To Manual” you will be able to read over the process, and more importantly, there are 60 photos of the moccasin making process to use as a visual guide while making your first few pair of boots. You will also have an extremely valuable Resource Guide in the back with Names, Addresses and Phone Numbers of Suppliers of all the needed Tools, Equipment, and Materials needed for completing the process, including leather, buttons, soles etc.

If you have ever wanted to make your own Moccasins/Boots, or go into business for yourself, you can with this "How To DVD’s & Manual" Apprentice Program.  If you are willing to apply yourself to the instruction as presented in this video, in a short time you could be making some fine custom footwear for yourself and others.

I would not try to mislead you, making this style of custom boot is hard work! It is also very rewarding work. When I am able to make a pair of custom fitted boots for someone with hard to fit feet, their joy to finally have a pair of boots that are comfortable to wear, is my reward. I have been able to make a comfortable living at this trade as well, and plan to continue making boots well into my retirement years.

This video is not professionally produced, you are purchasing my expertise and training in boot making, not my skills in cinematography. You are also purchasing Ongoing Consultation Support via e-mail or phone.

The New Digitally Produced DVD’s are much easier to navigate through and review the chapters, making the How To Video an even greater value and apprenticeship tool.

Do I need Two Fittings?

This is fairly easy to determine when you compare the tracings you will make. You will be instructed to trace both feet on paper that when held up together to a light will reveal any differences in length or width in the sole of both feet. You are then instructed to cast the larger or longer foot. You will need to do casts of both feet if you choose to have two separate patterns made.

You may want to consider two fittings if: 1. There is more than a 1/3" (one standard shoe size) difference in length. 2. There is a difference in width in the toe box area or the heel.

You should have two fittings if: 1. You have differences in more than one area of either foot. 2. One foot is longer and the other is wider.

If a pair of boots is ordered using only one fitting for the final pattern and there is a major difference, such as noted above, there will be excess room in one or both boots in these areas. This will allow the foot to slide around and can cause discomfort or blistering. The additional cost is $30 and well worth it if needed. If there is only a slight difference in only one area of length or width, this is not needed. Some people choose to do this regardless, because they don't want any excess room in the smaller foot. The boots will be slightly different in shape as well, and some people choose to have only one cast because they want both boots to have the same shape. I can't make this choice for you, I can only give you my recommendations.

Lacing & Breaking In of Moccasins?

It is crucial that you lace moccasins right, and break them in correctly.

When you receive your new moccasins they are already laced properly. The lacing process always starts by pulling the lace from the top of each tab tightly (not pulling around the button), and wrapping it over and around the top of the button above it. The lace will cross over and form an "X" between each button and tab (not a ladder).

The process for tying the slip knot at the top is not too unlike that used on your regular shoes, but with only one lace! The drawing shows a simple slip knot. Start just like the example, pulling at the top of the tab and going over the top and around the button, then form a loop and tuck it behind and through the hole, pulling the loop tight up to the button.

It is crucial that you lace moccasins right, and break them in correctly.

When you put your new moccasins on for the first time make sure the inserts are tucked under the inside seam all the way around the moccasins. Your feet need to be clean, dry, and bare, no socks of any kind. This is very important! If after breaking them in for a few days you decide you need socks, fine, although I don't suggest this, as your moccasins breath on their own and wick away the moisture from your feet without socks, and you won't tend to slide around in them as much either. Pull from the front of the moccasin, place the front of your foot on the floor, with your heel in the air, and wiggle your toes up to the front till your toes are touching the end. If you do not, Heel Bag will possibly take place requiring a costly repair. Also, you must lace them tightly, especially at the bottom to keep your feet placed forward in the moccasins to create a proper memory in the leather and stretch the right areas. You may feel uncomfortably cramped in them for a brief time, but if pain is encountered, take them off and stretch with a rounded stick, like a broom handle, and/or jam a golf ball into the big toe area for a few days. You may also have to remove the insoles and repeat the breaking in process. Once a proper fit and stretch has been established, Heel Bag should not be near the potential problem. The diagram below shows what Heel Bag look like and improper placement of foot in moccasin. It is very important to move the feet all the way to the front of the moccasins!

What is the Fitting Process?

You might wonder what makes these so special or different, and what is the fitting process. Most of the shoe industry uses a hard molded last of a standard foot shape which is then used to create a shoe out of a hardened and molded material to remain close to that shape with wear. This assumes that your foot is similar to the shape of a standard last, most feet can accommodate these with a pretty good degree of comfort and satisfaction. For those with two different shaped feet, or for those who have any extremes in their foot shape or size, a custom fit shoe is necessary to achieve any degree of comfort.

I custom fit these boots to your feet by means of a soft last cast pattern of your exact foot and leg shape, so if you desire a different toe area shape you will need to let me know.  This is done by means of a casting video which is sent to you when you order. It takes you through the complete process of making this cast, which is made out of strips of duct tape placed over a sock.

I use this cast, along with tracings of both feet to make the final pattern used in the construction of your custom fit boots. I mail out the pattern with the boots to you. When you want more boots, simply order and return the pattern. I can also use this pattern to make any changes that might be needed, or for making new insoles, resoling, or different height boots.

What is the Contract/Refund Policy?

A contract is established between you the customer, and SodHoppers, once moneys have exchanged hands in expectation for goods - moccasins. This contract binds me, SodHoppers, to make you the customer, a custom pair of moccasins as written on your order form/receipt, in a timely manner, usually within 3 weeks of my receiving your cast and payment in full. Orders can be changed at any time prior to the actual start of the order.

I do not make cancellations or refunds.

Once a contract has been made by placing an order, and making a deposit, customers have one year to complete their end of the contract, to pay in full and to get their cast and Casting DVD back to me. If this period lapses without completion of payment in full, or return of the cast and video, the contract is voided and all payments are forfeited. Orders that have been placed, paid for, and are not acted upon within one year from the date of order, are considered in default of contract. SodHoppers is under no obligation after this one year time period has elapsed.

SodHoppers Guarantees all it's moccasins for a period of one year, as stated in the Guarantee section below. I stand by all my work. I do not however offer a refund. If you are not satisfied with your moccasins in any way, I will do most anything reasonable to try and make you a happy customer. My business survives on good customer relations. Please read the customer comments section to see how other's feel about SodHoppers product and customer relations.

Repairs & Replacement Questions?

If a repair or replacement becomes necessary after the guarantee has expired, I will gladly do either for you at a cost that represents the materials and time of labor. My minimum charge for repairs is $35.

How much does it cost for resoling & can I change to a different sole?

Resoling costs $50 plus the the cost of the sole and shipping both ways. You can choose any sole you want, with one exception. If you have a Goop sole and want a different one, it will cost you $150, plus the shipping. This is because I have to take them completely apart and make a whole new bottom piece for them before I can attach a different sole to them. The same procedure and charges apply to a change from a standard sole to a Goop sole, or if I have to replace the complete bottoms and sole.

How can I get a broken button replaced?

That is a simple matter of notifying me. I will mail out standard buttons, at $2ea. or whatever the optional buttons cost, plus shipping. I will include a free needle, waxed string, and written & visual instructions for you to make this easy repair at home.

Can I have arches added, or taken out, how about new insoles?

Arches are $10 if ordered with the Mocs. They can not be added later, I would have to make you a new pair of insoles, at the cost of $30, with arches the cost is $40. If you have insoles with arches and you want to remove them, it is fairly easy. They are only glued in and stitched around the outside, just rip them out. You may choose to re-glue the unattached area and trim off the excess felt.

How do I re-Goop my soles, can you do this for me?

I sell the Goop mixture for $37 a jar, shipping is included, it comes with the necessary instructions, available on the Order Page in the Accessories section. Spread on over a clean and oil free surface with a pallet or kitchen dinnerware knife in thin layers, allowing one hour drying time between layers. Allow several days to cure, or until they no longer smell like glue. To remove excess glue and Goop from knife or on leather, wait till dry and rub off.

If you choose to have me do them, the cost is dependent on the need and time to do the job, usually about $35 plus shipping costs.

My Goop soles are coming detached along the outside seams, help!

This is a normal occurrence with the Goop sole, especially new boots. Wait till the process has taken place along most of the outside seam area, then it can be trimmed with a pair of scissors, and re-Gooped along these areas. The reason to do this is because they will allow moisture in along this exposed seam, and dirt can get trapped there which will wear away the threads that hole the seam together.

If you seem to be walking off your heels or rolling off the front, what can be done?

This is do to the nature of the Moccasin and a tendency of certain people's feet to pronate out or supinate inward when walking. When the tracings and cast are done, walking tendency is not taken into account, nor is it in any other footwear. The difference between this style of footwear and any other is that it is made out of a pliable top-grain-leather, which as in all true moccasins, gives you the ultimate in comfort, especially when custom fit, but also allows the foots tendencies to determine their path and therefore, their final shape after being broke in and stretched. Most other footwear is made from a last of a standard foot shape and are made of harder materials which are molded over these lasts. Standard shoes most often come with a stiffened heel counter to hinder individuals from walking off the heels. They might even incorporate some strengthening in the front area as well. Moccasins do not have this, and because they are sewn inside out and then turned, it is impossible to sew something like this in. There are tradeoffs to anything, in this case the trade off is choosing the ultimate in fit and comfort of a custom moccasin, verses a one size fits all standard hardened and molded shoe.

There is no perfect fix to this problem. For those who tend to walk off the heels, I recommend placing an insole with a well fit cupped heel in place of the standard one. This will help hold the heel in place.

The term I use for the experience of walking off the heels is, Heel Bag. This can be experienced by some who are heavy, or their natural gait (the tendency to walk on the inside or outside of their feet or heels), or by improper wearing. Proper wearing can be addressed. One of the important things to remember when wearing moccasins is that they are made of top-grain-leather, which is supple enough to allow your feet to move where they want. This being said, it is important to discontinue wearing them if they become soaking wet, because they will over stretch, often causing you feet to slide back over the heel. Another very important thing to consider is proper break in and lacing of moccasins. Lacing & Breaking In of Moccasins.

What is SodHoppers Guarantee?

SodHoppers Guarantees that your moccasins will fit and be custom made to your order. I also guarantee all my work, materials, and craftsmanship to stand up for a period of one full year. If anything goes wrong with them in that period of time, outside of neglect or abuse, notify me. I will make any necessary repairs or replacements free of charge. All I ask in return is that you follow my instructions when making your cast and be willing to incur the shipping cost to me. I will in turn make the repairs ASAP and pay the shipping back to you. This is usually handled within 2 weeks of the time I receive your moccasins.

I stand by all my work. I do not however offer a refund. If you are not satisfied with your moccasins in any way, I will do most anything to try and make you a happy customer. My business survives on good customer relations. Please read the customer comments section to see how other's feel about SodHoppers product and customer relations.

The longevity of these top-grain-buffalo & elk moccasins depend on their upkeep. With proper care, they should give you 10 - 20 years of comfortable wear. Refer to the Care Instructions.