The Moccasin Seller, Krieghoff, 1846-1864 Settlers Used Moccasins and Snowshoes The first European settlers bought native shoes until they could import European-made shoes. Some settlers continued to wear moccasins informally for comfort, and for practical purposes in the wilderness. Even well into the 19th century, they would wear moccasins and use snowshoes where these types of footwear provided better protection against the elements. Continue >>