Want a PERSONAL fitting session? No problem! Up to 20% Discount when you come to us! SNOWFLAKE, AZ (928) 243-1361

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At Turtle Island Moccasins, every pair we craft begins with your story.

Founded by Richard and Bhavani Polvino in 1992, we’re a second-generation family business known for meticulous, custom-fit leather footwear — from moccasins to everyday wear, including historical reenactment boots.

We craft every pair using premium hides, sustainable off-grid practices, and time-honored techniques.

No two pairs are alike — each one built by hand, backed by years of expertise, and made to last.

Lastly, if needed I can make full custom arch supports, lifts, and orthotic cushion insoles. We have also built shoes and boots around AFO’s and KAFO’s. All custom insoles are done as removable inserts.

See Pedorthic Footwear Technology Certificates from Oklahoma State University below.

About Us

Welcome to Turtle Island Moccasins — a second-generation family of custom shoemakers with over 15,000 pairs crafted by hand for customers around the world.

Every pair is a reflection of our commitment to comfort, quality, and timeless craftsmanship.

From shoes to boots to moccasins and sandals.  We are able to produce up to a 120 pairs each year with exceptional care and detail.
 
We stand behind our work with a standard 5 year warranty on all leather uppers and a passion for sustainability. 

 

Our Customers Say...

Many of our other customers have written to us to tell us how they like our products!
Debra L. Brimhall
Debra L. BrimhallArizona House of Representatives
"Thank you for the beautiful knee high leather moccasins that you hand crafted and designed for me to match my "Zena" theme outfit. They are an awesome, incredible fit and have a wonderful look with the outfit. I have enjoyed wearing these boots and thank you for the quality and workmanship that you have put into their construction. Truly, you offer a special gift to the public as a family-heirloom of original creation for custom-fit quality, moccasin craftsmanship. I look forward to ordering from you again soon."
Sarah Malach
Sarah Malach
"When I was 16 years old... . I was smitten by your wares, but... I did not have the cash to swing the boots. My dad, observing the quality... was so impressed by the work that he encouraged me to invest in a pair and fronted me the deposit. 16 years later, these boots are still in my regular rotation. Whenever I wear them, they remind me of the wisdom of my dad all those years ago in recognizing craftsmanship of the highest degree; they remind me of the value of a job well done, a life well-lived. Thanks for being a part of my life through your excellent work."
Jonathan Lancaster
Jonathan Lancaster
"I love my boots. My feet love my boots. For the first time since forever, I am not aware of my feet because my feet are not in pain. Life is better, Work is better, my family and love life is better because I am not in constant pain. And not only am I not in pain, they look fantastic!! Totally, absolutely worth the cost. Thank you, thank you!!!"
Marcus E.
Marcus E.Oklahoma
"I received my moccasins a few weeks ago and I just have to say the moccasins are better then I could have dreamed of. Next year, when you are at the Castle of Muskogee, I think you will have some new customers. These are, by far, the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned."
Tracey B.
Tracey B.Austin, Texas
"I made a wise investment in a pair of Turtle Island Moccasins years ago and my feet have been smiling ever since. The custom bead work turned out more beautiful than I had imagined. I am thrilled and I cannot recommend these talented artisans enough. Thanks!"
Heather
Heather
"I adore my boots! I'm on my feet most of the day and they are the only pair of shoes that help me survive the day. I feel stable & supported all day and that a wrong step won't happen; and no more twisted ankles! It still feels good coming home at night & taking them off, but me & my feet feel ready to face the next morning when I get up!
Doug
Doug
"I've literally searched for years for a pair of shoes or sandals that fit me properly. I found a shoemaker who builds custom-fitted leather boots, moccasins, sandals, etc. They are hand-made, and fit my feet exactly, so they're well worth it. Richard, the guy who makes the shoes, is a 'second generation' custom shoe, boot and moccasin maker. He really knows what he's doing. They (are) more comfortable than any sandals I'd ever worn before.I highly recommend them if you want a well-crafted, good fitting pair of anything.”
Renae K.
Renae K.
“I just wanted to let you know how much I love the moccasins you made for me. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Also, I've had people stop me on the street and tell me how nice they are. Thanks so much!”
Svanhildr
Svanhildr
"My Turtle Island boots are wonderful and exactly what I was looking for... after one day of wear they are comfortable.”
Rev. Mary G.
Rev. Mary G.
"Dude more boots! I need another pair of winter weight soft house shoed that won't slip. We won't buy anything else!. I tell you, these have made a huge difference in my walking. The summer weight boots have the right thickness for me to feel the difference in terrain, which has made my failing sight a lot less frightening. My muscular dystrophy has given me a lot less grief since I started wearing them almost '24/7'. My feet don't swell anymore, my knees don't hurt nearly as much as they did before the boots."

About Our Products

We at Turtle Island look at the crafting of leather footwear as
‘A Service to Pleasure your Feet’.

We also stand in and beside our product everyday and through thick and thin,  with a standard 5 year warranty on the leather uppers (soles not included) however we will continue to resole and refurbish your footwear until they are unable to be worked on.

Our footwear is very popular with medieval reenactors and renaissance fair performers. We have also branched out into work boots and have 7 different styles of sandals. And when needed custom orthotics. We are very picky about quality control and pride ourselves in creating each pair.

All of the footwear is crafted from tracings and castings of your feet and legs. Our footwear also includes removable cushion insoles and Vibram soles.

Button Choices

Turtle Island Moccasins offers a wide variety of custom button options to personalize your footwear

Hides

We craft our footwear primarily from premium 8–9 oz. Buffalo hide, known for its superior strength, durability, and rich texture—making it a top choice. We also use 6–7 oz, Bull hide for uppers and incorporate a variety of exotic leathers for unique, high-quality designs.

What We Include + More

All finished edges around the top edge or down the side. Choice of button strip design. Choices between scalloped, scroll, wave, or point.

Soles

'Vibram Sport Kleet' flat sole is our standard sole. We do offer more Vibram ® Sole options.

Traditional Style Boots

Knee High
Calf High
Shorties

Other Footwear

Riding Boots
Sandals
Specialty Boots
Stacked Heels

Specialty Items

Pouches & Purses
Beadwork By Bhavani
Other Items

Payments Accepted:

We accept cash, as well as payment from your Visa and Mastercard credit cards.

More information can be found on our Payment & Pricing Info page! 

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Turtle Island Moccasins

Box 2290
Snowflake, AZ 85937
(928) 243-1361
turtleislandmoccs@gmail.com

Useful Links

We accept cash, as well as payment from your Visa and Mastercard credit cards.  More information can be found on our Payment & Pricing Info page!

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