Mohop Shoes

One Pair of Shoes That Can Be Worn A Hundred Ways

“I believe that I’m the only person in the world who is making hand-bent wooden sandals,” says Annie Mohaupt, designer and producer of some of the most unique shoes that ever stepped onto the Chicago scene.

“I didn’t realize this for a long time because the idea of making sandals from bent plywood didn’t seem that unusual to me.”   


Mohop shoes are unusual in more than one way. The wooden base has elastic loops, through which the wearer threads her choice of ribbons. “The elastic makes the shoes very comfortable, allowing the top of the shoe to move with the foot without chafing. And the best part is the wearer can change the ribbons to match her mood and personal style!”  

Annie began creating her unique footwear at the behest of her friend Susanna, a jewelry designer with a booth at Chicago's September 2005 Renegade Craft Fair. “She encouraged me to share a booth with her. I had always thought that it would be fun to participate in a craft fair, but I really wanted to make something unique.”

Annie had always loved wooden shoes, so she decided to try and make her own. “My original concept, which came to me suddenly one evening in May 2005, was based on the idea of a skateboard, which is also screen-printed and composed of bent wood. I was thinking lady-like mini skateboards for the feet, without the ‘skate’ part.”  

The idea for the ribbon ties that hold the wooden bottom to the foot came afterwards. “I wasn’t sure how to make the tops of the shoes without using a traditional last. When the idea of the elastic loops came to me, it was a total 'Aha!' moment."

These shoes are stylish without being trendy. “Each wearer is able to create her own look just by changing the ribbons. For example, yellow is a really hot color this summer, especially for accessories, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy yellow shoes – just lace up your Mohops with yellow ribbons!”  

You don’t have to stick to the colors and styles available from Annie’s company either – just head to the ribbon section of the fabric store. If you’re feeling creative, almost anything goes. Scarves, yarn, and strips of fabric can all be used to lace up your Mohops.  

The sandal's soles are just as unique as the lacing. “Much of the hand-drawn artwork printed on the sole is adapted from my own doodles. I also incorporate images inspired by my travels – the ‘hibiscus’ pattern is derived from photos I took in Jamaica.”  

These sandals are also amazingly comfortable. “I wear them as often as I can for about 6 months out of the year – which is stretching the sandal season a bit here in Chicago! I am constantly evaluating my shoes for fit, comfort, and durability, and usually walk in them for a couple miles every day,” Annie claims. “And I don’t get blisters, ever.”  

Mohops are popular with women of all ages, especially those who are conscious of their effect on the environment. “Many of my customers appreciate specific aspects of my sandals – whether it’s a bride looking for the perfect match for her dress, a vegetarian looking for shoes that are free from animal products, or a concerned individual looking for eco-friendly footwear.”  

Then there are the trend-setters who value the work of emerging designers and want to wear the latest, most innovative styles. These fashion-forward types step easily into fresh new ideas – like "lady-like mini skateboards for the feet."  

Mohop shoes can be found at City Soles and Wolfbait & B-Girls in Chicago, and online at The Green Loop and Mohop.com.  

 

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Photos courtesy of Mohop Shoes.

SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – J. Zenn.

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Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  05/07.