Footwear contemplation

[Derekc5555]

Hello
Traditional kilt footwear doesn't quite suit my tastes. I was researching other options when I stumbled upon Corcoran 10" jump boots.
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I really like the look of the boot, however I'm not quite sure how they will look with a kilt and black hose. I've read in a few threads that some of you wear them with your kilts, but I haven't found any pictures.

I'd like to know your thoughts on the boots or any other footwear options and what you would wear with them. If any of you have any pictures wearing them with a kilt that they'd be willing to share that would be great also.

Thanks

[IrishRebel79]

Derek,

Although I'm relatively newish to the kilt scene, I personally dig the boot look when kilted. I've marched in a parade, been in a formal wedding, officiated a wedding, and gone to concerts while kilted, and I always wear boots. Maybe it's because I don't have the thickest of calves, but I happen to think that boots look better on me when wearing a kilt than regular shoes or brogues, or maybe it's because I'm an old school punk rock fan, I haven't decided yet. Anyway, my boots are Doc Martens 1919's, and I've gotten compliments on them and the overall look every time I've gone out in them while kilted. Attached is a pic of the boots; my very first post ever in the USA Kilts section has pictures of me wearing them while kilted. I say wear what you think looks good and what you can confidently pull off!

Sláinte!
-Rob

IMG_2316.JPG

[KMCMICHAEL]

I rarely wear footwear but years ago I received a pair of Corcoran jump boots they run a little large and have a nice roomy toe box. They are a good boot. Mine were some sort of reproduction for reenactors. I think they will look good with any kilt.

[Derekc5555]

Derek,

Although I'm relatively newish to the kilt scene, I personally dig the boot look when kilted. I've marched in a parade, been in a formal wedding, officiated a wedding, and gone to concerts while kilted, and I always wear boots. Maybe it's because I don't have the thickest of calves, but I happen to think that boots look better on me when wearing a kilt than regular shoes or brogues, or maybe it's because I'm an old school punk rock fan, I haven't decided yet. Anyway, my boots are Doc Martens 1919's, and I've gotten compliments on them and the overall look every time I've gone out in them while kilted. Attached is a pic of the boots; my very first post ever in the USA Kilts section has pictures of me wearing them while kilted. I say wear what you think looks good and what you can confidently pull off!

Sláinte!
-Rob

IMG_2316.JPG

haha, I'm in the same "small calves" boat as you. My father's side of the family are all built like chickens... muscular upper body, itty bitty legs.

I've also thought about Doc Martens, but I thought the Corcorans have a more classy look rather than a more punk rock look. I also think 10" boots would look better with kilt socks, imo. Do you know if Doc Martens come in a 10" boot. I may opt for those based on price.

[Derekc5555]

I rarely wear footwear but years ago I received a pair of Corcoran jump boots they run a little large and have a nice roomy toe box. They are a good boot. Mine were some sort of reproduction for reenactors. I think they will look good with any kilt.

Good to know, thanks.

If you didn't wear footwear, did you just go around barefoot?

[Tobus]

I like the 10" Corcoran jump boots, but brown suits me better. See this previous thread where I discussed them.

Unfortunately, I never got around to taking a photo of me actually wearing them with a kilt. Dang, I guess I ought to do that some time.

[KMCMICHAEL]

Good to know, thanks.

If you didn't wear footwear, did you just go around barefoot?

I wore boots and a uniform for 30 years. Now, yes I do go barefoot 99% of th time.IMG_1023.jpg

It solves some medical issues.

I like the brown boots better.

[Derekc5555]

I wore boots and a uniform for 30 years. Now, yes I do go barefoot 99% of th time.IMG_1023.jpg

You're a lucky man! I wish I could.

[Derekc5555]

I like the 10" Corcoran jump boots, but brown suits me better. See this previous thread where I discussed them.

Unfortunately, I never got around to taking a photo of me actually wearing them with a kilt. Dang, I guess I ought to do that some time.

It was actually your thread that made me look at corcoran in the first place, so thank you.

I dont know if you're a hiker, but would you hike in them?

[Tobus]

I dont know if you're a hiker, but would you hike in them?

To be quite honest, no. I am a hiker/packpacker, and take my hiking boots pretty seriously in terms of comfort, load distribution, tread, etc. These jump boots seem well-made, but they lack the kind of soles that modern hiking boots offer. These are hard leather soles with a rubber texturized tread tacked on, and lack any sort of cushion. Plus, they just don't have any tread or grip on the bottom. If I absolutely *had* to hike in combat boots, I'd choose Vietnam-era jungle boots (in fact I have hiked in those, but it was pretty miserable compared to modern hiking boots). And I'd make sure I had a good set of inserts in them.

That's not to say I wouldn't do a brief day hike in jump boots on smooth, even trails, with no load on my back, as long as the boots were well broken-in. But for serious hiking or backpacking in rough country, I'd insist on real hiking boots. Or at least a more modern all-purpose boot with more comfortable soles and treads. My days of trying to look "cool" in the woods are long past.

Here are some photos of me hiking in Ariat roper-style boots, with canvas leggings for protection. This is about as far as I prefer to stray away from real hiking boots. To be quite honest, I don't know how those guys in WWII managed to traipse all over Europe wearing jump boots. Those were some tough fellas, for sure! I like the jump boots for casual wear whether I'm kilted or not, and while I think they'd certainly hold up just fine under hard trail use, I just know my feet and back would suffer.