Highland Evening Shoes - Revisited

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

I have always been rather fond of HRH the Duke of Windsor's sartorial style, of which I am well aware many men are. I am especially fond of the manner in which he wore Highland dress, more specifically, his footwear worn with his Highland evening attire. I really like the slip-on style of shoe, complete with silver buckles attached and worn with diced, or Argyll style tartan hose. I do currently own a pair of formal pumps from Brooks Brothers in black patent leather and a grosgrain ribbon on each toe; however, I now typically reserve their wear for occasions when I am wearing a tuxedo, as I have grown to dislike the look of the extremely thin sole and heel with my Highland evening attire - the proportions just look off to my eye – and they look far better with trousers, versus thick kilt hose.

I am seeking the advice of the great rabble, since I realise that some of you actually wear the slip-on style with your Highland evening attire (Sandy (JSFMACLJR) immediately comes to mind). I have been perusing online, looking at various styles and brands of slip-ons and I found a pair that I really do like. They are from Loake, which is my preferred shoemaker of choice for all of my footwear that I wear with my Highland day attire. These particular slip-ons are a premium saddle loafer shoe, made in England with Goodyear welted leather soles, fully lined in leather and have leather insoles.

As you can see from the photos, the sole and heel of the shoes are not too terribly thin, nor are they disgustingly thick, which to me is entirely unsuitable for evening wear. Would this style of shoe work well with Highland evening attire, once silver buckles are attached near the tongue of the shoe, covering the middle (penny) area? Does the loafer’s style of stitching, granted, not as prominent and exaggerated as in other shoes of a similar loafer style, detract from the overall aesthetic of the shoe as it pertains to evening attire? Whereas I do like the bar and buckle look of the so-called, "Mary Jane" Highland evening brogues, I'm looking for something a wee bit different, yet also traditional. I am curious what the rabble thinks, also I should make it known that I am not completely sold on these shoes from Loake. As always, your advice and suggestions are appreciated.

Loake 'Embankment' Slip-ons








HRH the Duke of Windsor's shoe collection (I'm completely envious!). Note - HRH's Highland evening shoes can be seen to the far right - can't miss them!


Cheers,

[StevieR]

Kyle,

Well I think a slip on shoe of that type would look just fine with evening wear. I don't know if you are familiar with Sanders Shoes? http://sanders-uk.com I acquired a pair of Braemar's from their "Uniform" range very recently, for daywear and they are made to a very high standard. The have an extensive selection and you might find something to suit?

For example:

3e38ccf546afd954ebdcbb3babe30c4e06138c8a.jpg 694e9b67902e5231d919fcfb410384db847b9441.jpg
The Vienna The Blackwall

[Llama]

Kyle,

I'm not sure if it's the lighting on the photos, and I've never held these shoes in hand, but these look like a softer leather that might not take to a high-gloss shine that you might desire for formal evening wear. Usually it seems penny loafers (and loafers of other sorts) are made from soft leather and are a little more casual.

Could you make it work? Of course. But you seem the sort of bloke who wouldn't be satisfied by just "good-enough".

[O'Searcaigh]

My evening-dress shoes are a pair of Stacy Adams slip on brogues with silver buckles. I simply took off the tassels and replaced them with silver buckles. A good comfortable very dressy solution without breaking the bank.

[Pipersson]

Hello All!

I really like the look of a plain english loafer if no buckle is required.
So for dress day occasions or informal evening occasions I find them quite appropriate.
Much better than a plain Oxford.
An alternative might be a brogued or non brogued monkstrap.
For a real dress occasion I prefer a strap and buckle brogue.

Tom

[Nathan]

I chose the loafer with buckle option over the Mary Jane bar and buckle. It just suited my style more. As long as the leather can take a high gloss shine, I say you're in business.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks for your remarks thus far, gents. Steve, I have heard of Sanders, yet I completely forgot about them as an option! I do prefer the slip-ons to be seamless on the toe, which is why I am slightly hesitant about the Loakes shown above. I'd like for the shoes to be as simple as possible, and the second pair of Sanders shoes you posted are indeed just that! I could easily have my cobbler attach silver buckles to where they are removable when the shoes require a proper polishing. The Blackwall's look great!

Cheers,

[artificer]

Kyle,

Well I think a slip on shoe of that type would look just fine with evening wear. I don't know if you are familiar with Sanders Shoes? http://sanders-uk.com I acquired a pair of Braemar's from their "Uniform" range very recently, for daywear and they are made to a very high standard. The have an extensive selection and you might find something to suit?

For example:
694e9b67902e5231d919fcfb410384db847b9441.jpg
The Blackwall

I just admit, these are damned fine looking shoes.

I tend to avoid slip-ons, as my gigantic duck feet either don't fit into them or they tend to be too visually light on the uppers. (which is the same reason I'd most likely never do the Mary Jane style formal shoe)- I tend to prefer a laced shoe like the Balmoral (or somewhat incorrectly- a Derby/Blucher/some Oxfords- depending on where you're shoe shopping).

These are substantial enough to look like they might actually work on my huge flappy feet. Although the sole is a 'bit' thicker than I'd prefer for formal wear.

Nice thread, Kyle. I do love hashing out the minutia of an interest!

[Downunder Kilt]

Here you go kyle, a pair of slip on dress shoes, to which I attached the buckles. Made by Bally of France, all leather construction.

[highlandy]

i always look on ebay.i have found some lovely footwear on there.i like trying alternative footwear to the traditional ghillie brogue,even evening velvet slippers.