hmm... brogues?

[Andrew Green]

Well...
on with the jonesing... now I am thinking a set of brogues would be a good addition... I have just been wearing boots, or cheap-o dress shoes with my kilts, and it doesn't really look bad... but some brogues would really be nice.

I am thinking that I could get a pair from What Price Glory. Sure, they're used, but if they are in excellent shape, it isn't as much of a concern. Price is the lowest there that I have seen.

If past experience with other military good shows me anything, they should be tough as nails. I had an old pair of combat boots that my father gave me. He wore them before I did, and I wore them for years, including some seriously hard use (construction work, digging up utility lines, off roading, you name it, I wore them forever), and they were STILL in one piece when I outgrew them.

Anyone ever get a set of brogues from WPG? They are within my budget range, and I should be able to fit a size 12 UK (size 13 U.S.). If they come with a heavy coat of polish, then a little elbow work should get them looking nice again.

Anyone have any other sources for durable brogues, within a $50-$100 price range? I am thinking WPG cause I am buying a kilt and some hose from there within a week's time, so if that is the case, I might as well spring for the shoes at the same time. I am even curious as to my chest size, as the wool cutaway jackets would make a warm addition to the kilt for the colder months.

Any input is appreciated, as always.

[switchblade5984]

do ya ave a link?

[Blu (Ontario)]

I presume you're taking about ghillie brogues - long laces wrapped cris-cross up the ankles. I guess everyone is different, but I prefer to buy my shoes, like my underwear, new. The ghillies I bought were made in Scotland and, because they were part of a package deal, cost me only $99.

In actual use, I now wear them only for formal wear... weddings, and such. My standard black leather brogues are fine for restaurants, or other less formal venues.

.

[Andrew Green]

The website is www.whatpriceglory.com
The brogues can be found in the Brittish militaria group, and then under the Scottish heading:
http://www.whatpriceglory.com/scot.htm
just scroll down a bit 'til you hit the description.

I am not so opposed to getting a pair of used shoes, as long as they've been cleaned/disinfected and what not... I mean, people rent bowling shoes all the time without a second thought. In theory they should be an economical and durable solution to the issue of expensive brogues. I have yet to ferret out all sources for borgues, and probably never could in my lifetime... but even the economy stuff is like $75 dollars a pair, good brogues I have seen starting at about $120 U.S. and on up from there, depending on who makes it. There are some I am eyeballing from the Tartan Museum, but are a higher priced pair of Glenfinnans...which are very nice, but I am going to save to get those... not as easy on the pocket as a $50 pair for the moment. I have also found shoes from Barkertown Sutlers (check spelling), that seem to be fairly historic, but do not have right or left foot styling... which I *think* is historically accurate, and might make a good pair for re-enactment... price falls around $80-$100 if I recall. There are options out there, these just seem like the easiest for the time being, and could provide a number of years worth of service at a faction of the cost for other shoes.

Durability is a factor with me, as I seem to be really hard on shoes. I have had a pair of motorcycle boots for about 2 years now, and I put 12,000 miles on them in a year (all weather types... I rode year round). They could use some minor repair now, like new outsoles, and some minor leatherwork on the buckles. They were a really good value at the time as well.

[O'Neille]

I've seen them for less than $100 new and as low as $50 with composite soles. Here is a pair in US size 13 (UK 12) from a reputable dealer, that many of us have purchased tartan from, and he ships quickly too. http://cgi.ebay.com/Ghillie-Brogues-...QQcmdZViewItem

Mine all have leather soles but sometimes I wish I had composite when it is raining or over 90 degrees out. I have a lot of dress shoes with composite soles and wear them in cruddy weather. If I were to have only one pair I'd probably go with the composite soles for all conditions. O'Neille

[Andrew Green]

Thanks O'Neille,
I sent some questions to the seller, asking about shipping and what not.

*I REALLY despise typos. I try to type faster, and I bugger the whole lot.
Sorry about mispelling your name O'Neille!

[Tattoo Bradley]

I've been looking at a pair from him. I'd definately go with the composite if you're only going one pair.

[Planopiper]

The What Price Glory site doesn't say ghillie brogues, just brogues, but it does say formal, so it's hard to be certain. Keep in mind that ghillie brogues really are for formal wear. Pipers wear them for the same reason waiters at nice resturants wear tuxes. I never wear mine if I'm not playing, except for dress occasions. Whatever shoes you would normally wear in any situation will work as well with a kilt.

[Andrew Green]

Planopiper:
It does, you are correct. On the same hand, it would be nice to have a set of dress-ier shoes to go with my kilts. Formal wear... yeah I know... but I would likely wear them with my kilts whenever I had the desire, or need to dress a little sharper... and since a cleaner, and slightly more professional look is always appreciated at one of my jobs, they might not be too out of place there. Of course, a set of Dr. Martin's boots, witha neutral coloured hose would likely look just as sharp.
I do want to get a pair of brogues though... it would help complete an ensemble.

Hmm... Brown low top boots, khaki hose, complimenting flashes, Gordon kilt, neutral coloured shirt, sounds like a clean set up to me.

[bubba]

I believe those brogues are a standard heavy dress shoe, not a ghille brogue. On that basis a pair of wingtips would do you well if you want a dress shoe unless you're copying a uniform.