Ghillie style shoes

[DWFII]

I am wondering if anyone else (besides me) would be open to wearing a ghillie style shoe that doesn't have all the fancy broguing on it? With maybe a squarish (Jacobite?) toe.

So, it would have the open instep and the tabs for lacing of a Ghillie but otherwise it would be plain. Sort of a harkening back to an era before the piper shoe became so popular but not a ren-faire type shoe...a real shoe, made with methods traditionally used for making high end oxfords, in other words.

Would such a shoe work with a kilt? Would it appeal to kilt-wearers?

[orangehaggis]

Brogues (not Ghillie) have been worn with kilts, at least in the British Army, for quite a long time. I own a pair of MOD pipers brogues in a heavily grained black leather, as well as a pair of Loakes brogues in a smooth leather. These are what I typically wear in dressier situations, the latter being lighter and more comfortable than the former. Buckle brogues are also quite traditional. I've also worn "monk" style buckle shoes and I think they look quite good. You might also look into semi-brogues which only have a little broguing on them. I'm not sure a cap toe oxford would look quite right with a kilt.

From the manufacturer of my MOD brogues (identical, save for a thinner sole and metal hardware)
http://www.sandersshoes.com/shopping...productid=1822

Mark - Ohio

[Dirk Skene]

I'm too rough on my shoes I'd tear up Ghillies anyway.

[Bugbear]

I prefer to wear shoes with the rounded toe rather than the wingtip like the brogues and those types of shoes. Sounds kind of interesting. I think most people would prefer the other style though.

I probably don't know enough about the way shoes are constructed and so on to fully understand what you are trying to ask now that I re-read your question. Sorry.

[The Wizard of BC]

It is my impression that my customers object most strongly with the lack of a tongue and long laces. They usually like the brogueing. Many ask if a wider or square toed brogue is available or if they can get a modern, modified buckle shoe instead of the Ghillie Brogue

[billmcc]

It is my impression that my customers object most strongly with the lack of a tongue and long laces.

Yes, this has been the complaint of many kilt wearers.

[DWFII]

I was thinking about wearing something like this to a wedding in May. But they could be made as a Ghillie too. BTW, these were my first attempt at this style and they are a little too high through the quarters to be stylish (and, of course, the heel is higher than some would prefer.)

[Good Egg]

I was thinking about wearing something like this to a wedding in May. But they could be made as a Ghillie too. BTW, these were my first attempt at this style and they are a little too high through the quarters to be stylish (and, of course, the heel is higher than some would prefer.)

Sorry about this but they look rather like Mrs BuggerAll's army issue shoes, which I insisted on her binnning because they don't look sufficiently lady officer like for a lady officer.

If I saw a gentleman wearing them I would assume that he had made a mistake, because they look too womanly for a chap to be wearing.

[DWFII]

Sorry about this but they look rather like Mrs BuggerAll's army issue shoes, which I insisted on her binnning because they don't look sufficiently lady officer like for a lady officer.

If I saw a gentleman wearing them I would assume that he had made a mistake, because they look too womanly for a chap to be wearing.

If you are referring to the heel...it is almost a direct copy of a style of heel that was popular in the 19th century...sometimes referred to as "military" heel...and definitely for men.

The shoe style itself is known as a "full cut oxford" and is considered one of the more difficult styles to make...certainly the most extravagant of leather.

The cut of the shoes is admittedly a bit high and "choked"--again,as I said in the beginning...my first attempt at that style of shoe. The toe shape is reminiscent of shoes that are commanding prices in excess of $3000.00 all across Europe and the US From London to Paris to NY.

All that said, if I were to make them again (and I will) I would put them on a little lower heel and and refine the toe shape a bit. When I made these I was not even thinking kilts. Didn't even know that I had a Scots heritage.

From a shoemaker's point of view, they leave a lot to be desired but point the way to better things to come.

From a consumer's point of view...it may be as much a matter of personal taste as familiarity with quality shoes.

[berserkbishop]

I think your shoes look grand. That takes a lot of talent! I would be proud to wear them but I dont think I would pair them with a kilt.

BB