basic brogues

[NewEnglander]

Hi all-
It's been a while since I've had a chance to post here (planning a wedding, starting up graduate school, etc tend to take up quite a bit of time), but I hope all are well. My formerly trusty kilt shoes (a pair of simple low, brown leather boots) have split a seam and I need to find a replacement. I'm considering a pair of brogues of some sort. NOT the fancy ghillies with the high laces, but something that would be as functional and appropriate out at the pub as over to ma's place for Sunday dinner.
I'm heading up to VT soon for a beer weekend and often wear a kilt for most of the time and would love to get a new pair of shoes in before I head north.
yers aye,
-Eric-

[Ruanaidh]

These are my favorite about town shoes.
http://www.onlineshoes.com/mens-nunn...her-p_id144691

[Bagpipes48]

I'm with you Ruanaidh, a good looking pair of wingtips will work just fine and compliment the kilt.

[Tobus]

Are you going to replace your brown boots with brown brogues, or black ones?

[NewEnglander]

Brown. I like brown leathers for more casual wear. I have some black loafers for more formal occasions.

I'm considering: http://www.zappos.com/product/7829569/color/154053
or
http://www.zappos.com/product/7850983/color/311451

[mookien]

Of the two, I prefer the Nunn Bush. I like the simple style and the Vibram-like lug soles. Whatever you decide, good luck.

[Jock Scot]

I am just wondering, if the soles of the "brogues" that you are thinking of getting are a bit too rustic? Why I ask is this, do you really need 4WD type soles for the needs you have in mind? If you do, then fine, but I do wonder if a slimmer sole with a finer tread might be more versitile and therefore more suitable? Just a thought?

[Tobus]

I am just wondering, if the soles of the "brogues" that you are thinking of getting are a bit too rustic? Why I ask is this, do you really need 4WD type soles for the needs you have in mind? If you do, then fine, but I do wonder if a slimmer sole with a finer tread might be more versitile and therefore more suitable? Just a thought?

I find myself trending more towards Jock's thoughts on this lately. I used to like the look of a chunky sole with thick boot treads. But over time, I started to see it as out-of-proportion with a kilt.

Of course, if you're going to be wearing these in snow, ice, and other environments where such a sole is called for, then obviously you should make the practical decision.

But if it were me, looking for a standard pair of brown brogues that would work for everything from the pub to dinner at my mother's house, I'd probably stick with something that's just a tad dressier. Being brown, they'll look casual anyway, but going with a more dressy style of shoe can help them fit in for occasions where you'll want to look nice without going "dressy" per se.

That said, I have a pair of fairly inexpensive Rockport Almartin shoes which I find to be very comfortable, and suitable for everything from office attire to casual events like Highland Games. Would I wear them through mud or snow? Well, no. But snow is not a concern where I live anyway! Anyway, I think they are a great pair of knock-about shoes, though I wouldn't necessarily want to get them too wet or dirty.

The proportion is right with a kilt, in my opinion. (I'm wearing short spats over them in one picture below, but you get the idea.)

[Oddern]

The Florsheim Gaffney boots are just the type of shoe I'm looking for now that winter is just around the corner with lots of snow and ice. If you don't live in a winterly place, I agree with Jock, I would go for a slimmer sole.
Skål!

[NewEnglander]

Thanks for all the input and advice, gentlemen. It certainly does get wintery up here in New England -- it started last weekend! I'm lucky to have power!