Shoe advice? Any help would be appreciated!

[NeighborhoodKiltGuy]

Hello to all. Have not acquired my first kilt yet, but I'm trying to build an outfit that will work well for daywear at my college and about the town. I've got a plain black sporran, sporran strap, and kilt belt (all black, yes), and am planning to wear polos most of the time (black or white, maybe gray as well, nothing overly busy or flashy) with regular calf-high socks until i get actual good hose. The main quandary I've run into is: what shoes would complement the kilt best, as a day-in-day-out option? My initial thoughts were semi-brogues, since they are what many of you wear for daywear. My only complaint with those is that I am not sure about the leather sole, as I wouldn't want to slip when walking on carpet or wet surfaces. I've also looked at hiking boots, or Dr Martens, but those strike me as a bit too... bulky, I guess? I have also considered just getting black sneakers, but haven't thought too much about that.

The reason I got black for my sporran, belt, etc is because I figured it would have more versatility than brown, and it would match my tartan (Irish Heritage) better. If you guys have any advice, or want to correct things, etc, I'm all ears. Thanks!

[Steve Ashton]

Just one guys personal opinion -

I dislike the ubiquitous Ghillie Brogues. To me the tongue in shoes is to protect the top of the foot from the laces digging in.

So I wear normal Brogues. What in N. America are called "Wing tips". I prefer the wider, rounder toe found in the older style.



And now a bit of trivia -
If the bottom of the laces are closed as in the photo above the shoe is called an Oxford style.

If the bottom of the laces are open it is called a Blucher style.



You do not have to have smooth leather soles. Many shoe makers offer a rubber insert on a leather sole. I know that Allen Edmonds, my shoe maker, does.

[KMCMICHAEL]

Just one guys personal opinion -

I dislike the ubiquitous Ghillie Brogues. To me the tongue in shoes is to protect the top of the foot from the laces digging in.

So I wear normal Brogues. What in N. America are called "Wing tips". I prefer the wider, rounder toe found in the older style.



And now a bit of trivia -
If the bottom of the laces are closed as in the photo above the shoe is called an Oxford style.

If the bottom of the laces are open it is called a Blucher style.



You do not have to have smooth leather soles. Many shoe makers offer a rubber insert on a leather sole. I know that Allen Edmonds, my shoe maker, does.

Allen Edmonds has numerous sales throughout the year and 2nds are at times available. Their rubber soles are referred to as danite(sp?) they also make a boot like this if one is in bad weather.

I am unable to post pictures but they have a website. These shoes will last a long time.

[Macman]

I think for the level of formality you're shooting for, you have lots of choice in footwear. I wear suede shoes a lot for casual wear, as well as ones that look the ones Steve posted. Just one piece of advice on the hose - I don't think calf length looks very good, especially when you've got everything else covered and you're going to have a nice casual look. I would get a pair of kilt hose, even inexpensive ones, rather wear regular socks.

[Bruce Scott]

You do not have to have smooth leather soles. Many shoe makers offer a rubber insert on a leather sole. I know that Allen Edmonds, my shoe maker, does.

And there are many that come with a full rubber sole, like these:





https://www.google.com/search?q=rubb...w=1920&bih=952

[KMCMICHAEL]

Those are Dainite soles. Pleas read my prior post regarding Allen Edmonds.

[NeighborhoodKiltGuy]

Brogues like what Steve posted are my preferred option, I don't have the money for that at the moment, so I may look at cheaper options nearby. Would never wear Ghillie Brogues, personally. I notice that Dr Martens are popular with some of you, would those or black sneakers work with what I've managed to put together so far?

Thanks a lot guys!!!

[KMCMICHAEL]

These are the Allen Edmonds boots that I use. I am afraid I wore black footwear in uniform for 30 years and have an aversion.

[FossilHunter]

Brogues like what Steve posted are my preferred option, I don't have the money for that at the moment, so I may look at cheaper options nearby. Would never wear Ghillie Brogues, personally. I notice that Dr Martens are popular with some of you, would those or black sneakers work with what I've managed to put together so far?

Thanks a lot guys!!!

You can find used dress shoes on eBay for a good price. Older Johnston and Murphey’s with leather soles are a good bet and often a good price. Just search for “used wingtips size (your shoe size)”