Let's talk about ghillie brogues again: the Highland perspective

[Phil]

I found the Lidl (supermarket) ghillie brogues on sale in Inverness

I will join in the selective quote fest. Leaving aside Lidl (supermarket), none of whose branches are to be found in remote Highland glens, Inverness IS the big city for the majority of the Highlands. In fact it is actually known as the Highland Capital for that very reason.

[Friday]

I think the reason for any lack of Scottish-based response can be found in the underlying reason behind this thread -

Yes indeed I do have a fascination with such inconsequential trivia! I love that stuff. Call me odd or whatever... I always want to find out about things, be it linguistics or genetics or history or music or whatever.

I agree with OCR I love inconsequential trivia! However, in response to Phil's comment, he grew up with much of this inconsequential trivia as part of his everyday life. For those of us who are many generations removed from the highlands or lowland of Scotland the only way to learn is to ask questions and discuss the trivia.

[Jock Scot]

If you like them, then wear them, if you don't, then don't. It is really that simple. For many of us in more rural surroundings the normal brogue is less fussy, easier to wear and far more versatile.

Phil, I am told by those who know, that Fort William does possess a Lidl store, should you require one when up this way.

[creagdhubh]

Down Under Kilt, thanks for posting the photo. While most gentlemen wear highly polished oxfords these days with formal attire, these shoes, with the the bow (as illustrated) or with buckles, would be perfectly acceptable for formal Highland evening attire. And a much better choice than ghillie brogues.

I have a pair in patent leather from Brooks Brothers. Silver buckles can quite easily be attached to the grosgrain bows, or left alone.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

The thinnest-soled ghillie brogues that I was able to find are these by Thistle Shoes:

They still don't hold a candle to the formal pumps posted earlier, but aren't too bad.
I don't claim to be a Highlander or Scotsman, though I prefer evening ghillie brogues with red laces and buckles, but finding such a shoe is a challenge. I was rather impressed with CMcG's addition of a buckle to a pair of second-hand brogues. Maybe I'll eventually find a pair of good ghillie brogues and a pair of buckles to do something similar.

Did you not see the Loake's I posted?

[creagdhubh]

Good post Richard. Those interested should note just how delicate these "Patent (leather) Lacing Brogues" are when compared to what's generally available in today's market place. Even today's "Patent (leather) Buckling Brogues" are clunky in comparison to what was on offer back in 1936. It's also interesting to note that "black brogue shoes" were offered for day wear.

Loake can make their Ghillie brogues in any colour of leather, to include shades of brown and tan, as well as black patent leather. They do not show these bespoke options on their website, however, I asked them about other options, and the aforementioned is what they told me. Just FYI.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Had my hopes up there briefly....maybe they make ghillies in sizes for WIDE feet....alas...even though they offer wide shoes in some models looks like they only offer medium.

Baffles me how folks can sell a shoe for Scotsmen in a narrow width....maybe someday....sigh...

Loake makes their ghillies in both narrow and wide sizes. All you have to do is ask them.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Or perhaps, experiencing the dreaded "Topic Fatigue"

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[Phil]

Phil, I am told by those who know, that Fort William does possess a Lidl store, should you require one when up this way.

Thanks for that, Jock. Unfortunately as I am not in the habit of patronising their stores hereabouts I am unlikely to do so on my next visit to the Fort either.

[creagdhubh]

If you like them, then wear them, if you don't, then don't. It is really that simple. For many of us in more rural surroundings the normal brogue is less fussy, easier to wear and far more versatile.

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