Country Socks with.........bowling shoes

[t_challa]

Yes, you read the title correctly. I know there a lot of members on this forum who lean heavily towards the traditional mode when wearing kilts. And they wear it well. Awesome in fact. However, while I salute that look and those who wear it, it is definitely not me. I lean much more towards a more modern look. I will wear a sporran (cos where else am I gonna but my keys, wallet and phone) and I will wear hose (cos hose look cool). However, as a (fairly) young-ish person, I don't have any formal events to go so have no need for the formal look or even "official" daywear look; I wear my kilt with pride as an alternative to following current fashion trends.

With that in mind, I have found that country (hunting/shooting) socks are much more in keeping with my style when kilted up; they especially look good when scrunched down into my boots (photos to follow after I DJ this weekend).

Anyway, I was thinking that I might, at some point, want to wear the socks pulled up and was looking at my shoes to see which ones would go best with them, when my eyes settled onto my bowling shoes. (In keeping with my style of wearing things a bit alternative, I should point out that I never wear them to go bowling. They are purely VERY comfortable footwear that are a bit different).

I know this look may not be for everyone, but wanted to share it with you guys anyway

[Chas]

Trainers are one thing, but if you wear those out and about someone is going to ask you "Have you have lost your ball?"

[t_challa]

Trainers are one thing, but if you wear those out and about someone is going to ask you "Have you have lost your ball?"

The comment I usually hear whispered is "that guy is wearing bowling shoes". The question I get asked most is whether I stole them from a bowling alley or bought them! lol (I actually bought them off ebay for £12 a few years ago)

[rtown]

Thanks for sharing the photos.

[ratspike]

This will probably come as a surprise to just about nobody, but I think they're cool as all get-out. Also, striped socks are completely full of win. Those will be fabulous with boots.

[Nathan]

Bold look. Very funky but I agree, you may look like you left the bowling alley and forgot to change back into your own shoes.

My bigger concern is how high your hose go. Country socks are often meant to be double folded. Yours are going right up to the bottom of your knee cap. I think a little lower (say three fingers) might be preferable.

Regarding tradition/day wear etc... I wouldn't wear a jacket and tie to a DJ gig, so I can't blame you for not doing it. I wear the traditional day wear at times when I would be smartly dressed were I not kilted. I think the kilt, the hose, and the sporran are the really traditional bits, after that, it depends who you are and what you're doing.

I wouldn't wear a saxon sports coat with my kilt, but I'd wear a short leather jacket in a heart beat if it suited the occasion.

[t_challa]

Bold look. Very funky but I agree, you may look like you left the bowling alley and forgot to change back into your own shoes.

My bigger concern is how high your hose go. Country socks are often meant to be double folded. Yours are going right up to the bottom of your knee cap. I think a little lower (say three fingers) might be preferable.

The extra length of the country socks does look awesome when scrunched down into my boots. However, I haven't really researched the proper way to fold them when pulled up. But thank you for the tips and advice. Once I get it sorted, and get around to wearing it out one night, I'll post some more pictures.

[McMurdo]

I do have photos of me bowling in a kilt from a few years ago I should dig one up. As for the shooting socks they are wonderful for wearing with the kilt though I would fold them over at just below the knee you can turn them up twice if required.

[TomFromBama]

Love the funky look of the bowling shoes. (very "Lebowski", IMO ).

If you don't mind me asking, what brand are they?

I've actually been looking at some on eBay myself recently, but I don't want to get a pair with plastic or man-made uppers. Dr. Martens makes some in the same "cut", but I haven't seen any (yet) in the funky bowling colors.

Also been looking at some hunting socks, so thanks to all who offered advice on how to wear them!!!

[t_challa]

Love the funky look of the bowling shoes. (very "Lebowski", IMO ).

If you don't mind me asking, what brand are they?

First off can I say kudos for the gratuitous Lebowski comment. The Dude rocks.

With regards to the bowling shoes, they say AMF on the back above the shoe size and on the inner sole. And they are full leather uppers and ridiculously comfortable. Be warned though, I wouldn't wear them outside if the pavement is a little wet. No grip whatsoever (which is kinda obvious given that they're bowling shoes! lol)


I remember watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off and thinking how cool he was (obviously) and he was wearing a bowling type shoe in that. Amazing how such little things from childhood can stay with you and impact on you later in life.