Newbie needs advice on ghillie brogues or similar footwear

**JohntheBiker** · 25th April 16, 06:32 AM

Given your occupation and likely age, I am going to guess that shoe width is also an issue for you. Ghillie brogues can be had in widths, but they are not easy to come by, certainly not if you are trying to find a gently used pair.

Even regular brogues in widths will often require going to online vendors that specialize in wider shoes. They can be found, especially in the U.S. To meet Father Bill's test, they may cost you a bit more but they will last you a long, long time, particularly if they are well maintained, and you know how to do that.

**Alan H** · 27th April 16, 09:08 PM

I also happen to have those very same Rockports and have worn them for years. Love them. I hope you won the ebay auction.

**Alan H** · 27th April 16, 09:10 PM

Also, IMHO any honest-to-goodness medical condition trumps "what's correct" in terms of style, any day. ANY day. Sure, if you can find nice dress shoes that work with your feet then you should get them.

But if you're balancing the choice of "blisters which may cost me my feet" ...and being "proper", then pardon my french, but screw the "proper". Get what works for you.

**OC Richard** · 2nd May 16, 07:30 PM

I'll point out that, as far as our images of Highland Dress go back, "ghillie brogues" have never been so common as to be standard or essential.

Seems that it's always been common to wear prevailing non-Highland shoe styles, so in the 18th century one sees the same buckled shoes worn with Highland and non-Highland dress, in the 19th century the same shoes, ankle boots, etc.

"Ghillie brogues" however have long been around. They seem to appear in the imagery in the mid-19th century, usually tan rough-out leather suggesting a rural origin. By the early 20th century they had moved indoors, being made in black leather or patent leather and having nonfunctional buckles rather incongruously tacked on.

Ghillies have long been, it seems, more popular with pipers than otherwise. For sure that's the case now; they're deemed as more or less essential to any piper's kit.

The army has never warmed to them.

In any case there's no reason whatsoever to wear ghillies with Highland Dress, unless you happen to want to.

Time for cool old photos! First let me stress once again that I am not suggesting or advocating in any manner whatsoever that anyone nowadays should copy the dress seen in these photos. Nearly every time I post a Victorian photo I'm accused of telling people how to dress. That, in fact, would never enter my mind.

Ornate high Victorian Highland Dress with utterly plain ordinary shoes (cap-toe oxfords, no?) (Edinburgh)

Tweed "day" or "outdoor" dress with ankle boots (look at those turnover cuffs!) (Aberfeldy)

It's pretty rare to find photos of men wearing ghillies back then. Here's one, all gussied up, with buckles stuck on

**Profane James** · 3rd May 16, 07:16 AM

Yep huge turnovers! Like myself, he may be blessed with terribly average shins and calves?

**uncle remus** · 9th May 16, 07:59 PM

I also am a diabetic and a nurse so I'm on my feet for long periods of time. I suggest that you get your feet measured by someone who does it on a daily basis. if you go to a redwing or florsheim shop they will measure your feet and try to fit you with the shoe you want and the understanding that you could return them if they don't work for you. lets face it you will need to wear them for a few hours to know if they will really work or not. if you do try them out be sure you walk on carpet to keep the soil off of the soles as much as possible. the other option is to go to a uniform shop and get a pair of nurses shoes. they do make them in mens styles and some of them resemble dress shoes.

**OC Richard** · 11th May 16, 05:01 PM

I have big feet, and flat feet, and sometimes it's hard to find really comfortable shoes.

I got these recently, they're fantastic. Super comfortable, and roomy. They look just fine with the kilt.

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Men.../dp/B00HNKHGH0

Here they are on the hoof

**Jimmy the Celt** · 27th May 16, 08:10 AM

I am awaiting delivery of custom ghillies/pampooties from http://medievalmoccasins.com/store/. I ordered the high-tops as they can accommodate orthotics if needed. Being highly adjustable they wrap the foot quite nicely by the looks. Will have to post a pic when I get them. They have a great authentic look to them that I love, but then I am a bit eccentric.

**Profane James** · 27th May 16, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Celt

I am awaiting delivery of custom ghillies/pampooties from http://medievalmoccasins.com/store/. I ordered the high-tops as they can accommodate orthotics if needed. Being highly adjustable they wrap the foot quite nicely by the looks. Will have to post a pic when I get them. They have a great authentic look to them that I love, but then I am a bit eccentric.

Thanks for sharing that link - I like that they offer the different color laces separately!

Those have a really cool look, all those awesome folds around the toe.

**Jimmy the Celt** · 27th May 16, 09:56 AM

You can actually specify what colour laces you want and even have a contrasting 'back-lace'. They are really great folks to deal with and love doing custom work. I ordered mine in Espresso, a deep, very dark brown colour and with the Vibram sole upgrade. At some point I may get some knee-high length laces. I have an idea that with those you could conceivably go without garters if you wanted to. I can hardly wait to get them! I like all of the traditional, authentic highland wear accessories. Next I am planning on ordering a philabeg from Celtic Croft for summer wear.