Your Opinions on a Formal Shoe Idea

[KiltedSergeant]

Jose,

I have the shoe pictured below from Thistle shoes, which somewhat inexplicably arrived with an additional pair of faux buckles. I imagine that they would be happy to sell the buckle pieces to you, as they have an abundance.

As to the shoe itself, I would recommend purchasing the buckle brogues rather than attempting a DIY style. I’m afraid that they will look incongruous in suede. Suede suggests velvet to my eye, and velvet shoes, although ubiquitous in “dressy” applications today, are only correct when hosting dinner at one’s own house. If one is leaving one’s house, the shoes should be shined leather.

Another option would be to find a silver buckled wingtip monk strap shoe in black calf or patent leather (calf would be my first choice. I dislike patent leather).

Buckle brogues should be worn with eveningwear or very formal day dress (the equivalent of a morning suit...basically fully turned out with the exception of a grey silk necktie in lieu of a bow tie or jabot). I wouldn’t wear them in a less formal context, but I very much enjoy them when I’m dressing up.

Thanks for your input. Apparently my idea was so shocking/disgusting/ridiculous that no one else could even bring themselves to address it! I will take your advice and can the idea. I already have a pair of buckle brogues; I was just looking for something different. Thanks again!

[Terry Searl]

Thanks for your input. Apparently my idea was so shocking/disgusting/ridiculous that no one else could even bring themselves to address it! I will take your advice and can the idea. I already have a pair of buckle brogues; I was just looking for something different. Thanks again!

I have two different styles of shoes I wear. I got them both at a thrift shop which to me was amazing because we are such a small town and both pairs of shoes were virtually brand new. One pair are Ghillie Brogues and despite what others think, I think they look quite smart. The other pair are pictured here and are just posh enough to wear out for meals and such. I don't think I paid more than $10.00 for either pair of shoes....... My wife said "the piper must have died"
I'm now looking for a brown pair that will go......... "matchy matchy" heh! heh! Oh god! I love that expression and hope it curls the toes of those that think "matchy matchy" is an abomination........ with my other brown leathers

[Father Bill]

Not an abomination, Terry; just unnecessary.

[Terry Searl]

Not an abomination, Terry; just unnecessary.

You have said the truth Father Bill with regards to matchy matchy. Truth be told I really don't pay much attention to "matchy matchy" either.
With regards to the Ghillie brouges though I like how the Mustard Yellow or Claret colour of my kilt hose shows through the top of the shoe between the eyelets. I don't use those longer laces, they were a bother.
The Ghillie Brogues seem exceptionally well made and are very comfortable to wear walking, which is likely why the marching fellows wear them. I'm sure if they weren't comfortable, the blisters on the feet, would be changing the shoes to something else........did you get my posts about my two sporran's?...... I finally figured out (Again) how to post photos.......cheers

[Father Bill]

Aye. Seen indeed, with thanks. May want to order one of those!

[Terry Searl]

Aye. Seen indeed, with thanks. May want to order one of those!

What you have in regards to that Muskrat sporran is absolutely gorgeous and if I was to get another sporran that is what I would have

[MacRobert's Reply]

Black leather shoes with a functional or non-functional silver buckle were common with Highland Dress in the 19th Century and not uncommon in the first half of the 20th. Often known as Cromwell shoes, they were very similar to Jose995's slip-on loafers with the buckle where the tassels are and a plain external tongue. The 20th Century ones I have seen were brogued.

[KiltedSergeant]

I have two different styles of shoes I wear. I got them both at a thrift shop which to me was amazing because we are such a small town and both pairs of shoes were virtually brand new. One pair are Ghillie Broughes and despite what others think, I think they look quite smart. The other pair are pictured here and are just posh enough to wear our for meals and such. I don't think I paid more than $10.00 for either pair of shoes....... My wife said "the piper must have died"
I'm now looking for a brown pair that will go......... "matchy matchy" heh! heh! Oh god! I love that expression and hope it curls the toes of those that think "matchy matchy" is an abomination........ with my other brown leathers

They look great, and you can't beat the price!

[cck]

I think the suede would present a problem.