Ghillie brogues - why the dislike and resentment..?

[Troglodyte]

The responses have been interesting.

Leaving aside the points regarding antiquity or close similarity to ancient rustic footwear (charges which can be levelled at all forms of current footwear) it appears that it is much more about what others might think than the shoe itself.

Various illustrations from the past 200 years show ghillies in different forms, but seem to be revivalist, or post-revivalist, origin for the most part. Can it not be argued that ghillies are as old and as genuine Highland wear as anything seen from that era or later?

Dare I say that they are as genuine Highland (having been developed solely for wear with Highland dress) as the modern kilt itself? If antiquity is the measure, ghillies are more authentic than the tweed or barathea coatees that are now universal, not to mention the likes of the Prince Charlie doublet. No..?

If you would otherwise wear them if the laces were 'normal' is the answer not to hange the laces - or simply cut them short?

As for not being proper Highland dress, what else can they possibly be? It is what they were designed for, and worn as from the start, surely.

Each to their own, and all that, and no-one really cares if you want to wear English 20th century styles with the kilt (like some how-to books encourage), but it is a daring thing to argue that English Oxford toecaps made for the city gent are more appropriate with the kilt than a Highland brogue.

So how's this for a challenge. If you don't like ghillies for yourself (regardless of reason) would you deny them to others. Are they something the dreaded Kilt-Kops should confiscate and ban..?