I've found that security usually requires the removal of all footwear, even sandals, rather than argue with every passenger about whether they will set off the gate or not. Climate permitting, sandals are definitely easier to remove and replace and are definitely more comfortable when traveling. Retying boots is a pain, but facing a wall and going down on one knee while retying the other foot's boot maintains modesty. I'm more self-conscious about replacing my sporran than retying my boots.

Most of my traveling kilts have belts made of 2-inch cotton/nylon webbing and 2-inch plastic side-snap buckles. Never any grief about those.

I was once asked to remove one leather belt with metal buckle. When I insisted that doing so would expose the entire area to pure white moon rays, they allowed me to hold the belt ends in my hands while they wanded everything. Every other passenger there (and I) was wondering how far up my legs the security agent going to pass that contraption.

Such are the joys of traveling.