Does anybody wear them?
I wear buckles with formal wear, or my Irish kilt.

What are the origins/purpose, etc.
Once upon a time, most men's footwear was buckled, not laced. While no longer necessary to hold the shoe together, buckles are still traditionally worn by many pipers, some folks with formal Highland dress (including regimental mess dress), and some Irish dancers.


Tommy Jackson, Pipe Major, Royal Irish Rangers