Why are Ghillie brogues so expensive?

[OFCJAX]

Ok, 1/2 rant, 1/2 question.

So far the least expensive (I dislike saying "cheap" as it infers lesser quality) pair I've seen available is around $95 USD. Considering it's just a regular shoe minus the tounge and with long laces, what's the deal?
Take the tuxedo dress shoes, like the ones on Uniformalwarehouse, for example. Yes, if it's a formal shoe it will generally cost more than a normal set. However since the synthetic sets are less expensive to make (material cost wise) we can get those for under $30.

Why can't (and if someone does, please point me in that direction) someone offer a less expensive pair of ghillie brogues?

[Moosedog]

Perhaps due to the relatively small market demand for them?

Moosedog

[Jock Scot]

For what it is worth,or should I say, for what Ghillie Brogues are worth I would not bother with them at anytime, anywhere and at any place.I have made do without those awful abominations for over 50 years.A well polished pair of black shoes will do you nicely.

[ChromeScholar]

Forget the ghillie brogues and buy a decent pair of wingtips.

[Rampant Lion]

Actually, my regular broques were more expensive than my ghillies. I think it's that there isn't a market for lower quality/cheaper ghillie brogues. They're a specialty item and those that want them usually want a higher quality pair.

[slohairt]

Small scale market, likely. Also, they aren't just wingtip/brogue shoes with long laces minus the tongue. The eyelets are within a series of tabs instead of the usual brogue manner. It would be nice if someone made an inexpensive synthetic pair. Not just for price, but for those who have objections to leather as well.

[pipesndrumsnun]

this isn't tremendously less expensive, but you can get them at The Scotland Yard in Shelbyville, Kentucky for $89.

[bikeolounger]

My problem with Ghillie Brogues is that they only come in medium width. At $100 or so, I refuse to buy a pair of shoes that would be so darned uncomfortable on my wide feet. I'll follow the advice suggesting a polished pair of black shoes (or brown ones if I'm wearing a brown belt and sporran, as happens with my casual kilts).

[Cawdorian]

My problem with Ghillie Brogues is that they only come in medium width.

I can certainly understand your predicament, Florsheim makes a great pair of black wing tips that you can find on sale at J. C. Penny's or Macy's a couple of times a year. They run on the narrow side and fit my C width foot quite well.

[OFCJAX]

I have to wear wides anyway so looks like a moot point. Although I do agree on the non leather version for those that object to it. My GF's brother is Vegan and if we ever wanted him kilted up properly (PC, etc) we'd have to find some synthetics.