I only own one pair of Ghillies, and they are very low quality (cheap) therefore, I hardly ever wear them. Like you, I thought that the price didn't justify purchase of a higher quality pair.

Now that I see a place that would do a conversion, it has given me food for thought. I now intend to search out a cobbler who would be willing to remove the tongue from a regular pair of shoes - of appropriate style - and/or make the tongue into the bottom lace holder. What do you call the lower leather loop anyway? Then find a long shoe lace, and I'm set.

This would seem to be the best solution to fit into my frugal mind-set.

Good thread!

Thanks!