Ghillie style shoes

[billmcc]

I've seen some modern interpretations that I thought were quite handsome all by themselves nevermind the Scots association. Something like this:

I think Hamish has a pair of these shoes for formal wear.

[berserkbishop]

Interestingly enough there are numerous Scots terms for shoe making tools and techniques which, while obscure today are still recognized. "Yark" or "yerk," "whang" and "fit fang," "pykin awl," "yickie-yeckie" and even an old Scots word for shoemaker--"snob" (or snab).

If nothing else they're fun to say in a broad Scots dialect.

And while I'm at it and we're talking about shoes to wear with a kilt,...

What about buckle shoe such as might have been worn in Jacobean times? Does anyone, or would anyone, wear something similar anywhere outside of a ren-faire?

I've seen some modern interpretations that I thought were quite handsome all by themselves nevermind the Scots association. Something like this:

I think those are quite handsome and would be proud to sport a pair. Theres something new to splurge the eventual bonus money on!

BB

[billmcc]

Most forum members are saving their money for their next kilt so custom kilt shoes might not be a big seller around here. However, there is a fair amount of interest in brogue buckle flaps like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=019

Here is a recent thread on the subject: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...t=buckle+shoes

[Jack Daw]

...about shoes to wear with a kilt,...

What about buckle shoe such as might have been worn in Jacobean times? Does anyone, or would anyone, wear something similar anywhere outside of a ren-faire?

I've seen some modern interpretations that I thought were quite handsome all by themselves nevermind the Scots association. Something like this:

I have a similar pair of buckled shoes that I got from Fugawee. So far I have only worn them with my great kilt and other period wear. I had the choice of having them with straight or with right/left lasts. I chose the latter for the sake of comfort. I hadn't thought about wearing thme with more formal attire. That's an idea.

[Good Egg]

I was thinking about wearing something like this to a wedding in May. But they could be made as a Ghillie too. BTW, these were my first attempt at this style and they are a little too high through the quarters to be stylish (and, of course, the heel is higher than some would prefer.)

Sorry about this but they look rather like Mrs BuggerAll's army issue shoes, which I insisted on her binnning because they don't look sufficiently lady officer like for a lady officer.

If I saw a gentleman wearing them I would assume that he had made a mistake, because they look too womanly for a chap to be wearing.

[fluter]

If I had a pair of those, I'd wear them for dress occasions, in a heart beat!

DWFII, I think you are hearing the sound of 100 or more Xmarkers salivating. I, and perhaps many of us, would love a pair like this for formal wear.

[DWFII]

Sorry about this but they look rather like Mrs BuggerAll's army issue shoes, which I insisted on her binnning because they don't look sufficiently lady officer like for a lady officer.

If I saw a gentleman wearing them I would assume that he had made a mistake, because they look too womanly for a chap to be wearing.

If you are referring to the heel...it is almost a direct copy of a style of heel that was popular in the 19th century...sometimes referred to as "military" heel...and definitely for men.

The shoe style itself is known as a "full cut oxford" and is considered one of the more difficult styles to make...certainly the most extravagant of leather.

The cut of the shoes is admittedly a bit high and "choked"--again,as I said in the beginning...my first attempt at that style of shoe. The toe shape is reminiscent of shoes that are commanding prices in excess of $3000.00 all across Europe and the US From London to Paris to NY.

All that said, if I were to make them again (and I will) I would put them on a little lower heel and and refine the toe shape a bit. When I made these I was not even thinking kilts. Didn't even know that I had a Scots heritage.

From a shoemaker's point of view, they leave a lot to be desired but point the way to better things to come.

From a consumer's point of view...it may be as much a matter of personal taste as familiarity with quality shoes.

[berserkbishop]

I think your shoes look grand. That takes a lot of talent! I would be proud to wear them but I dont think I would pair them with a kilt.

BB

[Colin]

I miss Beatle boots myself, they were so comfortable but I'd probably look like a doofus wearing them with a kilt.

Says the guy wearing a rubber chicken sporran

[Robertson]

I have a similar pair of buckled shoes that I got from Fugawee. So far I have only worn them with my great kilt and other period wear. I had the choice of having them with straight or with right/left lasts. I chose the latter for the sake of comfort. I hadn't thought about wearing thme with more formal attire. That's an idea.

Me too, I got a pair from Townsend in straight lasts "for period" I like the
more mod. look I'd try a pair if not too much $$$.$$!!