Finally a pair Ghillie Brogues

[Panache]

It's my friend Jon's fault.

He has a small store that sells tartan items (hats, scarves, blankets, and such but not kilts sadly). Anyway I have been a model on his store's website for a couple of pictures for a few kilt related items in his clearance section.

Now previously I had decided that my pair of black dress shoes were perfectly fine for my Kilted formal outfit. Hamish and Glen didn't bother with them and if regular dress shoes were good enough for those two well dressed gentlemen they were good enough for me. So I had decided to never bother with ghillie brogues.

It happened that Jon had a few pairs of ghille brogues in his clearance section that didn't sell so he reduced the price.

I was a little tempted (hey I like bargins) but my dress shoes were in fine shape and ghillie brogues still seemed a bit theatrical.

Then he reduced the price again.

For $47.50 I just couldn't resist so I ordered them

They arrived today and here is what they look like



They are the "Appin" model from Gaelic Themes. The ends of the laces have this little tassel (almost like a sporran tassels) on them



For those that own these kind of shoes do I have the laces right?



There is this very small metal plate on the outside of each heel, I assume to give longer life to the heel



My Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess isn't quite sold on them yet but thinks that they would work with a formal outfit. They have a leather sole so they might take a bit for them to break in.

All in all I like them and they do give a bit of flair to a kilted outfit. I think I will reserve them for semi-formal events though.

Cheers

Jamie

[Standard]

Looks good Panache. I thought that the custom is to tie a simple half overhand knot before you run the lace around your ankle for the first pass. However I've no firsthand knowledge and will leave this up to those more in the know than I. They should make a nice addition to your formal wear.

[Tommy Hunt]

I like the look of them. Classic! My only gripe is comfort. I've gotten so spoiled with my Merrell jogging shoes.

[Moosedog]

Panache,

I usually see them tied/tie them this way: (some folks even add an overhand knot first) Pull the laces snug, then twist them around on each other 3-5 times. Then wrap them around back, twisting them together 2-3 times behind your leg. Bring to the front and tie. That way everything stays tidy. Those look like a nice pair, and a great deal!

Moosedog

[pdcorlis]

Well now Jamie - that's a fine looking pair of Ghillie Brogues and you've done a fine job with the laces. If it were me, I'm afraid they would end up looking like a dog's dinner!

[Bugbear]

Congratulations, Panache! They will add that little, extra... panache to your ensembles.

[kevinkinney]

Nice purchase.

Remember, if the lovely lady isn't sold on them, they do look to be about a wide width 43.....


Kevin.

[Arlen]

Well, I'm not one for wearing them, but you make them look good.
There is a lot of fuss about the laces... pipers tend to tell you that they need to be laced on the outside of the leg, everyone else seems to say the front.

Either way, they look good and I am sure you will look fantastic in them.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Jamie,
(if I may presume to give a dollop of advice) Take your new GBs to a shoe repairer and have them replace the iron heel plates with rubber. While you are at it, have them put a thin rubber sole OVER the leather sole. This will prevent a potentially nasty fall as these shoes can be treacherous on even slightly damp paving.

[Nighthawk]

You know, I have a pair and I love the way they look. I would wear them for every day wear, of course, but to weddings and such they're great. I never did understand why people have such a problem with them. Ah well, each to his/her own.