Trainers yes or no?

[Fit2BKilted]

That is the glass floor of the CN Tower, it is a long long way down.

So, anything that might be seen would be 'very small'?

(sorry, I couldn't resist! <assumes "learning position" in expectation of the imminent cuff to the back of the head>)

I will remove this post immediately upon receiving any PM suggesting that it is in poor taste, or any Moderator may delete it at their sole discretion; whereupon I will turn myself in to be indicted for "Assault with Attempted Humour".

[QMcK]

I don't think people are afraid to dress nicely. The problem is that most men don't have more than a few pairs of shoes and most men have a love for trainers.

I think you're right there.

People generally don't want to feel like they're over-dressed. If everyone else is wearing casual, comfortable clothes, most folks don't want to be the only one wearing polished shoes and looking like they're trying to put on airs. It comes across as being snobbish in some circles.

I see your point. And you are right that people generally don't want to feel over-dressed. But he's wearing a kilt. He isn't afraid to step out of society's proscribed methods of dress. It's a bit odd he's shy of wearing nice shoes. Well anyway, I speak for myself. I normally wear proper trousers, a button-up, collared shirt and black shoes (plus a knitted wool jersey if it's cold). If anyone thinks I'm "putting on airs", then that's their problem, not mine.

Plus, I think that a lot of folks equate dressing nicely with being uncomfortable. And to be quite honest, most traditional men's wear is very uncomfortable. Or at the very least, it's very limited in what you can do in it. I couldn't imagine wearing nice polished shoes, a collared shirt with a tie, a waistcoat, or other "nice" accoutrements when I'm doing casual stuff. So obviously there's a need to dress appropriately for any given activity. And it seems like the tradition of wearing a kilt doesn't really have a good footwear alternative for casual/athletic activity.

But you people wear kilts to Walmart! I'm not saying you shouldn't. I find it more than a little odd that you can wear a kilt doing that, but you couldn't imagine wearing what you described to do the same. I don't wear a waistcoat and tie often, though.

I don't find my black shoes uncomfortable either. And I don't find myself needing to change into other shoes during the day. They're fine for most of what I want to do. To be honest - when I was at school, I did sometimes think I was overdressed on mufti (no uniform) days, and I was very glad we had to wear a uniform most days. (I didn't want to dress in jeans, sports shoes, t-shirt and hoodie). But that was school. I'm no longer that up-tight about what people think of me.

Sorry if I came across as a bit confrontational. Some of the athletic shoes mentioned in this thread would look alright. I think those plain black trainers would look ok with a kilt. However normal black shoes look nicer, in my humble opinion.

I'm sure there are times when trainers are appropriate. But trainers are for when you're exercising.

[QMcK]

Since I don't follow the new ladies fashion of super high heels, why would I ever force men to wear boots or dress shoes day after day if your feet suffer?

The only thing that bothers me is that some men chose to wear short socks or hose. The proportions of kilt to leg almost demand longer hose, tradition or not.

If you need to, wear athletic shoes. Wear whatever you like. But I think that normal black shoes look better.

And super high heels look silly. Fashion does not equal style.

[QMcK]

I'm sure I read it somewhere else. But here is a link: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/mosl...ste-money.html

They're saying that barefoot seems to be best for running. Though, to be practical, you need some protection for your feet. The simpler the better, it would seem.

[fluter]

Thanks, I'll be interested to read that.

They're saying that barefoot seems to be best for running. Though, to be practical, you need some protection for your feet. The simpler the better, it would seem.

Yup, barefoot is great on a soft, sandy beach; or a grassy meadow. Having joined my first organized track team in 1967, I think I know something about shoes---and about orthopaedic problems. I'm in the pre-op bunion situation personally.

If I buy "sports" shoes at Wal-Mart for $13, I know i'm not doing my feet any favors. But for real-world applications, I know for about $100 at an outdoor or running retailer, I can find something to get me up the hill, pain-free.

I know that good shoes can be had, and I believe in spending money on my feet. I might end up spending as much as a bespoke pair from our resident cordwainer, before I got a pair off the rack that fit. I.e. it might involve 2 pairs! I do have dress shoes, and a good local shoe shop to tweak them for me.

I really got into this conversation because I'm a pedantic so-and-so, and I took issue with Greg's rather sweeping statement about what constituted "real shoes." I hope that I took it and responded with an obviously light heart. When I was Greg's age, I knew everything, too.

I started to go all literalist at your "afraid to dress nicely" line, but I'm successfully restraining my cursor.

cheers!

[Tobus]

I see your point. And you are right that people generally don't want to feel over-dressed. But he's wearing a kilt. He isn't afraid to step out of society's proscribed methods of dress. It's a bit odd he's shy of wearing nice shoes. Well anyway, I speak for myself. I normally wear proper trousers, a button-up, collared shirt and black shoes (plus a knitted wool jersey if it's cold). If anyone thinks I'm "putting on airs", then that's their problem, not mine.

Of course, if you feel comfortable being more nicely dressed than others around you, that's up to you. I think the point here, though, is that people shouldn't feel as if they have to 'dress up' when wearing the kilt. It's all about what makes you comfortable (both physically and socially). Some people don't care what others think; some do. Each person should wear what they want to wear based on their own perceptions of what's appropriate in their social circles. There isn't a "rule book" that says only this list of shoes is appropriate with a kilt.

[QMcK]

Yes. People should wear whatever they find comfortable.

But if you're concerned about fitting in, why are you wearing a kilt?

Plus normal shoes, as in what I described I wear are casual. What most people my age wear is just sloppy.

[Nick the DSM]

Without getting too crazy about it:

I think that it depends on the rest of your look. Running shoes are almost certainly a no, but plain black or brown skater shoes often look quite good to my eye.

I'm actually thinking of getting a pair of these for my casual wear:





That said, if I am wearing a remotely smart outfit then I will wear boots or leather shoes.

Are those the Harris Tweed Dunks? I've actually been looking for a pair.