How's the look?

**piperdbh** · 11th September 13, 06:44 PM

I see no problem with them. However, for pub crawls, which I assume can take several hours to complete, you might want to wear tennis/athletic shoes with regular socks, for comfort's sake. Also, a hoodie with your college/team logo can look good with the kilt.

**keith_b** · 11th September 13, 07:39 PM

Speaking of Dockers, I picked up a pair of dark brown Dockers wingtips from Sears here in Canada. They were on sale. I've found the black ones on Ebay for just over $50 brand new. My only beef with the black ones is the white contrast stitching, but on the other hand, I kind of like it.

Here's a link to the Sears Canada site with the wingtips - so you can see what I'm talking about. I'm going to wear them as part of my daywear kit. I also picked up a charcoal jacket / waistcoat.

http://www.sears.ca/product/dockers-...00152892-WILDE

**Calgacus** · 12th September 13, 01:24 AM

Hi David,

I like it, it works for me!

Whilst I think Grizzly is right in saying some nice brogues or Oxfords would look smarter, I think your sketchers are well chosen and are not out of place. Also, I think they give you a 'younger' look than brogues would.

You'll need some nice brogues when you get the tweed jacket though.

**MacLowlife** · 12th September 13, 05:21 AM

DH, there are shoes that cost $25 and shoes that cost $2500. I suspect it you looked, you could find some that cost more and some that cost less. It is amazing how easy it is to tell nice shoes from crappy ones, especially after a few wearings. It is also amazing to me that some people can spend $500 + on a pair of shoes. I know, quality and comfort and durability. But I can't afford that much comfort. I have noticed lately, though, that cheap shoes have gotten worse- crappier leather and GOK what else. If your feet have stopped growing, you might consider some shoes from CHARLES TYRWHITT ( no financial connection- I don't have any of their shoes) which are made by Loake, I believe. On sale, you are talking a couple of hundred bucks. Apparently, this gets you past the crep threshold and a little beyond: http://www.ctshirts.com/mens-shoes?q...|||||||||||||| I do not think all of these are ideal for kilt wear, but there are some nice ones here...

**Tobus** · 12th September 13, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by David Host

These are the pair of loafers I was talking about. They're a pair of Dockers I got from the local shoe store. Could these be worn with a tweed jacket and look sharp? Personally I think they are a little too busy and the rubber sole kind of bugs me, but they would be perfect for a nice long pub crawl. Opinions of the rabble?

Attachment 14079

Attachment 14080

I'm not a fan of shoes that don't have laces, but to answer your question, those would be a much better choice than the athletic shoes you were wearing in your first photos. I just haven't ever been able to think of athletic shoes looking right with any level of kilt dress, but that's just me. And since this is the traditional forum (not the contemporary forum), it bears saying sneakers/trainers just aren't traditional with a kilt. Loafers aren't either, but at least they're a step in the right direction.

**David Host** · 12th September 13, 05:44 AM

Tobus, I wouldn't exactly call them athletic shoes. I went on the sketchers website and this is the exact model I bought a few years ago. Definitely not traditional kilt wear, for sure. However, they are extremely comfortable and what I consider nice contemporary spin on smart casual.

**Tobus** · 12th September 13, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by David Host

Tobus, I wouldn't exactly call them athletic shoes.

Well, whatever you might call them, even the manufacturer refers to them as a "sneaker", which is (in my mind, anyway) a shoe for athletics. It's a far cry from even a casual dress shoe. The stripes on the side, flat woven laces, sole that wraps up the back of the heel, and "cleats" on the bottom, all point to a shoe that's made for walking/running/hiking outdoors.

If you like 'em with your kilt as a "nice contemporary spin on smart casual", that's cool. But again, I was pointing out that you posted this in the traditional forum, not the contemporary forum, so my response was in that context. I would associate this shoe more with someone doing Highland Games athletics than anything else.

**David Host** · 12th September 13, 06:42 AM

Don't mistake my tone for defensiveness. I greatly appreciate your input, which is why I posted this in the traditional forum. Those shoes are something I would not wear if I was more dressed up. I did forget to mention that the dress code for dinner was simply something along the lines of a polo and respectable pants, so I was definitely a cut above. Unfortunately the only oxfords I have now are some Army issued patent leather ones that badly need to be replaced.

**plaid preacher** · 12th September 13, 06:55 AM

Hi David, I think for the first go-round you look great; and as you note above, were probably a cut (maybe even a cut-and-a-half) above the rest. I really like the tartan and the vest means you can look pretty polished if you put on a tie or dressy-casual without. MY two suggestions are: as has been already discussed, shoes. I think your other pair would really kick it up another notch. ...and this one is personal preference, I suppose, but I think I would go with darker hose. There is a picture here somewhere of me in my first attempt with hose about the same colour as yours ... and my wife hates them. (and other members here agreed with her). I would probably go darker. A nice charcoal hose or maybe an oatmeal/bison coloured hose would work. To be honest, that's what I have found to be the hardest part; finding hose and a tie that I really like. Best of luck, I have no doubt as you continue you will find your own style.

**Calgacus** · 12th September 13, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

... And since this is the traditional forum (not the contemporary forum), it bears saying sneakers/trainers just aren't traditional with a kilt...

Hi Tobus,

Your comment here brings up a subject which I have previously been a little, er, perplexed about, namely the correct place in the forums for the discussion of traditional kilts worn in a contemporary style, which is what I believe David is doing. The moderator's response was that such discussions fall in the "Traditionally made..." forum as opposed to the "Contemporarily made..." forum, so David posted in the right place, as far as I can make out.

Personally, I see this as a quirk of the structure of the forums, rather than any reflection on either your or David's posts.

*Edit* Here's the link to Steve's post explaining the individual forums.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...89#post1183389