Looking for a pair of brogues...

[Good Egg]

The bottom pic... isn't that just how they do the laces for display? They can't actually be worn like that, can they?

That may be a real dumb question from a country hick, but I can't figure out how the heck a person would tie their shoes if it's laced like the bottom picture. It makes no sense to me.

MoR, that's a good point... I need to invest in a good set of shoe trees.

Its often said that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask so in case you are being serious:

[thescot]

Its often said that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask so in case you are being serious:

Courtmount's method is the one I used to use. There are two reasons:
1. Looks
2. Having a narrow foot, it allows one to tighten the laces and hold them tight.

I might point out that I prefer the blucher oxford style because it is easier to make snug on my very narrow foot.

Another thought as to what shoe to buy: I advise most men to try to purchase shell cordovan if possible. The leather--which comes off a horse's rump--will not crack, and it just won't hardly wear out. It is the finest leather for shoes you can have, and if you follow MoR's advice as to care, the shoes will last just about the rest of your life.

Here is a very nice offering from Alden. It is a classic perforated captoe, but unfrotunately they don't seem to make it long enough for me:
http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/c...SHELL_CORDOVAN

Here is a very nice brogue, blucher oxford wing tip:
http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/c...SHELL_CORDOVAN

[xman]

The problem with this form of lacing is that when you pull them tight one side of the leather gets pulled up while the other gets pulled down. The outward appearance is fine, but the inward pass is substandard. Instead, lace straight across and up skipping the next eyelet, then out and across again. Cover the omitted eyelets with the lace on the other side of the shoe. This will pull both sides directly together and even be easier to loosen.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Militay boots/shoes are laced this way because it makes it easier for the medics to cut the laces and remove the boot/shoe from your foot.

[Good Egg]

Militay boots/shoes are laced this way because it makes it easier for the medics to cut the laces and remove the boot/shoe from your foot.

I suspect that is more urban myth than reality. They were done that way in the British Army because its a uniform. Its still done that way for parade shoes and boots but no longer for combat boots where speed lacing systems work better.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I suspect that is more urban myth than reality. They were done that way in the British Army because its a uniform. Its still done that way for parade shoes and boots but no longer for combat boots where speed lacing systems work better.

Having had my boot laces cut to remove my boot, I can assure you that it is no urban myth.

[Tobus]

Interesting. Learn something every day! I've honestly never seen anyone tie their shoes like that.

[Jock Scot]

I am a bit late on this(some glitch in system did not allow me to post) but have a look at Hoggs of Fife(Scotland) www.fifecountry.co.uk their "Carnoustie"in black or brown are very good, superb value at £169-00. Mine are over 30 years old and are still going strong. Go for the leather sole. They also sell shoe trees .

[Tobus]

Interesting link, Jock! I'm not sure those are quite what I'm looking for, though. Do yours have the same "pebble grain" texture on them?

I've been going back to some of the makers mentioned in this thread, and I do have to say I really like the Loake Exeter in black. At £99.00, the price is not too bad. I could probably get it to me within my budget of $200.

[Jock Scot]

Interesting link, Jock! I'm not sure those are quite what I'm looking for, though. Do yours have the same "pebble grain" texture on them?

I've been going back to some of the makers mentioned in this thread, and I do have to say I really like the Loake Exeter in black. At £99.00, the price is not too bad. I could probably get it to me within my budget of $200.

Yes the pebble grain is still just visible on all my Hoggs "Carnoustie" shoes.Good polishing, if that is the look you like, looks rather nice with the pebble grain.

In my humble opinion the "Loakes"well made though they be, are not as sturdy by a long way, but it all depends what you want to do with them. For DAY kilt wear the Loake shoes are rather too fine in my opinion and the soles are rather thin for general wear and tear.