Buckled shoe styles

[BorstalBoy]

I was looking for some buckle shoes with a functional buckle and happened upon the Culloden shoes sold by MacKenzie Frain (now owned by House of Tartan, but still operating on the old and woefully out-of-date website, which is the subject of another post). Unfortunately, after attempting to purchase them, I was informed they are no longer being produced, and more’s the pity.

After continuing my search, I found what appear to be decent quality 18th century buckle shoes sold through Townsend’s of Virginia, who specialize in period re-enactment attire and accessories. These would probably be most accessible to those within the US. They are straight-lasted, a slightly rounded square toe, and smooth leather. I’ll provide an update on them once I buy a pair and have broken them in.

[OC Richard]

The question I would pose is, are you interested in traditional Highland Dress or historical Highland Dress?

Except for that one photo I found, 18th century styles shoes were last worn with Highland Dress in (as one might imagine) the 18th century.

So to me reproduction 18th century shoes look "right" in a reproduction 18th century outfit, while traditional Highland Dress shoes would look "right" in a traditional Highland Dress outfit.

Though I'm not averse to reaching back into the past a bit! I like the idea of the slip-on shoe with nonfunctional buckle, so I made up a pair by getting a modern pair of "tassel loafers", removing the tassels, and putting on buckles.

[BorstalBoy]

I should probably be more precise - for the buckled shoes, I’m interested in a more historical look. Not having worn them, I may also consider for everyday wear. I do like what you did with the tasseled loafers! I may eventually try something similar with opera pumps for formal occasions.

[FossilHunter]

I should probably be more precise - for the buckled shoes, I’m interested in a more historical look. Not having worn them, I may also consider for everyday wear. I do like what you did with the tasseled loafers! I may eventually try something similar with opera pumps for formal occasions.

There is also reality of the dearth of “modern” buckled Scottish shoe makers. As far as I know, thistle shoes is the only one.

I wish thistle would make a model that was smooth leather and that had thinner soles.