The buckle and strap shoe seems to have evolved during the late Georgian/Regency period and into early Victorian times. Gentlemen in those days wore low cut "slippers" when dancing. In order to keep the shoes from coming off a discrete strap was sometimes fastened from the heel of the shoe that wrapped around the ankle and buckled in place. As the fashion for long trousers made inroads it was possible to abandon the ankle strap for a "stirrup" that went under the instep of the shoe and buttoned to the inside of the trouser cuff.

As highland officers also attended formal balls and dances, they merely followed suit. However, as they remained kilted they continued to wear the buckle and strap shoe on dress occasions. In civilian circles the low cut "slipper" is still worn with white tie, although it is usually referred to as an evening pump, and yes, they do occasionally come adrift when dancing.