DIY Ghillies

[Danny the Who]

Apologies, this has probably been discussed before but I can't find it through searching.

Can you make DIY ghillie brogues from a normal pair of brogues simply by removing the tongue and adding a long pair of laces? Or is there more to it than that?

[Jock Scot]

If it were me, I would keep the brogues as brogues and not bother about those simply awful ghillie things.Just a thought.

[skauwt]

Apologies, this has probably been discussed before but I can't find it through searching.

Can you make DIY ghillie brogues from a normal pair of brogues simply by removing the tongue and adding a long pair of laces? Or is there more to it than that?

it may be possible i guess if your willing to experiment and modify some of the brogues then its worth a go ,you can only try in my view

[slohairt]

There is a company in New Zealand that converts brogues into ghillie brogues. The end result wasn't completely accurate, but probably passable in many peoples' estimation.

Here's the link: http://www.kilts.co.nz/mitbrogs.htm

[McMurdo]

I would say if you want Ghillie Brogues, go out and get Ghillie Brogues. To my mind if you try to make Oxfords into Ghillies, it just will not look right, I've seen it done and to be quite frank the true Ghillie Brogues look better as Ghillie Brogues. By the way there is nothing wrong at all with wearing Oxfords with a kilt outfit.

I was able to get my pair on sale at the local tartan shop look around I'm sure you could find a pair that will fit.

[LeifJ]

I know I saw something on ghillies elsewhere but could find this more easily.

For a DIY ghillie, the point really is a peice of leather and a lace. The style is truly ancient and cross cultural. This makes a scandinavian style... http://www.instructables.com/id/Viking_shoes/

Soles and extra hole patterns would then be up to you to work out. Soles are fairly straightforward if desired. Given the lack of upper structure, you could attach soles with pegs (more traditional east US) or lacing (more modern). I can't truly speak to ancient scot techniques because I haven't researched them, but they seem to hold with the more general techniques based on a discussion I had with a guy over there a couple years ago...

You can look at dress oxfords for a hole pattern if that is important to you. My ghillies match oxfords so much it is scary.

Leif

[JimB]

Very cool link!
As a reenactor I will use that for my period outfits!
Now about the ghillies. WHY? Altered shoes will never look right and besides unless oxfords, especially wing tips look great for daily wear.
I know this is a DIY forum and I try to make as much as I can but my advice is that if you have to have ghillies then just buy them. In my opinion they are not something you can do yourself and have look good.