First brogues

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

OK, I'm going to ask a real dumb question. And keep in mind this is coming from a country boy who doesn't have much experience in nice, classy men's attire.

What is the difference between brogues like he just bought and Oxfords?

I have a pair of Wingtip Oxfords like this:



I intend to wear them with my kilt. First, are these appropriate? Second, what makes them Oxfords and the ones in the original post brogues? I see some minor differences between them, of course, but when does one cease to be an Oxford and become a brogue and vice-versa?

In other words, if I saw a pair of shoes in the store, how would I differentiate between an Oxford and a brogue?

The brogues in the photo are perfectly acceptable to wear with your kilt.

The easiest way to tell Oxfords and Brogues apart is by the holes, also known as brogue-ing (Sp?). As I understand it men's lace-up shoes come in three basic styles: Bluchers, Oxfords, and Brogues. (The basic difference between Bluchers and Oxfords has to do with the lacing.) Most "classic" Oxfords will have a toe cap, while Bluchers will have a plain toe (but not always-- it's a fashion thing). Some Oxfords will have very elaborate toe caps, and if these are pierced (ie: have holes punched in them) then they are Brogues. Americans also refer to these as Wing Tip Oxfords-- although the classic "wing tip" lacks the holes found in Brogues. Confused? Don't be. But if you are, go into any shoe store (Johnson & Murphy are a good bet in the USA) and ask the salesman to show you samples of each style.