We're all over the place here. I've learned enough to be pretty certain Ghillie Brogues as they exist today were "invented" circa 1825, but all one needs to do to see how much they're come to symbolize highland dress is to peruse the websites of highland clothing retailers or their shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and elsewhere. What I still don't know is whether there is ANY historical connection to landowners and their servants as the reason "modern" Ghillie Brogues don't have tongues.

Another thing that seems obvious to me is that those boots that started this thread might be OK in foul weather or at athletic contests, but they'd be considered as weird as some of the bizarre costumes we've seen in this thread and others at semi-formal occasions sitting below a kilt.