Ghillie boots

[Jock Scot]

This is different.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/386870493630

Personally I would say that they are just boots with brouging on and there is nothing unusual about that. To my mind there is nothing particularly Scottish about them at all.

[OC Richard]

Although personally, I think that I would put the shoes that you have illustrated into the "historical and theatrical" classes.

Exactly so. The Allen Brothers' inventions were certainly theatrical.

And the shoes seen in 17th century and 18th century portraits are historical. Most of the shoes seen in old portraits of men in Highland Dress are the common shoes of the period, and continued to be so up through the present day.

[Jock Scot]

Exactly so. The Allen Brothers' inventions were certainly theatrical.

And the shoes seen in 17th century and 18th century portraits are historical. Most of the shoes seen in old portraits of men in Highland Dress are the common shoes of the period, and continued to be so up through the present day.

Errr not quite. I quite agree with what you say, but, I actually meant historical and theatrical attire for todays wear can look rather OTT or just don't fit the occasion , if we are not careful. Sorry , my fault, for not making myself clear.

[Allan Thomson]

Errr not quite. I quite agree with what you say, but, I actually meant historical and theatrical attire for todays wear can look rather OTT or just don't fit the occasion , if we are not careful. Sorry , my fault, for not making myself clear.

Something I've always wondered about these Ghillie Boots is do they perform as a proper boot - waterproof to the top and durable enough to hike in, possibly with replaceable soles or are they just a 'fashion item'?

[User]

Something I've always wondered about these Ghillie Boots is do they perform as a proper boot - waterproof to the top and durable enough to hike in, possibly with replaceable soles or are they just a 'fashion item'?

Leather isn't waterproof, because it's porous. And broguing is generally detrimental to waterproofing. The boots in the eBay listing don't appear to be gusseted, which really makes them not waterproof. The sole appears to have a fake welt, with cemented construction. So they probably aren't designed to be resoled. They're a fashion item.

[Allan Thomson]

Leather isn't waterproof, because it's porous. And broguing is generally detrimental to waterproofing. The boots in the eBay listing don't appear to be gusseted, which really makes them not waterproof. The sole appears to have a fake welt, with cemented construction. So they probably aren't designed to be resoled. They're a fashion item.

I was debating whether the padded cuff indicated some sort of internal membrane as composite boots seem to be more common now. But I'd agree with you probably an overpriced fashion item neither fit for dress nor outdoor purposes. That said I've had brogue shoes that have kept out water for a quick immersion not over the top. And treatment with dubbing would help.

I've looked at Hoggs Veldtshoes and thought they looked best suited for kilt wear but at £400 the price was just too steep!!!

When it comes to hiking a pair of army surplus Haixs boots seem to go well with a kilt.