Why are Ghillie brogues so expensive?

[pipesndrumsnun]

this isn't tremendously less expensive, but you can get them at The Scotland Yard in Shelbyville, Kentucky for $89.

[bikeolounger]

My problem with Ghillie Brogues is that they only come in medium width. At $100 or so, I refuse to buy a pair of shoes that would be so darned uncomfortable on my wide feet. I'll follow the advice suggesting a polished pair of black shoes (or brown ones if I'm wearing a brown belt and sporran, as happens with my casual kilts).

[Cawdorian]

My problem with Ghillie Brogues is that they only come in medium width.

I can certainly understand your predicament, Florsheim makes a great pair of black wing tips that you can find on sale at J. C. Penny's or Macy's a couple of times a year. They run on the narrow side and fit my C width foot quite well.

[OFCJAX]

I have to wear wides anyway so looks like a moot point. Although I do agree on the non leather version for those that object to it. My GF's brother is Vegan and if we ever wanted him kilted up properly (PC, etc) we'd have to find some synthetics.

[DTrain]

I find there are so few occasions for me to wear true ghilles that it wasn't worth it. That being said, an enterprising person might want to DIY some ghillies--all that is required:
One pair brogues (black wingtips)
Black shoe polish
Black boot laces (at least 60", preferably 72")
Stout scissors or exacto knife

Cut the tongue of the shoe out, then cut out every other eyelet on the top. Use a touch of black shoe polish to darken the raw edges and lace up with black boot laces. If you want tassels, look for black tassels in the drapery section of the local fabric store.

BTW, this wasn't my idea, I read it in a thread here somewhere. . .

[Riverkilt]

Hear hear for wide shoes....I'm a 4E and think that's not uncommon for folks of Scottish descent...

I'm amazed that its dang near impossible to buy a shoe for wide feet anymore. Like shoemakers just harvest the easy pickin's.

I spent a long time looking for a source of wide gillies and had no luck.

Grumble...

Ron

[Qonos]

I have to wear wides anyway so looks like a moot point. Although I do agree on the non leather version for those that object to it. My GF's brother is Vegan and if we ever wanted him kilted up properly (PC, etc) we'd have to find some synthetics.

http://www.vegetarian-shoes.co.uk/p-...ues-black.aspx