Ghillie style shoes

**DWFII** · 27th March 08, 07:03 AM

Interestingly enough there are numerous Scots terms for shoe making tools and techniques which, while obscure today are still recognized. "Yark" or "yerk," "whang" and "fit fang," "pykin awl," "yickie-yeckie" and even an old Scots word for shoemaker--"snob" (or snab).

If nothing else they're fun to say in a broad Scots dialect.

And while I'm at it and we're talking about shoes to wear with a kilt,...

What about buckle shoe such as might have been worn in Jacobean times? Does anyone, or would anyone, wear something similar anywhere outside of a ren-faire?

I've seen some modern interpretations that I thought were quite handsome all by themselves nevermind the Scots association. Something like this:

**orangehaggis** · 27th March 08, 07:55 AM

I remember reading something in a book about Highland soldiers; a letter written by a soldier complaining about the powdered wigs and shoes with only ornamental buckles. So there is an historical precedent for wearing shoes with ornamental buckles. I think you have wide latitude to wear any style, with history and good taste in mind, that you think looks good. I quite like the pair of shoes you picture in the above post! I think they would work with modern kilted wear.

Mark - Ohio

**James MacMillan** · 27th March 08, 08:00 AM

Wow we have a cordwainer amongst us!

And I learned a new word, to further confound my friends.

Back to the subject, I think any nice looking dress shoe looks nice with a dress kilt turn-out. For casual wear- the field is open, with the only possible exception of káboy booties - which I think look weird with the kilt.

billmcc · 27th March 08, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

It is my impression that my customers object most strongly with the lack of a tongue and long laces.

Yes, this has been the complaint of many kilt wearers.

**Riverkilt** · 27th March 08, 08:27 AM

How cool!

Tell you what. Ain't no surprise that I'd be happy with most any kilt friendly shoe that was made wide enough to fit my foot.

Ron

**JerseyLawyer** · 27th March 08, 09:48 AM

DWFII - Yes, the shoes you have a picture of there would be proper with evening wear, whether white or black tie.

I understand that the tradition is to replace the "stock" buckles with fancy engraved silver ones. But I don't own a pair, so I don't know.

Now, if someone is interested in making me a pair...

**DWFII** · 27th March 08, 10:53 AM

I don't want to flout any rules here, or even be seen as bending them. Clicking on my name will bring up my webpage and I will respond to any inquiries in PM.

That said, I might note that in the US about the only way to make a living doing something as skill and labour intensive (and nearly a lost knowledge) as shoemaking is to go where the money and the most wearers are... in this country it is cowboy boots.

We simply don't have the respect for handmade anything, much less shoes. Go to London and price a pair of Lobb St. James (all bespoke) or even Lobbs Jermym Street MTM.

For 35 years I have made my living with boots. But I make shoes as well...for the rare customer who wants them.

"Bespoke," by definition is made to measure (although MTM is not always bespoke) so wide , narrow, long, whatever is the stock and trade of all bespoke makers of anything...even kilts.

I hope I'm not being too pedantic here, lads. If so, I beg pardon.

**The Wizard of BC** · 27th March 08, 01:13 PM

YOUR DW Frommer!!!! WOW! I came so close to getting a pair of your boots when I was in El Paso. I still lust after a pair. You are so famous.

**ccga3359** · 27th March 08, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

YOUR DW Frommer!!!! WOW! I came so close to getting a pair of your boots when I was in El Paso. I still lust after a pair. You are so famous.

Oh-oh I see some good ol' horse tradin' a fixin'.

I miss Beatle boots myself, they were so comfortable but I'd probably look like a doofus wearing them with a kilt.

**Ryan Ross** · 27th March 08, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by DWFII

Interestingly enough there are numerous Scots terms for shoe making tools and techniques which, while obscure today are still recognized. "Yark" or "yerk," "whang" and "fit fang," "pykin awl," "yickie-yeckie" and even an old Scots word for shoemaker--"snob" (or snab).

If nothing else they're fun to say in a broad Scots dialect.

And while I'm at it and we're talking about shoes to wear with a kilt,...

What about buckle shoe such as might have been worn in Jacobean times? Does anyone, or would anyone, wear something similar anywhere outside of a ren-faire?

I've seen some modern interpretations that I thought were quite handsome all by themselves nevermind the Scots association. Something like this:

If I had a pair of those, I'd wear them for dress occasions, in a heart beat!