Ghillie brogues, yes or no?

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

I don't like the gillie brogues, because they seem to be costumy. By this, I mean they have parts to them that are just for show and serve no real purpose (the lacings). I prefer the exact same shoe, but without the laces. The, so-called, "Mary Janes" are pretty cute as well, on both men and women, I think.

...snip...
But if you took a poll on Mary Janes, I'd definitely vote thumbs down on this one (I did not vote in this poll). That's just my personal opinion though.

...snip... Maybe a long Viennese Waltz or a quickstep in buckle brogues would illustrate the problem a little more effectively.

...snip...

The only "Mary Jane" style shoes I've ever owned have been a pair of dance pumps (I'm actually on my second pair, since I loved the first pair so much, I went out and bought a nearly identical pair when I wore them out). These have been Viennese Waltzed in, polka'd in and West Coast Swing danced in until they literally wore out. Very comfortable. That said, they do not have a buckle over the toe.

I've seen two types of Ghillie Brogues. The ones we see above and the ones which look like slippers with many more shoe-lace eyelets in them. What's the difference?

Dancing shoes, as others have said, but with very little support. Made for Scottish Country Dance (the modern version anyway).

Sorry I don't like the gillie brogues. Probably doesn't matter that much to most of you since I'm female and already married!

Be well,