Ghillie brogues, yes or no?

[Macman]

I'm actually rather partial to them w. a PC or semi-formal dress, or for piping (aesthetically only). Following Thompson's lead, I feel they clearly don't belong w. "white-tie" dress (Montrose doublet, etc.) when "Mary Jane" type shoes seem more appropriate, nor for casual wear when any good pair of shoes/boots will do nicely.

I'm with Tim. I like them, and for me they have their place as one more thing in the kilted repertoire.

[Sionnach]

I've worn them once, so I'm holding my opinion. But I think for me formal, semi-formal may be the only times in the future. Still looking for the "right" pair of shoes. currently have been wearing black penny loafers to complete my "nicer" outfits, the little tassles match the sporran.

[BEEDEE]

I like them, but only for formal wear.

Brian

[Detroitpete]

I'm a U.S. Navy "boonie" guy or I wear higher military issue combat boots for the Games. Just like the support, look and feel. I'm SURE I look a bit un-refined :-)

[DWFII]

At Culloden many would probably have been barefoot...but beyond that the buckle shoe was the man's shoe throughout the most of the 18th century and well into the 19th century.

Paintings of highland men made during or around that time (1740-1830) invariably show a buckle shoe. Paintings of Englishmen, paintings of American men, even Frenchmen, depict the buckle shoe or boots...with almost no other option--I can't think of one offhand.

And a nice black buckle shoe is as appropriate today and as formal/dressy with a kilt as anything out there...although I think the Mary Janes looks a little silly, esp. by comparison, but that's just my personal (professional?) opinion..

[bawright]

ghillies ud be ok tho I dont have any, kind of part of the full look, I guess I prefer my lace up ropers for dancing and light hiking boots for round town (and off road)...sandals when its hot...

[DWFII]

ghillies ud be ok tho I dont have any, kind of part of the full look, I guess I prefer my lace up ropers for dancing and light hiking boots for round town (and off road)...sandals when its hot...

Actually, something very similar to a lace up ankle boot (roper, but a touch lower on the leg) shows up in a surprising number of 19th and early 20th century photos of highlanders. There's a photo of an old boy, in the "Show us your Pic's" thread on old photos, wearing a natty pair of black ankle boots.

I've been toying with idea of making a pair for myself.

[MacDhunadh]

Yes, that's correct, at Culloden many would probably have been barefoot and the buckle shoe was the man's shoe most of the 18th century. I like them and maybe next time i will have a pair

[george7]

This thread is starting to border between ignorant and obnoxious. Ghillie Brogues are Scottish shoes. They are as Scottish as a tartan knife pleated, three buckled kilt. They do not represent some 17th century battle nor are they meant to. Like it or not, they're in style and part of the wardrobe of many kilt wearers.

[Scotus]

This thread is starting to border between ignorant and obnoxious. Ghillie Brogues are Scottish shoes. They are as Scottish as a tartan knife pleated, three buckled kilt. They do not represent some 17th century battle nor are they meant to. Like it or not, they're in style and part of the wardrobe of many kilt wearers.

I have to admit that I'm a bit shocked by some of the hostility displayed here against a traditional Scottish shoe. I know there are a lot of less-than-traditional folks in this forum, but to take such strong stance against something as traditional (and in style) as ghillie brogues seems to go beyond the point of proper decorum.