Bespoke Ghillies - still possible?

[Tobus]

If it were me, I'd start with a maker who already makes and understands ghillie brogues, and ask if they can make a pair with thinner soles that are more like an opera pump, or whatever descriptor suits your goals. For example, Thistle Shoes make a nice quality ghillie brogue with Goodyear welted soles. As long as you find the upper to be to your liking, it wouldn't hurt to ring them up and ask about a custom pair with thinner sole. Or simply buy a pair and have any cobbler replace the sole to whatever you desire.

It does appear that most makers these days are doing rugged/outdoor-style ghillie brogues with thick rubber soles and metal plates like one might expect a piper to wear. And the vintage brands/makers appear to be long gone. You might try looking around the web for a used pair of older ones that still have some life in them. For example, I managed to find some older ghillie brogues with hard leather soles that are thinner than most modern brands. They were made by "Keltic - The Scottish Shoe", which is apparently no longer in business. I don't lace them up my legs, but choose to wear them like a typical brogue. These are probably still thicker than you're looking for, but again, you might be better off starting with an existing upper and simply having someone replace the sole rather than trying to find someone who will make a custom pair from scratch.

These are my vintage Keltic ghillie-brogues for reference.