BB - I don't consider a kilt as shorts replacements. There is a world of differnece in comfort. I agree with Tobus that they are two different animals. I wore longer shorts before kilting with white crew socks and Brooks walking or running shoes (with orthotics) in light colors.
The only difference now that I am permanently in the Utilikits is the socks and shoes are black. Crew length in summer and OTC or knee length in the winter. I may have to stay with the OTC/knee though and switch to my black cotton compression hose for lower leg blood flow issues some day.

The other change is more fitted t-shirts and shirts, so that there isnt all that extra fabric hanging around above the belt. With shorts (or pants) it didn't look bad tucked in to me. But with kilts the tapering profile from knee to waist makes loose tops seem tacky to me. If you work at it and have a tapered torso, show it, the look is great and is a smoothly proportioned double v.
My 2.5 inch kilt belts let me know when to back away from the table and do some walking - - great feedback!