Choice of footwear

[MizzouScotsman]

Even when dressed to the hilt in my kilt, working the Clan Donald tent, I go with simple black tennis shoes. Walking as much as I do, especially on the uneven ground in the Clan Villages, tennis shoes are a must for comfort. I do find not many tend to look at your shoes. So I say, go with what is most comfortable for you to wear and enjoy.

[James Hood]

Last year at the Chicago Highland Games, 'saw just about every type of shoe with kilt (except maybe strappy stilettos on a guy, but then it is Chicago, so maybe this year) because there were 15,000 people present.

Am coming to the conclusion, as kilts become "more common," one will see it all, re footwear.

Just purchased some kiltie-tassel slip-ons from Orvis and want to give them a go with a tartan kilt.

Boat shoes were mentioned by someone, good to hear; them and Docs (chukkas and big Oxfords) are usual faves.

[BCAC]

Usually, my black lace-up Keens. I've worn combat boots before, though (but was never sure if they were a Kilt Kops no-no). I have the urge to wear my combat boots with fishnets, but I'm still wary of forgoing the kilt hose for fear it'll just look like a plaid skirt rather than a kilt. I also have tall combat boots and after reading Nathan's post maybe I'll see how they look with the hose-- they may be too tall not to cover them completely. If for really formal, I might put on my wingtips, but they're pretty narrow and I'm not sure the kilt hose would fit into them. (I used to have a pair of black monk-straps I used, but they wore out.)

Keens on Tartan Day last weekend:

Attachment 10907

Combat boots (not sure what I did to this pic that makes me look short and squat... or maybe I just do! I do have short-ish legs):

Attachment 10908


Tobus, those leggings are nifty.


Zardoz-- I recognize those waitress' outfits. Is the Tilted Kilt a chain, or do you just happen to have a place down there where they dress similarly? (I mourned the fact that none of the Utilikilted waiters seemed anywhere near my age and therefore I could not ogle...)

I use similar footwear to Kyle.

By the way, Katia, your shoes and boots look fine to me and those waitresses are nowhere near my age, either, but I ogle anyway. I find that it's good on the eyes!

[Tobus]

***! As I newbie here I just logged on to made an addition to the "kilted wishlish" thread, but I'm easily distracted. I've got some decent walking boots and now have to add some canvas leggings - surely the ideal combination for casual practicality on a hike?

That's exactly what I use them for. They're a little "over the top" for running around in public. But out on the trail where I'd like to protect my legs from cactus and other thorny stuff we have down here in Texas, they're perfect. Not only are they practical, but they give a nice nod to the traditional look of military spats, while not trying to look like traditional spats. I like to wear them for any casual outdoor situation where Highland traditions aren't relevant.




If you look for them online, you can find plenty of military-surplus (WWII era vintage) canvas leggings. It helps if you have small legs, as they are hard to find if your legs are thicker. But there are companies making reproductions in larger sizes too, so you should be able to find some. The pair shown above are the taller US Army version. There is also the shorter US Marines version like I'm wearing below (which are actually closer to the length of traditional spats). But they offer less protection of the legs.

[Spartan Tartan]

I have been looking for a nice pair of canvas leggings like that Tobus, since I saw these pictures last year. I think that is perfect for hiking in a kilt. Looks great and more than that, practical.

That said, unless super casual (inwhich case I wear Doc Martins or something similar), I am 95% in the brogues category. I like the look and the overall proportions of a nice shoe with the hose pulled up.

[Zardoz]

Zardoz-- I recognize those waitress' outfits. Is the Tilted Kilt a chain, or do you just happen to have a place down there where they dress similarly? (I mourned the fact that none of the Utilikilted waiters seemed anywhere near my age and therefore I could not ogle...)

Yes that's at a Tilted Kilt, it is a chain. Sadly though, the one here in Houston shut down.

[David Thorpe]

I found these on Ebay for a small fraction of their original cost. They are now my favorite kilt footwear for all but formal occasions. Sadly, Timberland no longer makes them nor anything close.



I also got a nice pair of Nunn-Bush traditional black wingtips from Ebay - again at a bargain price - for dressier occasions.

[KiltFitz]

Not sure how to post a link but if you look at the pics on KiltFitz and the Caledonian Tourists, you will see a range of footwear options.

We are definitely dressed in the 'casual' style but as you will see, what seems to make the difference to footwear is

a) Your age. Sorry but that's a fact. The youngsters go for the sports shoes and they get more sensible the older you get.

b) More importantly, the colour and type of sock you choose to wear.

[ronin6290]

I was bidding on a pair of Docs that looked much like the Nunn-Bush example awhile back. Seem great for all day wear. I too like the idea of the canvas leggings for hiking or brush walking. I often wear nylon gaiters when trail walking but they would look silly with a kilt. Those look functional and very smart with a traditional look.

[ShaunMaxwell]

I tend to wear either a pair of oiled brown brogues or oiled brown wingtips (neither having a polished sheen).

The brogues are like these, only a bit darker: