Textured leather shoes

[Sir Didymous]

A while back I was looking for a replacement for my monk strap shoes that I use for walking and business suit equivalent attire. They are still good enough for the dusty paths that I enjoy, but after 14 years of very well maintained use, they are starting to show some age. I have been looking for a suitable replacement for them, but they will have to be monk straps as well. Not because I associate it with my current pairs longevity, but because I have odd shaped feet. They are large and wide at the front, but are narrow near the heel. Think T-rex/duck. Laced shoes look odd because they gap at the end of the laced area near the toe, but are nice and closed up near the ankle.

In my search, I have noticed that exotic leather (or similarly textured) seems to be the "in" thing. I have even found a pair that I like in an ostrich and alligator belly imprinted leather similar to the pair in the attachment. I say similar because I don't have the $999USD to drop on this pair.

But in my mind's eye, the texture just seems off with a kilt. Hence the question: What are some of the opinions regarding textured leather shoes with Highland attire? Any photos would be especially helpful as well.

Thanks.

[Liam]

I think they would look fine.

[Bruce Scott]

Somewhat more subtle but the Army issue brogue is textured:



And here is a custom alligator brogue from Florsheim that I probably would not wear, but that's me:

http://www.classicshoesformen.com/sh...er-196042-425d

[Tarheel]

If you're not mucking about the livery, I believe the textured shoe would look fine. Maintenance may increase due to the "gator" upper. Ostrich skin (also shark and water buffalo) will be more like the "stippling" in Bruce's army shoe and maybe easier to maintain. Obviously, your foot dimension prevents "off the rack" purchases, and practical usage and longevity is your direction.

[Livonian]

Actual lizard or bird skin is very difficult to maintain, as it must be kept dry (away from water), but conditioned. If the leather is not sufficiently conditioned or if it is exposed to water, the scales will begin to peel. This process is irreversible. This is why you generally only find these sorts of materials used in high-end Western boots (those made for show, not for any actual work) or bespoke dress shoes (again, handled with kid gloves and usually only worn by emaciated fashionistas). Stamped gator is made from only the most dreadful quality leather and should be avoided at all costs.

Pebbled leather will either be of superb quality (both box calf and true Scotch grain are very hardy leathers) or dreadful quality (heavily flawed leather that gets stamped by a roller to give the appearance of box calf or Scotch grain). If your shoes are sold for less than 350 USD (that in itself is a conservative estimate), and are not made by Meermin (who deliver an inhumanly good bang for your buck), they are made from the stamped stuff.

Textured shoes with Highland Attire should pose no issue, as long as the styling is classic. Avoid trends, as they are too fickle to justify much investment at all, and would be out-of-place with the very traditional turn-out provided by Highland Attire.

If you are looking for good shoes on a budget, I'd recommend looking into Meermin, Jack Erwin, John Doe, Beckett Simonon, or Just a Men Shoe. If you take a wide size due to your large forefoot (I have a similar issue), you are basically SOL if you want a quality pair of shoes at a reasonable price (trust me, I've looked everywhere). The only footwear I own that fits well is a pair of Western boots made by Boulet... which obviously could never be worn with the kilt. You could try going MTM or bespoke, but that sounds like it's more than a little bit out of your price range.

[Stitchwiz]

You might try Deer Stags. The Tribune model comes in wide width. $65 USD.

http://www.deerstags.com/deer-stags-...e/10026/348991

My husband bought a pair similar to the pair shown. He bought them on our way to a major square dance event (long story I won't get into). He ended up wearing them for about 9 hours that day - with over 5 hours of that dancing. He had no problem with his feet - I expected him to have sore feet or blisters. Nothing. He wore them dancing for 12 hours a week for 6 years. That pair of shoes was his go to pair for everything dressy for 10 years, until he wore a hole through the sole, literally. They wore like iron and felt like memory foam for comfort. The next pair is on order from the US.

[Sir Didymous]

Honestly, I think given the price/usage comparison I may end up going for something bespoke. I don't know if many on here are familiar with Robert Land's work, but he seems to be top on my list of possible makers. I have a booth near his at the Living History fair I attend annually and he seems to be a right nice guy. He mostly does historical work of course, but he's been known to take on completely custom jobs for friends. I think with enough talking, I could convince him to do a variation on these http://www.robertlandhistoricshoes.c...t/Detail?no=73
With a little work they could be modernized enough to fit the bill, and every customer of his that I have talked to says all good things. I have even seen other vendors that sell like items making orders for his shoes for themselves.

[Livonian]

If you want superbly good shoes, and wish to go bespoke: go all the way, and speak with DW Frommer, who I believe is a member here. I have not had the pleasure of owning any of his work, but if you look him up, you will see that he makes some of the most beautifully-crafted shoes and boots possible.