Shoe Buckles

**pipesndrumsnun** · 11th July 07, 07:26 PM

Can anybody out there in X Marks land tell me about shoe buckles? Does anybody wear them? What are the origins/purpose, etc.
Thanks!!

**Phil** · 12th July 07, 01:37 AM

Have a look at this thread - http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29025

**PiobBear** · 12th July 07, 05:10 AM

Does anybody wear them?

I wear buckles with formal wear, or my Irish kilt.

What are the origins/purpose, etc.

Once upon a time, most men's footwear was buckled, not laced. While no longer necessary to hold the shoe together, buckles are still traditionally worn by many pipers, some folks with formal Highland dress (including regimental mess dress), and some Irish dancers.

Tommy Jackson, Pipe Major, Royal Irish Rangers

**Zardoz** · 12th July 07, 07:01 AM

OK, so how does that work? Are there buckles that attach to regular lace-up shoes?

**pipesndrumsnun** · 12th July 07, 07:35 AM

THANKS Phil and PiobBear...great information!!

**Phil** · 12th July 07, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

OK, so how does that work? Are there buckles that attach to regular lace-up shoes?

Nowadays buckles are usually strapped to a leather backing with poppers that fix to the shoe. Others may have a strap through them I'm not sure or they may be fixed direct to the shoe.

**PiobBear** · 12th July 07, 09:14 AM

OK, so how does that work? Are there buckles that attach to regular lace-up shoes?

Yes; black wingtip brogues; Shoe Flaps. MoD issues are only slightly different; and RIR buckles have shamrocks instead of thistles all 'round.

**Zardoz** · 12th July 07, 09:50 AM

OK, some time ago I bought some buckles on-line from a military surplus outlet, they were described as "Irish Rifles Shoe Buckles w/ Flap" What I got was two pretty cool looking chrome buckles with shamrock designs on them, and two shiny black rubber flaps that look simular to the 'flaps' in PiobBear's post. This stuff was new surplus, still in the wrapper. The flaps are slotted to accept the buckle, but otherwise there are no holes in them, and nothing to retain the buckle in them either. Sorry, but I don't have a way to post a picture!

I did alot of digging on the web to try and find some dress regs or something to show me how this works, I did not have any luck. I found one UK military website that listed elements for different uniforms, and under the one that had shoe buckles, it said "issue shoes w/ buckle". "Issue shoes" in that case seem to be basic lace up military footwear, I've go those, but damned if I can figure out how to put em' together!

On the good side, at least I only paid like 5 bucks for the things!