Footwear in a daily setting with the kilt

**isantop** · 19th March 09, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by rodandy

I've been in Scotland and San Francisco both in July, and I'm not so sure that it is going to be much cooler in Scotland than San Francisco. In fact, I'm with Mark Twain who reportedly said "The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco".

This discussion leads me to a related question I've been wondering about: What about flashes with the hose in a more casual setting (i.e. hiking boots)? Are flashes always appropriate, or only with dress shoes?

Thanks.

I always wear flashes with my socks (Since they arrived, anyway), and normally only wear plain shoes (funny story on that. They're definitely casual, but I think the designer was inspired by Ghillie Brogues. They have a tongue and normal laces, but they have a wing-tip-esqe toe and similar shape. I like them.)
Which of my two pairs of flashes I wear will depend on which pair of socks I'm wearing. I wear red flashes with my black socks, and black watch flashes with lighter coloured socks. Or, I always try to contrast the sock colour and flash colour.

Just my few, rambling cents.

**Sammac** · 19th March 09, 06:41 PM

I generally wear solid black golf shoes with the spikes removed, they are comfortable, made for walking and waterproof as well.

**Woodsheal** · 20th March 09, 01:43 PM

These would be perfect, plus cheap:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=516591

**Colonel MacNeal** · 19th March 09, 09:33 AM

Pair of Mocs or Deck Shoes should be OK. But make sure you've got arch support. Ouch - I've made that mistake before!

**Snowbear** · 19th March 09, 10:08 AM

I usually go with black shoes with kils hose when I'm travelling in my kilt.
I've never heard any negative remarks about wearing jogging shoes with kilt&hose. I prefer black since they are a bit more discrete, compared to red or other shiny shoes. Keep in mind that walking around for 3 weeks in leather shoes might not be a very comfortable solution, unless you wear it all the time at home.

**Laird O'the Cowcaddens** · 20th March 09, 02:08 PM

We Scots are not so concerned about casual dress and footwear. If it is comfortable for the various activities you have planned,then go ahead. A good rule of thumb...wear whit ye hae. Have a good time and take plenty photies.

**Kiltman** · 20th March 09, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Laird O'the Cowcaddens

We Scots are not so concerned about casual dress and footwear. If it is comfortable for the various activities you have planned,then go ahead. A good rule of thumb...wear whit ye hae. Have a good time and take plenty photies.

Sanity is rare for some of us. I wear Keens a lot. They look to me to be contemporary ghillies.

**Skyelander** · 20th March 09, 02:43 PM

I make frequent trips to Edinburgh. You will be doing a lot of walking, and the Royal Mile is cobblestone. Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots. I went out on New Year's Eve all decked out, including ghillies, but after the first pub stop, I returned to my hotel to change shoes and was sure glad the rest of the night that I did. I changed into semi-dress black shoes with good soles, and they looked fine. Besides, everyone is drunk after awhile and everyone looks good then!

**Jock Scot** · 20th March 09, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Skyelander

I make frequent trips to Edinburgh. You will be doing a lot of walking, and the Royal Mile is cobblestone. Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots. I went out on New Year's Eve all decked out, including ghillies, but after the first pub stop, I returned to my hotel to change shoes and was sure glad the rest of the night that I did. I changed into semi-dress black shoes with good soles, and they looked fine. Besides, everyone is drunk after awhile and everyone looks good then!

If you are going to go dancing then wear ghillies,if you must. Anything more demanding in terrain will require the ghillies to be left at home(in the dustbin) and good stout walking shoes (brogues) are required and well broken in, at that.

**The Barry** · 19th March 09, 10:25 AM

Comfortable ghillies can be worn day after day.

Saving that, I would suggest boots. Boots, hose full up or scrunched down, look great with a kilt unless you start wearing a tie, waistcoat, etc.

Boots are what I almost always wear with my kilt unless I'm going formal enough to warrant a jacket. I wear black, side-zip boots made for police, swat, etc. They are quick to break in, super comfortable, supportive, and engineered to be comfortable for 8-10 hours on your feet daily. Hiking boots will give you the same benefits, but usually only come in browns. I like my boots black, and zippered.

Hope this helps.