What’s great about the full brogue is its ability to be unique and designed with almost an infinite array of possibilities. Its ability to be modernized has been prevalently shown in society with all of the different types of wingtips, spreading its style into almost every form of shoe, whether it be dress, casual, sport, etc.
Like other classics I have spoken about, wingtips (anything with a wing cap) have already made their way into other realms of footwear styles. A great example is Cole Haan, who has adopted this style, combining it with their Nike soles and mesh uppers. While I am not a fan of that myself, I don’t mind the idea of a dress style being adopted by casual models. Yet, while full brogue styles have grown in other sectors of the footwear industry, they have quickly disappeared from the industry that birthed them: The Dress Shoe Industry.
While there is speculation on how brogues (often called ‘wingtips’ in the States) came about, the popular birth story is that they originated in Scotland. In Gaelic, the word brog means ‘shoe,’ hence where ‘brogues’ comes from. They were apparently a type of shoe that countrymen in the Highlands used to tread through their muddy and wet terrain. The holes back then (which must have been bigger) were used to drain the water that would get into the shoes so that the feet would not stay completely soaked.
Whether or not the above story is true, the reality is that the full brogue eventually became a shoe of dress and was a big hit from the middle to the end of the 20th century. Yet outside of British shoemakers, it is rare that you find a good full brogue these days. They were always considered quite a conservative shoe, something that most people might associate with their grandfather. I think that this has probably made many stray away from them. Not to mention the fact that the adelaide brogue, has gained immense popularity and is what most brands gravitate toward nowadays.
While you will not find the full brogue offered by many brands these days, you will find the adelaide version as well as the classic semi-brogue. The Semi brogue is simply the full brogue with a straight cap, as opposed to the wingtip version. Take that semi-brogue up one notch by adding a tarsal strap (as seen below) and you have something even more unique and also working its way into shoe collections.
What I like about full brogues (or brogues, in general) is that because of their perforations, which give them a little bit more of a casual feeling, they look great with jeans. This is especially so when done in suede or a bi-material option such as calfskin and suede. I love wearing a pair of brogues with tapered jeans for that smart casual look. It’s easy to assemble and looks good without going full suit.
What’s also great about brogues is that they can turn an otherwise boring casual shoe into something fun. Something about the design just adds a flair that speaks style. While the full brogue is the traditional version that we do not see as often, I am happy to see that at least that style has adapted to other forms of brogues, such as the tarsal and adelaide brogues.
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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Christopher
I really like the vans. Nice Blog
Clare
I love the Paul Smith ones, lovely colours!iliketweet.blogspotx
Anonymous
Nice blog
Giselle Ariane
I really do love the vans. I really want a pair of wingtip oxfords. I think they're lovely for girls… but I want to be absolutely sure they're perfect and not buy one and then later see the ones of my dreams in another store.
joseph
how in the world do i get a pair of your shoes,as well as saions,they have no email adress,and why is it so hard to reach marc guyot and altain to do business?
The Shoe Snob
Joseph – As long as you keep reading the blog, you will be among the first to know when I start my line, but in all honesty it might be a little while (2-3 years). As far as the others, I can only imagine that it is hard to get a hold of the French people because maybe you don't speak French and Parisians are known for the animosity to those who do not speak their language. I wish that I could help you with Saion, but considering that the site is in Japanese, I wouldn't have the slightest clue how to help. I have heard that they are pretty fussy with who they choose to do business with though, needing to write them before and then they will either accept you or not, kind of ridiculous if you ask me. I would suggest finding someone who speaks French and seeing if they can help call or contact the French companies though. Only speaking English unfortunately might not get you very far. Sorry that I can't be much help. Thanks for reading and glad that you enjoy the blog and my shoes!!The Shoe Snob
Reginald Gooden
Brogues are Awesome and never go out of style!
Justin FitzPatrick
Indeed!