Brogues

Brogues are a style of low-cut leather shoe defined by decorative perforations and serrated edges, collectively known as broguing. They originated in Scotland and Ireland as outdoor country footwear in the 16th to 18th centuries, where the perforations were practical for water drainage and flexibility. By the 19th century, broguing became a stylistic feature and the shoes evolved into a versatile wardrobe staple.

The term encompasses several variants distinguished by the arrangement of holes and winged toe caps. Full or wingtip brogues have a W-shaped toe cap with perforations that extend along the sides toward the heel; longwing brogues are a subtype where the wingtip extends to the heel. Semi-brogues feature a toe cap with decorative perforations along the edge but lack the extended wings, while quarter-brogues have perforations mainly on the toe cap. Brogues can also vary in formality, material, and construction, from traditional leather dress styles to more casual suede versions, and from open-lace designs to various sole constructions such as Goodyear welt, Blake stitch, or cemented soles.

In fashion, brogues are valued for their balance between formality and personality. They pair with suits, chinos, or jeans depending on finish—black or dark brown for formal occasions, lighter shades or suede for casual settings. Care involves regular cleaning, conditioning, and polishing, with attention to moisture, storage with shoe trees, and occasional resoling to extend life.

Etymology notes: the word derives from the Irish or Scottish term for shoe, reflecting the footwear’s origins and long-standing association with British and Irish dress traditions.