How to Lacework boots?
"Kiltie boots" are a pair of boots with a kiltie attached to the instep, a piece of leather that protects the tongue of the boot. Although you might assume they are decorative because of their unique look, a kilt is actually a functional complement to shoes.
The Kiltie has been a feature of practical footwear for quite some time, originating in Britain a few centuries ago. It used to be much more common in outdoor shoes than work boots.
Do you need it? "Need" is a bit strong, but it's definitely not a bad idea to add one to your boots if you're wearing your shoes out from hard work on your feet outdoors.
A "kiltie" is a term used to describe an extra piece of leather covering the underside of the tongue of a leather boot or shoe. The exact design of the kilt depends on the type of shoe or boot to which it is attached.
Over time, kilties have evolved into two main uses, namely kiltie boots and kiltie shoes. The former are leather boots to which a kiltie in the form of a false tongue is attached and the latter are a type of leather moccasin which legend has it originated in Scotland and was/is the origin of the kiltie.
History has it that kilts were added to the leather brogues then worn by gentlemen and were particularly popular when paired with a kilt, hence the name. The idea, according to various versions of this story online, is that an additional leather tab was attached to the tongue of moccasin-style shoes commonly worn by nobles, complete with a leather tassel, decorative lacing, buckle, or leather fringes. Leather. added for decoration.
The function of the kilt was to protect the laces or provide a form of mudguard for the wearer's shoes, which was necessary for the Scottish nobility. Scotland is notorious for being muddy when not completely frozen over, so having a little more shelter was a huge boon for the user.
Sure, wearing a bigger boot or shoe would have been a good idea, but it's too much.
Kiltie Boots Today
Today's kiltie boots are a bit different, as "kiltie boots" are quite different from the shoes that legend has it produced the item in question.
Kiltie boots are basically a slang term that refers to more or less any boot that has a (seemingly) decorative false tongue covering the bottom of the boot's tongue. Although it's just an insert that slips under the laces, a kilt is actually a functional accessory.
A false tongue puts an extra layer between the laces and the tongue, which has some advantages. It acts as a brush guard and protects the tongue from dirt, dust, and other debris that builds upon the laces and minimizes the laces penetrating the shoe through the tongue. The tongue of the boot is also protected from wear and tear by a kilt.
Today, Kiltie shoes really serve decorative purposes as they are little more than moccasins that have an extra strap or layer at the top. Kiltie shoes used to have higher heels, but over the years they have become more of a fashion statement than practical footwear for the wealthy laird.
How do I wear a Kiltie?
If you do not order a kilt with your boots, you can purchase these separately and attach them yourself.
To start, you need to fully unlace your boots. Place the kilt between the tongue and the shaft, with the bottom of the kilt protruding down over the instep of the boot.
Some Kilties have a few holes near the bottom. You can choose to thread the laces through or just leave them in place. It's up to you, but the best would be to thread the laces through the kilt to keep them securely in place. This provides a better seal against the tongue.
Although you might assume it's a form of fringing to enhance a work boot, a kilt is actually a functional addition to a pair of work boots. If you work in dirty, dusty, or wet and muddy conditions, it is better to buy a pair of boots that have these, or possibly buy a fake tongue to add to a pair of boots.