Brogues Shoe Guide: History & Best Brogues Styles

What is brogue shoes & their history? 

“Brogue” is the modern-day English spelling of the Gaelic word “bròg,” which translates to “shoe.” Centuries ago, brogues were worn by Scottish and Irish peasants, and the holes (known as “broguing” or perforations) were functional, existing to allow the brogue shoes to drain water after crossing a river or marsh.

They were made of untanned leather, had no heels, and often had fur attached.

Men's brogues shoes


Nowadays, the only similarity is the presence of the perforations, which are purely aesthetic. The perforations are often surrounded by “pinking” which is leather cut in a repeating “V” pattern. While very common, pinking isn’t a prerequisite for a brogue to be defined as such.


How Many Different Brogue Styles Are There?

Brogue shoes have evolved over time and now come in various styles, patterns, and shapes. The variations are what makes them so hard to style. The following is the modern styles of brogues - 


1. Wingtip or Full Brogues

The most popular and iconic, wingtips brogues feature decorative M or W shaped wing-like extensions on a perforated toe-cap. Unique, stylish and versatile, these shoes deserve a place in every stylish man’s closet.

These shoes are perfect for everyday formal as well as semi-formal wear. Choose black for strictly formal occasions and browns for a semi-formal look. Choose contrasting colours for casual wear.

Full brogues shoes


2. Longwing Brogues

Unlike the wingtips or full brogues, longwings have the wingtip wrapped around the full length of the shoes and meet at the heel counter in the back. They are a little traditional in their look.

Reserve these pairs for parties like a wedding as dress shoes. They are purely men's dress shoes which look strictly formal.

Longwing brogue shoes


3.  Semi or Half Brogues

These semi-brogue shoes or half-brogue shoes are considered more old-school than full and longwing brogue shoes. However, if styled right they can look just as trendy. They feature toe caps with punched decorative perforation without extensions or wings.

Opt for a blend of this style of brogues with loafers or Derbys to tone down the formal. The mixed styles are purely handmade leather shoes and can be worn with semi-casual occasions like a Get-together.

Semi brogue shoes for men


Last Word On Brogues - 

When building a shoe collection, it’s important to cover all your basics first and branch out from there. Brogues offer a unique opportunity to hit both of those categories.

For most men, a pair of brogues makes sense as a third shoe, right after you’ve acquired a basic black oxford and brown derby shoes. It also makes sense as a tenth shoe, when you pick up a pair of ankle-height semi-brogue boots to round out your budding collection.

No matter where they fall in your rotation, brogues will offer you permanent style.

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