UNDERSTANDING BROGUES

(derived from the Gaelic bróg (Irish), bròg (Scottish) "shoe")^{[citation needed]} is a style of low-heeled shoe or boottraditionally characterised by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations (or "broguing") and serration along the pieces' visible edges.^[1] Modern brogues trace their roots to a rudimentary shoe originating in Scotland and Ireland that was constructed using untanned hide with perforations, allowing water to drain when crossing wet terrain such as a bog.^[2][3] Brogues were traditionally considered to be outdoor or country footwear not otherwise appropriate for casual or business occasions, but brogues are now considered appropriate in most contexts.^[4] Brogues are most commonly found in one of four toe cap styles (full or "wingtip", semi-

, quarter and longwing) and four closure styles (Oxford, Derby, ghillie,