The history and classic models of the most decorative men’s shoe, the ” wingtip “.

Wingtip leather shoes are a gorgeous addition to any man’s wardrobe, and are definitely a must-have choice for the second or third pair of shoes. In this issue, we focus on the most decorative men’s shoes, “wingtip shoes,” and introduce their origins, usage scenarios, and recommended models!

What is a wingtip?

Leather shoes with a wing-like toe part are collectively called “wing tip. Generally, shoes are decorated with holes such as medallions and perforations, and can be used for a wide range of outfits from business style to holiday wear, depending on the type. Incidentally, “wingtip” is an American term, and in the UK, the term “full brogue” is often used to refer to similar leather shoes, although the meaning of the term is slightly different. In Japan, which has been strongly influenced by American fashion culture, the term “wingtip” is often used.

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Origin and history of wingtip

Wingtips have a long history and are said to have originated around the 16th to 17th century. They have their roots in the work shoes worn by the Gaelic people, a Celtic tribe living in the highlands of Scotland and Ireland. Their work shoes, called “Cuaran” or “Rullion,” were made of waxed rawhide and were sturdy and water-resistant. These shoes were equipped with jagged cutouts and double stitching, the basis of today’s wingtips. They were also decorated with holes to improve drainage when traveling over wet terrain.

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At the end of the 19th century, these quarranes and leons were brought to England, where British aristocrats developed country boots as footwear used for country walks and hunting. In the early 1900s, not only boots but also shorts were developed. The “W,” a cutting-edge design for country shoes, and the “inside wingtip,” which incorporated the hole decoration into dress shoes, were added to the new standard for men’s shoes. In the 1920s, after the end of World War I, the “wingtip” shoe was introduced to the U.S., where it became an explosive fashion trend. While being actively incorporated into work boots and other footwear, the wingtip underwent a unique transition in the U.S. and was rearranged for casual wear with the ends of the wings extending all the way to the heel of the shoe. These leather shoes are called American brogues (long wingtips), and are still loved today as an item that symbolizes the American traditional.

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