Kilties, also called false tongues, are leather pieces that sit over your laces. They add character, protect your laces and tongue, and add a little volume over the instep to snug up the fit. Every pair is cut by hand in my shop.
The cuts
- Standard (7"): the classic kiltie, with a tongue that hangs just below the laces.
- Blind (7"): low-profile and "no-show," with no visible fringe. It blends into the tongue area while still protecting it and improving fit.
- Jagged (7"): the fringed, logger-style cut.
- Long (9") and Extra Long (11"): for taller boots, in Standard and Blind.
Which length?
The 7" fits most lace-up boots, including 6" boots like Iron Rangers, Grant Stone, and Parkhurst, plus most 7" and 8" boots. Go Long or Extra Long for taller boots.
Matching leathers to your boots
- Red Wing Amber Harness or Copper Rough & Tough: Oro Harness
- Grant Stone Crimson Chromexcel or Alden Indy: Horween Brown Chromexcel
- Truman Ink: Horween INK Cavalier
- Wickett & Craig burgundy: Seidel Oxblood Double Shot
- Thursday Waxed Cacao: Horween Dark Brown Waxed Flesh
- Snuff or tan roughout: C.F. Stead Acorn Rambler
Not sure? Send me a photo of your boots and I'll recommend a match. Want something different, like contrast stitching, no holes, or wider lace holes? Choose "Customized" on any listing.
What others are saying
Bootlosophy put together a video on my kilties:
Curious about horsehide options? Read Shell Cordovan vs Horse Rump Leather.
More videos on my YouTube channel: @DalesLeatherworks. Questions? Message me through the chat, or see the FAQ.