Porcelain MMX Footwear: Exploring the Tradition of Brogue Shoes

Following the success of the previous ‘Low Cut Series’ and ‘The Red Brick-Sole Edition’ ranges of footwear, Indonesian brand Porcelain MMX has developed a new range of shoes entitled ‘Historical of Perforation’. For inspiration for their latest collection, Porcelain MMX looked into the history of 18th century wingtip or brogue shoes.

Supposedly original from the Isle of Skye in Scotland, wingtip or brogue shoes were first made with practicality in mind. Initially made of untanned leather, the perforated wingtip design, known as broguing, was created to shield the feet from rocks and stones but had holes in them to allow water to pass through. The Scottish and Irish peasants who wore brogues often waded into bogs or creeks, so the perforations allowed water to drain from their shoes. In the 19th century, a more evolved style of brogue started being worn by English country gentlemen, along with trousers and tailored jackets. In Scottish Highland tradition, black was the most popular choice for brogues but in the middle of the 20th century, two-tone color combinations started becoming popular. Wingtip or brogue shoes reached their height in popularity in the UK and in the US in the 1920s and 30s, and they have witnessed a revival over the last few years as part of an appreciation of all things heritage-related.

et up in 2010, Porcelain MMX follows on the footsteps of generations of Indonesian shoe makers. The focus of the brand relies on seeking high-quality materials that are worked under artisanal processes by highly skilled and experienced craftsmen. With such ingenious designs and respect for footwear craftsmanship, at The Style Examiner we cannot wait for this brand to be picked up by buyers all over the world and have their shoes more widely available. For more information, visit the brand’s blog.