Winkle Pickers

Winkle Pickers were worn in the 50's and 60's sometimes by Teddy Boys instead of Brothel Creepers and, more commonly by Teddy Girls. They were also worn by Beatniks, Rockabillys and later Modernists and Mods (Modernists being early Mods). The Mods attached a Cuban heel to them and called them Beatle Boots. As the name suggests they were worn by the Beatles and also, famously by Andy Warhol. The Mods later flattened the toes turning them into chisel toe shoes.  


The most famous Winkle Pickers were made by Stan's Shoes of Battersea. They were a lot more extreme than 
the Italian version, but bulkier.


They were later revived in the 70's by Punks. As with Drapes and Brothel Creepers, they wore them partly to annoy Teds. Goth's adopted them in the early 80's.

Top:Pathe film clip of Stan's Shoes of Battersea, Shoes worn by The Leningrad Cowboys, from the film Leningrad Cowboys Go America, John Cooper Clarke, my boots by Gibsons of London. Bottom image from website Rapiers are go!