PURPLE SUEDE BOOTS – WINKLEPICKER – FRED

In the 14th century, long-toed shoes called poulaines were de rigueur for fashionable young noblemen. The longer the toe, the greater the status symbol. In 1950’s Britain the Winklepicker made its reappearance, together with the Creeper as the shoes of choice for the Teddy Boy movement. The pointed toe sharpened the Ted’s counterculture look in an age that was still very conformist. In the 1960’s, Winklepickers were embraced by Mods, who paired them with Italian suits and button-down shirts. The shoes became notorious once more as a symbol of the street brawls that erupted between rival gangs of mods and rockers. 

By the 80s the Winklepicker’s countercultural cache was secure – further reinforced when adopted by new wavers and new romantics. Into the dawn of the 2000’s and they were adopted by the fashion-forward followers of the guitar driven angular music of the new century. The Winklepicker endures, the original shoe for non-conformists. 

Our winklepickers on the “Cuban “heel are manufactured on an original 1950’s last shape to ensure the authenticity. The last is quite pointed and has a walled toe that gives the angular look synonymous with the style. The raised heel distinguishes it from our other winklepickers and places it in the “Beat “boot family. 

Fred is Allgender and is a classic, over the ankle Chelsea boot, with two elastic side gussets. The boot is available in leather and vegan friendly options.