Creepers (shoes)
Creepers ( English "Leisetreter"), also brothel creepers (English brothel "brothel", "Puff"), are flat sneakers with particularly thick, soft, continuously striped crepe soles . These soles are usually up to 5 centimeters thick and have vertical grooves. Creepers are either laced or have a single buckle . The frequently used upper leather consists mainly of suede (brushed calfskin, suede ), which makes it quite sensitive to dirt. Creepers are often colorful (e.g. in a leopard look), but black and white braided and plain colors (mostly black) are also popular.
history
After the Second World War, soldiers returned to the London scene with the so-called Brothel Creepers, which they previously wore in North Africa, adapted to the climate and environment. They emerged from the boots made by Egyptian shoemakers for military use. In the 1950s, the creepers were popular with rockabilly kids, in the 1970s they were sold in the “Let it Rock” shop owned by Malcolm McLaren , Vivienne Westwood's partner at the time , in London. Creepers were also worn in the subcultures of Ska, Punk and Goth. However, they are mainly worn by Teds , and more rarely by Psychobillys . They peaked in popularity with the Teds in the 1950s and early 1960s . “Don't you step on my blue suede shoes” was the motto at the time - the original song about the shoes came from Carl Perkins , while Elvis Presley's version became popular .
Even today, creepers are still available in stores specializing in youth fashion .