These were notorious when I was a wee boy. Only disreputable types seemed to go in for them, and at least one murder was committed by the use of the winkle picker. Italian style?
They did make a bit of a comeback around 1978, mostly worn by lairy lads I knew who were into bands like The Cramps. The engineer boot was also much fancied, although not if you wanted to avoid a kicking from the Phil Daniels wannabees.