I bought both my pairs in stores. The first pair was 5 years ago in an alternative shoe store here in berlin and the second pair I got last summer in a goth clothing store in camden, london. I don’t know where you’re located, so I can’t be much of a help but I recommend you checking out some gothic and cyber based clothing stores if you don’t want to buy online. Also, some vintage stores that are aimed at rockabilly might have some.
It would be much easier if I could see them in real life but I will try to answer this. (Maybe you could send some pictures?) I never had to deal with creepers from a costume store. Are they single sole, double sole or like slip on ones? Also, it depends on which party breaks but in most cases you’re safe if you have a shoemaker in your town. What happened to me was that with my anarchic ones, the sole came off and one time, my laces were open and got stuck in an elevator so one of the buckles (?) ripped off but in both cases, the shoemaker was able to fix it. :) If you have more questions, feel free to message me !
Thanks a lot. :) <3
I’ve got two pairs of creepers and they are both double sole. I really like the bold look and that I am taller with them but you should consider if you want to wear them everyday. There are times when I wear them everyday and you really have to get used to it because the double sole (especialle the anarchic and underground ones) are quite heavy. I know the demonia ones are lighter, but I have never worn those. Another thing you should think about is if you care about what people think because the double sole creepers tend to get more intention than single sole ones because they look bolder. Oh and I can imagine that it will take a bit longer ‘till you’ve got to bring the creepers to the shoemaker to fix the little parts between sole and shoe that come off after time when you buy single sole creepers because they bend more easily. But in the end it’s just about what you like more, really. :) I hope I was be any help.