craftgrrl | Space Chennel 5 costume

Ok, So Im going to Anime Boston, and im making an Ulala costume. Ulala is a character from an old Dreamcast game called Space Channel 5. I can make the costume, but im having a hard time with the boots. heres a picture:

Im not sure if i should buy a cheap pair of white go-go boots and try to paint them, or make covers for a pair of my exsisting platform boots (which, considering im short and will be at a crowded convention, i could really use the added height). But if i make covers, would it be hard? O if i paint a pair of white boots, what would i use to paint them?
also, anyone have any ideas on how to make the gun? I was thinking id sew one out of felt, but that seems a bit lame.
another also.. Can you paint on vinyl? Im making the outfit out of orange vinyl, and the SC5 logo is blue and white. think i could paint it?
THANKS SO MUCH!!!