Alligator skin shoes are known for featuring the boldest designs.
These are not the shoes that should be worn by those faint of heart. The men who put these on understand that they are drawing attention and are more than okay with that.
Still, even if you yourself have no issue with slipping on a pair of alligator skin shoes, they are not always the right choice to wear. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to make a fashion statement when you are just out on the town, but in some scenarios, being too bold with your style can backfire.
Are alligator skin shoes considered appropriate within a professional setting?
Back in 2004, a GQ reader posed a simple question to the site. The question simply asked if it would be “acceptable” to wear alligator skin shoes to a meeting, or would they be a bit too showy.
In response, GQ essentially said that people who have certain occupations may be able to get away with wearing alligator skin shoes to a business meeting because being fashionable and eccentric is kind of baked into what they do. However, those with jobs unrelated to fashion or just style in general may receive more scrutiny for wearing alligator skin shoes.
That exchange may have taken place originally in 2004, but the attitude regarding alligator skin shoes hasn’t changed that much within a business context.
Business meetings are about focusing on the task at hand and anything that takes attention away from that can be viewed as detrimental. Fans of alligator skin shoes may not like it, but the typical office setting is still not the place for those flashy pairs.
There’s a loophole though.
Alligator skin shoes have evolved. Not all of them are as showy as their predecessors.
Take a look at thePlatofrom Belvedere Shoes or theirUrbanoshoes. Those are alligator skin shoes as well, but they are certainly more understated in terms of style. They are still remarkably stylish and elegant, but not in an overly showy way.
Chances are that most people won’t even realize those are alligator skin shoes. They may just think that they look impeccably stylish and may even ask you where you bought them.
Flashy alligator skin shoes are still available
Now, if you love the alligator skin shoes that are in your face about their style, you don’t need to worry because those remain available as well.
TheAlfredandLagofrom Belvedere are some of the finest examples currently available, and as you can see, they are definitely not lacking in style. These are the alligator skin shoes that are not suited for the workplace setting, but you can wear them to a party with friends or if you’re planning to go club hopping.
Alligator skin shoes are not necessarily designed for everyday use
Alligator skin shoes are not easy to clean.
Leaf.tvnotes that you may even need to get a reptile skin cleanser if your shoes cannot be cleaned with a damp cloth.
To extend the life of your alligator skin shoes, wear them sparingly and on those days when you aren’t expecting precipitation of any kind.
You don’t want your alligator skin shoes to lose their visual impact anyway, so it’s best to limit your usage of them.
Alligator skin shoes are still not ideally suited for regular use, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If you are able to save them for the right situation, they will help you stand out in the best way, and you are also sure to receive praise for your impeccable fashion sense.
FAQs
To extend the life of your alligator skin shoes, wear them sparingly and on those days when you aren't expecting precipitation of any kind. You don't want your alligator skin shoes to lose their visual impact anyway, so it's best to limit your usage of them.
Can you wear alligator shoes? ›
Alligator shoes are trendy and very comfortable. They also compliment both formal and casual attire. In spite of the event, sporting a pair of alligator shoes will surely edge up your look. Alligator shoes are hand-stitched and hand-made with rare styles made of genuine alligator skin.
Can you wear alligator boots in the rain? ›
Alligator leather is sensitive to heat and moisture, so it's important to protect your shoes from extreme temperatures and wet conditions. Avoid wearing your alligator shoes in heavy rain or snow, and store them in a cool, dry place when you're not wearing them.
How often do you condition crocodile boots? ›
Condition Them
Apply a few thin layers of exotic leather conditioner to the exterior using a soft cloth or brush. We recommend conditioning your boots every 3 or 4 months.
How long do alligator shoes last? ›
Alligator leather is unmistakably luxurious, and it will hold up for years with loving care. It is at its best with oils and compounds that help retain flexibility, but they need to be replaced periodically as with any fine leather. Polishing your shoes will restore the shine that can disappear with use.
Are alligator shoes illegal? ›
A U.S. District Court judge ruled on Wednesday that California cannot ban the sale of alligator and crocodile products, finalizing a suit that began over three years ago.
Can alligator leather get wet? ›
If your small alligator leather products become wet, the first thing you're going to want to do is gently wipe off any excess water with a soft dry absorbent cloth. Once the water is wiped away, let the leather dry naturally and slowly without the assistance of direct sunlight or auxiliary heat.
Is alligator skin waterproof? ›
Unlike the shark, the alligator leather is not water-resistant by nature. A special tanning is applied to it to make the surface water-resistant.
Will alligator boots stretch? ›
If your cowboy boots are made in animal leather—think cowhide, alligator, ostrich, or snake—they can often be stretched for comfort.
Can you condition your boots too much? ›
You can put too much conditioner on leather, but don't worry. The problem will likely resolve itself as the leather absorbs the conditioner over time. How do you polish and condition leather? You always want to condition leather first, then, if you want to, add polish.
The American Alligator is the least bony of the crocodilian species and therefore it is the softest most supple leather to make cowboy boots from. American alligator skins are softer and have smoother scales than other types of crocodile skins, making them among the most luxurious skins available on the market.
Why are crocodile boots so expensive? ›
As a material, crocodile leather is rare and expensive because of limited numbers of crocodiles, their relatively small size and the scarcity of dependable farms and tanning facilities to process and prepare the product for market.
Do people still wear alligator shoes? ›
Alligator skin shoes are still not ideally suited for regular use, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If you are able to save them for the right situation, they will help you stand out in the best way, and you are also sure to receive praise for your impeccable fashion sense.
Can Gator boots get wet? ›
Avoid Water at all Costs
Water is the worst enemy of alligator leather. This is because it absorbs it, not repel, which can damage your shoes because of the moisture. Hence, if your gator shoes accidentally get wet, wipe them off immediately with a clean, dry cloth and hang them, if necessary.
Are crocodile shoes legal? ›
California law prohibiting trade in alligator and crocodile products (California Penal Code Sec. 653o) is preempted by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service's implementing regulations.
What's the difference between Crocs and alligator shoes? ›
This difference is because the belly of a crocodile is symmetrical on both sides, and thus its leather has a more regular tile pattern. Alligator shoes may have large square blocks to small scales, with more variation and inconsistencies.
Why can't we wear Crocs? ›
They can cause sweating and irritation
Weiser says wearing Crocs for long periods can cause: friction blisters. excessive sweating.
Why are alligator shoes so expensive? ›
Only so many alligators per year are allowed to be killed for their meat and skin since they are not raised like cattle. Because of the limited supply of alligator skins available, there are only so many that can be tanned to begin with driving the costs sky high in comparison to cowhide leather.
