What Are Alligator Shoes?

Have you ever wondered what all of the hype is about when it comes to a person owning a pair of alligator shoes? After all, it's just another pair of shoes, right? That all depends on whose feet the alligators are on. While alligator shoes have been around for a long time, there is a dangerous process involved to produce the shoe. And after you purchase the shoe, there is a process to maintain it. Learn about the alligator shoe and decide whether or not it is an investment work making.

Demand for Alligator Hide

More than 10 million alligators were killed from 1870 to 1970. Because of the high demand for alligator hide, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service placed the alligator on the endangered species list. After the alligators were able to repopulate themselves, the ban on alligator hunting was lifted. Although the ban was lifted, the alligators are only hunted during hunting seasons set forth by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

Alligator Hunters

It goes without saying that an alligator is a dangerous reptile. Despite them being dangerous, there are alligator hunters out there who risk their lives hunting for alligator hide. Once an alligator has been killed, the hide of the alligator is removed, sold and used for profit.

Durability of Alligator Shoes

Alligator hide is naturally durable. That is one of the reasons alligator shoes are so popular. Because of the shoes' durability, they can withstand the elements, just like an alligator in the wild. If you get a good pair of alligator shoes, they are literally an investment because they will last you a long time.

Caring for Alligator Shoes

Store your alligator shoes in a cool, dry area. If your shoes get wet, apply an exotic leather conditioner to them after they have completely dried. Applying this type of conditioner will help prevent cracking of the alligator hide. The conditioner can be found at exotic leather shops and some department stores. Do not use chemicals or alcohol on your alligator shoes. Doing so will destroy the finish of the hide on your shoes. You can use a neutral shoe polish to shine your alligator shoes.

Purchasing Alligator Shoes

Although alligator shoes can be purchased from stores and retailers all over the world, there are some manufacturers that stand out in the industry. They have established a prominent position in the alligator shoe industry. A few of those manufacturers are the Mezlan Company, the David Eden Company, and Regent Shoes. Offering the alligator shoes in a variety of styles, the top manufacturers are known for their craftsmanship and excellent quality.

Resources

• The Mezlan Company
• The David Eden Company
• Regent Shoes