Crocodile Vs. Alligator Shoes

Alligator skins are easier to obtain than crocodile skins in the United States.

Few accessories exude class and personality more than a pair of shoes made from alligator or crocodile skin. Because of the laws regarding the harvesting and trade of alligator and crocodile skin, these shoes can be very expensive. As a result, it's important that you do your research and buy a high-quality pair of shoes that fits within your budget and was obtained and sold legally.

Choosing A Skin

Both alligator and crocodile skin make durable leather that's suitable for shoes, handbags and other accessories. Of the two skins, crocodile skin is slightly more durable. The most desirable cut of skin for shoes is from the belly of the animal because the skin is more smooth. Crocodile skin is more irregular in appearance and has tiny pinprick-like dots where the hair follicles were. Alligator skin has more a slightly more regular appearance and will lack the dots.

Laws Regarding Alligator and Crocodile

Question the shop assistant carefully regarding how they obtained the shoes and from whom. This is especially important if you're purchasing the shoes abroad because some countries, such as Mexico, don't have the same laws prohibiting the harvesting and sale of animal skins. Your shoes may be confiscated at the border and you can be fined if you purchase shoes without proper documentation showing that the skin was harvested from a farmed animal. American crocodiles, for example, are endangered and it's illegal to purchase goods made from these animals in the United States.

Where to Purchase

Purchase your alligator or crocodile shoes from a reputable dealer or shop. If you purchase the shoes online, call and ask if the store can provide documentation that demonstrates that the skin came from a farmed animal. If the store doesn't have this documentation, you shouldn't buy the shoes because the skins may have been gathered illegally. In addition, some retailers sell fake skins and try to pass them off as genuine. Look for repeated patterns and flaws in the patterns of the skins; this may indicate that the skins aren't genuine.

Care

Alligator and crocodile skin shoes need similar care. Use a damp cloth to wipe off dirt or dust and store the shoes in a box away from direct sunlight. If the skin looks dull, spray it with a light coating of furniture polish and wipe off any excess with a dry cloth. The polish will add shine without damaging the skin. If the skins become dry, apply a thin layer of shoe polish in a matching color. Allow the polish to dry and repeat the application until the shoes look shiny and less dry.

References

• Alligator Leather: Guide for First Time Buyers
• Crocodiles and Alligators; Gerald Legg
• The American Crocodile; Glenn Scherer and Marty Fletcher
• The Croc Doc Shop: FAQs