Exotic Leathers anyone?

[03hemi]

It's no secret I've always been into exotic skin cowboy boots, two of my favorites are my Caiman Hornback Classics from Lucchese and my Eastern Diamondback's from Blackjack boots (former employees of Lucchese), but I've always drooled for a pair of alligator shoes for dress attire, nothing classier imo.
Well, since I'll be heading to Breckinridge, CO next month for a wedding, I used it as an excuse to finally break down and buy some.
These are all handmade in Spain by family owned and operated Mezlan Shoes. They're 100% alligator belly, light as a feather and very soft and pliable, something not all croc or gator skins have. Incredibly comfortable and feel almost like tennis shoes, I can't wait till they get broken in to accent the scale creases.
I've been wanting a pair of alligator dress shoes since I was in my 20's, but couldn't ever afford them back then, then the kids came and so on and so forth you get the picture, not any more! lol
Turns out, exotics are a good investment.
A few years ago I paid around $700 for the Blackjacks and now the same boot is $1,400, but even better around 13 years ago, I paid $750 for the Lucchese, checked last night and now the same boots are $2,500. Inflation?

 

[s&wchad]

Hot Diggedy Dog!

If those are size 15 wide, I'll take 'em!!

 

[03hemi]

Hot Diggedy Dog!

If those are size 15 wide, I'll take 'em!!

lol, they have em!

 

[Eric300]

Nice kickers! I enjoy a good Cowboy/Western boot myself. Lama, Nacona and Justins. Western Diamondbacks (2), Full Quill Ostrich, Python (dyed brown), and basic Cow Hide (black).

 

[03hemi]

Nice kickers! I enjoy a good Cowboy/Western boot myself. Lama, Nacona and Justins. Western Diamondback, Full Quill Ostrich, Python, and basic Cow Hide.

Thanks,
I have some Tony Lamas too in Hornback, black head cut, but they're nowhere the quality as the Lucchese's or Blackjack's, but they still get worn on occasion.
Always wanted some Noccona's too.
I have the Justins in oiled leather, cheap boot but very comfy with it's rubber sole.
I like my Dan Post in deer, comfy boots, but still again a cheaply built boot.

 

[CH4]

I too am a fan of exotic leather cowboy boots. I too prefer Lucchese, Black Rock, Nacona and Justin.

A few pair I have with me in Nevada:

Anteater - Luchesse
Full Quill Ostrich - Nacona
Alligator tail, custom Raiders colors - Black Rock
Alligator belly - Luchesse

FWIW, I only like pointed toe boots. I have the one pair of square toe alligator boots. Hate em. I feel like a pirate or pilgrim when i where em.

 

[03hemi]

I too am a fan of exotic leather cowboy boots. I too prefer Lucchese, Black Rock, Nacona and Justin.

A few pair I have with me in Nevada:

Anteater - Luchesse
Full Quill Ostrich - Nacona
Alligator tail, custom Raiders colors - Black Rock
Alligator belly - Luchesse

Saw some custom boots last night made out of Sturgeon on line, they were really cool looking, but very pricey. $10k!

 

[mojave30cal]

Dave Ramsey would be proud of you!

 

[Mule Packer]

I saw a pair at a wedding that started me drooling. They were made from cobra skin and the "eye" (or whatever those markings are called on the flared hood of the snake) was placed perfectly in the center of the foot of each boot. From what I understand, totally illegal, but the gal who owned them said her brother picked them up for her while overseas. Don't know if that makes it okay or not, but they sure were cool.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Turns out, exotics are a good investment.
A few years ago I paid around $700 for the Blackjacks and now the same boot is $1,400, but even better around 13 years ago, I paid $750 for the Lucchese, checked last night and now the same boots are $2,500. Inflation?

Good or great footwear? You bet! Investment? No way!

That is not the definition of investment! You need to sell them for a profit after expenses to be a good investment. As it is, you will get pennies on the dollar for used cowboy boots! no matter how fancy.

Mine are deer hide.

Ivan

 

[StrawHat]

While I can appreciate those boots on your feet, not something that works for me. I have eight pair of Western boots, Justin, Tony Llama, Dan Post, and Boulette. All fit the same style, black, pointed toe, modified heel, black stitching.

Kevin

 

[CH4]

Saw some custom boots last night made out of Sturgeon on line, they were really cool looking, but very pricey. $10k!

I believe it.
Anteater and green sea turtle are now endangered, so getting a new pair is very difficult and pricey. In fact, pairs run several thousand.

 

[03hemi]

Dave Ramsey would be proud of you!

Yes he would, yes he would.
Using his advice, we paid off our new house in 4 years. Peace of mind.

 

[CH4]

I saw a pair at a wedding that started me drooling. They were made from cobra skin and the "eye" (or whatever those markings are called on the flared hood of the snake) was placed perfectly in the center of the foot of each boot. From what I understand, totally illegal, but the gal who owned them said her brother picked them up for her while overseas. Don't know if that makes it okay or not, but they sure were cool.

Here’s taking cobra boots to the extreme. No thanks!

Edit: On second thought, I'd display them in my man cave, but wouldn't wear them... in public.

 

[03hemi]

Good or great footwear? You bet! Investment? No way!

That is not the definition of investment! You need to sell them for a profit after expenses to be a good investment. As it is, you will get pennies on the dollar for used cowboy boots! no matter how fancy.

Mine are deer hide.

Ivan

Sell em, never!
I can't replace them for what I sold them for.

 

[03hemi]

I believe it.
Anteater and green sea turtle are now endangered, so getting a new pair is very difficult and pricey. In fact, pairs run several thousand.

Then you should check out snapping turtle, totaly legal and looks like a cross between alligator and ostrich leg, gorgeous.

 

[CH4]

Then you should check out snapping turtle, totaly legal and looks like a cross between alligator and ostrich leg, gorgeous.

Sounds interesting. I am looking for a pair of ostrich leg. Looks like dinosaur skin. Hmmm snapping turtle.

 

[03hemi]

Sounds interesting. I am looking for a pair of ostrich leg. Looks like dinosaur skin. Hmmm snapping turtle.

Ostrich leg is on the list, but I can't find any other than Dan Post and Post's are comfortable, but cheaply made and I don't want that.
I have an ostrich leg watch strap that's beautiful.

 

[03hemi]

While I can appreciate those boots on your feet, not something that works for me. I have eight pair of Western boots, Justin, Tony Llama, Dan Post, and Boulette. All fit the same style, black, pointed toe, modified heel, black stitching.

Kevin

So you're like Einstien, he had a closet full of suites all the exact same style and color. He said it was one less thing he had to concern himself with in morning while getting dressed?

 

[Rudi]

Just hope the animal rights whaccos don't see them.