They’re highly desirable and valuable. Some of the exotics we have at Jack’s Western Wear includes ostrich, caiman, pirarucu, stingray, crocodile, snakeskin, lizard, and elephant.

One of the most popular exotic leathers is ostrich. It comes in different patterns. Full quill ostrich leather is bumpy. The bumps appear where the feathers were plucked. Ostrich leather is very durable, and it’s soft. It breathes well and has natural oils that help it resist cracking or drying.

Pirarucu boots are made from the Pirarucu fish found in the Amazonian Rivers and lakes of South America. The fish skin is durable and extremely comfortable. These boots have a distinct grain and scale like pattern.

Crocodile, Caiman and alligator ~
Alligator boots tend to be a little more flexible, while caiman can be more rigid. Caiman boots have smaller scales, and alligator boots have larger ones. All three come in deep colors with high-gloss finishes.

Alligator skin comes from farms in the southern United States. The skin is very supple and it dyes well. The best part is that it’s resistant to scratches, scuffs and marks.

Caimans come from South America. They get up to about 3-4 feet long. Because of their size, caiman products are stitched together from multiple skins. Caiman tail is some of the toughest, most durable products on the market.

Crocodiles can be found in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. They’re nearly as large as alligators, but they have a shorter belly.

Elephant leather is rare and valuable because it’s hard to get by manufacturers. Strict regulations with the animals require that the leather can only be obtained from an animal that has died of natural causes. Elephant is scruff resistant.

Snakeskin ~ Python is commonly used because it offers breathability and suppleness. Snakeskin boots are also flexible.

In the end, it all comes down to softness, pattern, and price.