When Junior Nogueira, a Brazilian professional rodeo cowboy who started as a team roper in 2014, earned the All-Around PRCA National Finals in 2016, he was in complete awe not just of the cool millions he earned in the circuit throughout the year but also of the massive belt buckle he was awarded. Back home …
Rodeo season is fast approaching which means it’s time to get your cowboy gear together. No true cowboy ensemble is complete without proper cowboy boots. Cow leather boots are the classic option, but if you are looking to spice up your look this year, here are seven exotic boot skins to make your boots the talk of the show.
Snakeskin cowboy boots are the most common of the exotic boots on this list, but they are still eye-catching. Snakeskin boots come in a variety of patterns or skins and can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 on average.
If you want to be impressive truly, pick a more exotic snake. There are:
Ostrich boots are very durable and popular skin. Ostrich leather is identified by its unique bumps or ridges from the empty feather follicles. In fact, according to Fashion Fresta “full quill” boots are usually the most sought after ostrich boots.
If you are looking for a less expensive ostrich skin option, you can go for a half quill, semi quill, or smooth ostrich boots.
Lizard skin is thinner than your typical snakeskin boots, softer, and easier to color. The most common lizard skin used for boots is Teju lizard. Caiman lizard and iguana lizard are other popular lizard skins. If you want your boots to have a clean, uniform look, lizard skin may be the option for you since it colors easily.
Lizard skin is relatively simple to clean as a slightly damp cloth can be used for everyday dirt, and lizard leather cleaner can be purchased for more detailed cleaning.
Kangaroo hide is regarded as one of the strongest leathers available. Kangaroo leather is strongest by surface area and more resistant to scratches than cow leather.
Since kangaroo skin absorbs water, it is best for dry climates.
Though shark skin boots could come from a variety of sharks, they are commonly grouped under “sharkskin”. Sharkskin boots have light texture from the ridges in the skin, but this can vary from boot to boot depending on the shark used.
This pattern creates a unique coloring of lighter patches towards the top and darker patches within the groves.
Hippopotamus skin is a rare and expensive skin for boots. It is tanned to be softer to the touch than elephant skin, which has a similar look. The ridges in hippo skin are very obvious; even injuries the hippo endured are clearly seen on the boots.
Some would describe the feel of the skin as cut suede. Shining hippo boots will make them more smooth than suede-like.
Elephant skin is soft and breathable leather that would make for comfortable and durable boots. Elephant skin has to be hunted and used within strict guidelines, making them a very high-value boot.
Elephant boots also require special care to make sure they retain their quality. They are a bit more expensive with the average pair ranging $600 to over $1,000.
If you are looking to put on your cowboy hat and see a few bucking broncos, there is no place like the rodeo. You can find these fast-paced events throughout North America. Here are some of the top five places where you can experience a rodeo. 1. National Western Stock Show & Rodeo – Denver, …
