Alligator shoes and crocodile shoes may look almost identical to the untrained eye. Both shoes are from related animals, but these men’s exotic skin shoes have subtle differences. The regular shopper may not be able to tell which is which. Similar to using a socks sizing guide for an ideal fit, understanding the differences between alligator and crocodile shoes ensures you’re choosing the exact product you want.
If you want to know how to tell these two shoes apart, which is important if you want a luxury handmade leather piece, you have come to the right place. These shoes have characteristics that differentiate them from each other such as scale shape, umbilical scars, back horns, and price. To learn more about the difference between alligator shoes and crocodile shoes, read on.
Scale shape
When you take a closer look, you will see that the scales on crocodile shoes have a more uniform appearance than alligator shoes. This difference is because the belly of a crocodile is symmetrical on both sides, and thus its leather has a more regular tile pattern. Alligator shoes may have large square blocks to small scales, with more variation and inconsistencies.
Moreover, you can differentiate the two from each other by checking if the shoe leather has a dot in each tile. This dot is a remnant of a hair follicle, a distinctive characteristic of authentic crocodile leather.
Umbilical scars
Umbilical scars are another marking that you may want to observe. These scars are between the leather tiles and look like an elongated webbed pattern. If you take a close look, you will notice that these features are included in the leather to add a bit of spice and visual interest to the shoes.
How will you differentiate the umbilical scars of the two types of leather? It is simple! You will know that the umbilical scar belongs to alligator leather if the webbed pattern is distinct and ornate. On the other hand, the umbilical scar of crocodiles is observably plainer.
Back horns
You may also observe the back horn patterns of the shoe leather! Remember that alligators have two rows of two horns on each side of their neck. On the other hand, crocodiles also have two rows of back horns. However, one row will have four horns, and the other row will have two horns. This difference may be very subtle, so look closely!
Price
Another way to distinguish the two men’s exotic skin shoes from each other is to check the price tag. Alligator shoes are way more expensive compared to crocodile shoes! More laws are governing the slaughter of alligators compared to crocodiles. Since alligator skins are rarer, their leather has a higher value.
Because of that, some dealers may trick you by selling crocodile shoes for the price of alligator ones. Buyer beware! Although crocodile shoes are also valuable, you should avoid others tricking you into buying something that is not what it is.
Final thoughts
We hope this crash course taught you everything you need to know about the difference between crocodile and alligator shoes. Now you can get those alligator shoes — or crocodile shoes, now that you know how to tell them apart!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you prefer – crocodile or alligator shoes? Why? Do you have a favorite shoe color? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!