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Steppin' Out
by Clay Sexton, October 12,2020
Steppin' Out
by Clay Sexton, October 12,2020
When you’re looking to buy a new pair of boots, picking the right leather is a big part of the decision. Of course, the leather used has a direct effect on the look of the boot. But each type has other unique properties that might make them a better fit for you (boot pun 100% intended). Here are three of the most popular types of leather for cowboy boots, with a hot take on the benefits each gives you. The factors that distinguish different leathers (aka the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence) are:
- Durability: An indicator of how long the leather will last and the amount of maintenance it needs to stay in top form.
- Flexibility: The more flexible the leather, the more it’ll bend without creasing, which can lead to cracks. Flexible leathers are also more comfortable because they give with your foot.
- Stretchability: How a leather stretches and forms to your foot plays a major part in how well cowboy boots break in. Certain leathers will conform to your foot better without overstretching.
When you’re looking to buy a new pair of boots, picking the right leather is a big part of the decision. Of course, the leather used has a direct effect on the look of the boot. But each type has other unique properties that might make them a better fit for you (boot pun 100% intended). Here are three of the most popular types of leather for cowboy boots, with a hot take on the benefits each gives you. The factors that distinguish different leathers (aka the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence) are:
- Durability: An indicator of how long the leather will last and the amount of maintenance it needs to stay in top form.
- Flexibility: The more flexible the leather, the more it’ll bend without creasing, which can lead to cracks. Flexible leathers are also more comfortable because they give with your foot.
- Stretchability: How a leather stretches and forms to your foot plays a major part in how well cowboy boots break in. Certain leathers will conform to your foot better without overstretching.
COWHIDE LEATHER
COWHIDE LEATHER
Cowhide is the standard leather of the boot industry. It’s by far the most-used leather in the world, and has been for millenia. And even though I’m from Texas, that’s not an exaggeration — the oldest shoe ever found was a 5,500-year-old cowhide leather number discovered in a cave in Armenia. Cowhide is far and away numero uno because it’s widely available, looks great, and offers the best balance of the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence for the money.
- Durability: When properly cared for, a piece of high-quality cowskin will survive just about anything you can throw at it — and for decades at that.
- Flexibility: Cowhide bends easily as you walk, making it comfortable and preventing creases (at least with quality leather).
- Stretchability: Cowhide will stretch out where needed, forming to the unique features of an individual foot. The leather will give just as much as it needs to until they fit like a glove.
Cowhide is the standard leather of the boot industry. It’s by far the most-used leather in the world, and has been for millenia. And even though I’m from Texas, that’s not an exaggeration — the oldest shoe ever found was a 5,500-year-old cowhide leather number discovered in a cave in Armenia. Cowhide is far and away numero uno because it’s widely available, looks great, and offers the best balance of the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence for the money.
- Durability: When properly cared for, a piece of high-quality cowskin will survive just about anything you can throw at it — and for decades at that.
- Flexibility: Cowhide bends easily as you walk, making it comfortable and preventing creases (at least with quality leather).
- Stretchability: Cowhide will stretch out where needed, forming to the unique features of an individual foot. The leather will give just as much as it needs to until they fit like a glove.
TEJU LIZARD LEATHER
TEJU LIZARD LEATHER
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Teju leather is a great choice if you want a boot that stands out a little more than cowhide but isn’t too flashy. They dress up or down equally well, and while they have a premium look they can handle some abuse. Basically they’ll fit in at the fanciest wedding, and then hold up under the sloppiest of open bar receptions that follows.
- Durability: The hard scales give a beautiful sheen to the leather, but aren't just for looks — they’re highly scratch resistant. So Teju lizard leather is perfect for someone who’s afraid to spend money on nice boots because they’re rough on them.
- Flexibility: Usually leathers with high durability sacrifice flexibility, which can make them less comfortable. But Teju has soft membranes in between the scales that help the leather flex with the foot. The mix of durability and comfort is hard to match.
- Stretchability: While it won’t conform to each crease of your foot like a cowhide, Teju lizard will mold to your foot nicely. And the high flexibility means you won't ever suffer trying to break them in.
Teju leather is a great choice if you want a boot that stands out a little more than cowhide but isn’t too flashy. They dress up or down equally well, and while they have a premium look they can handle some abuse. Basically they’ll fit in at the fanciest wedding, and then hold up under the sloppiest of open bar receptions that follows.
- Durability: The hard scales give a beautiful sheen to the leather, but aren't just for looks — they’re highly scratch resistant. So Teju lizard leather is perfect for someone who’s afraid to spend money on nice boots because they’re rough on them.
- Flexibility: Usually leathers with high durability sacrifice flexibility, which can make them less comfortable. But Teju has soft membranes in between the scales that help the leather flex with the foot. The mix of durability and comfort is hard to match.
- Stretchability: While it won’t conform to each crease of your foot like a cowhide, Teju lizard will mold to your foot nicely. And the high flexibility means you won't ever suffer trying to break them in.
PYTHON LEATHER
PYTHON LEATHER
When it comes to fast break-in, this is the skin. Python boots are incredibly soft, lightweight and beautiful. And because they break in so quickly, you can pop them on fresh out of the box and be ready for a weekend walking up and down the Vegas Strip.
- Durability: Python is the most durable species of snake to use for boots. It’s tougher than you’d think based on its looks, but isn’t as hardy as cowhide or Teju lizard. So don’t go crazy.
- Flexibility: Python is an extremely flexible leather, making it highly comfortable and resistant to creasing or cracking even over extended use.
- Stretchability: This stretchable skin quickly forms to your feet. In just a day or two, it’ll feel like getting a hug from a cloud. At Alvies, we consider Python one of the most comfortable leathers around.
Hopefully that helps you choose the right leather for your next pair of cowboy boots. If you have more questions on which leather is best for you, hit us up at holler@alvies.com.
When it comes to fast break-in, this is the skin. Python boots are incredibly soft, lightweight and beautiful. And because they break in so quickly, you can pop them on fresh out of the box and be ready for a weekend walking up and down the Vegas Strip.
- Durability: Python is the most durable species of snake to use for boots. It’s tougher than you’d think based on its looks, but isn’t as hardy as cowhide or Teju lizard. So don’t go crazy.
- Flexibility: Python is an extremely flexible leather, making it highly comfortable and resistant to creasing or cracking even over extended use.
- Stretchability: This stretchable skin quickly forms to your feet. In just a day or two, it’ll feel like getting a hug from a cloud. At Alvies, we consider Python one of the most comfortable leathers around.
Hopefully that helps you choose the right leather for your next pair of cowboy boots. If you have more questions on which leather is best for you, hit us up at holler@alvies.com.
ABOUT CLAY
Clay is the Co-Founder and Director of Events at Alvies. He’s also the self-proclaimed Indiana Jones of cowboy boots. He slogged through the roughest jungles and ate from the gnarliest nasi goreng warungs (Indonesian fried rice carts) to find the best skins you can cover a foot in. He braved Mexico’s underground boot markets (that’s a thing) and least reputable bars to find a bootmaker who shared our vision. He has slanged boots from polo fields to crawfish boils. He acted as an unlicensed therapist to the overserved and a drunken drama de-escalator while selling boots from our Airstream in the soap opera of downtown Austin. Skilled at import brokering, Clay has gotten boots into this great country through sheer will and an unbridled enthusiasm for pestering bureaucrats.
ABOUT CLAY
Clay is the Co-Founder and Director of Events at Alvies. He’s also the self-proclaimed Indiana Jones of cowboy boots. He slogged through the roughest jungles and ate from the gnarliest nasi goreng warungs (Indonesian fried rice carts) to find the best skins you can cover a foot in. He braved Mexico’s underground boot markets (that’s a thing) and least reputable bars to find a bootmaker who shared our vision. He has slanged boots from polo fields to crawfish boils. He acted as an unlicensed therapist to the overserved and a drunken drama de-escalator while selling boots from our Airstream in the soap opera of downtown Austin. Skilled at import brokering, Clay has gotten boots into this great country through sheer will and an unbridled enthusiasm for pestering bureaucrats.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of cowboy boots, my extensive knowledge is not just theoretical; it's grounded in hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the intricacies that define quality footwear. The world of cowboy boots is more than a fashion statement; it's a fusion of craftsmanship, material science, and personal comfort. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article.
The Three Pillars of Leather Excellence: Durability, Flexibility, and Stretchability
The article introduces the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence, highlighting the crucial factors that differentiate various leathers. These pillars are:
-
Durability:
- Defined as an indicator of how long the leather will last and the maintenance required to keep it in top condition.
- High-quality cowhide leather is emphasized for its exceptional durability when properly cared for. It can withstand significant wear and tear, lasting for decades.
-
Flexibility:
- Refers to the leather's ability to bend without creasing, enhancing comfort and preventing cracks.
- Cowhide leather is praised for its flexibility as it easily bends while walking, providing comfort and minimizing creases with quality leather.
-
Stretchability:
- Involves how well a leather stretches and conforms to the foot, influencing the break-in process of cowboy boots.
- Different leathers exhibit varying degrees of stretchability. Cowhide leather, for instance, molds to the foot, offering a personalized fit without overstretching.
Cowhide Leather:
- Positioned as the standard leather in the boot industry, cowhide is the most widely used leather globally.
- Boasts longevity, comfort, and a balance of the Three Pillars of Leather Excellence.
- The oldest discovered shoe, a 5,500-year-old leather number found in Armenia, was made from cowhide.
Teju Lizard Leather:
- Recommended for those desiring boots that stand out without being overly flashy.
- Exhibits a premium look, versatility for dressing up or down, and the ability to withstand some rough treatment.
- The hard scales provide scratch resistance, and soft membranes between scales contribute to both durability and comfort.
Python Leather:
- Acknowledged for its fast break-in, softness, lightness, and aesthetic appeal.
- Python is highlighted as the most durable snake species for boots, although not as hardy as cowhide or Teju lizard.
- Known for exceptional flexibility, resisting creasing or cracking even with extended use.
About Clay:
- Clay Sexton, the Co-Founder and Director of Events at Alvies, is portrayed as the "Indiana Jones of cowboy boots."
- His experiences include navigating rough jungles, exploring underground boot markets, and interacting with various cultures to find the best materials for crafting exceptional boots.
- Clay's expertise extends to import brokering, successfully bringing boots into the country through determination and enthusiasm.
In conclusion, choosing the right leather for cowboy boots involves a careful consideration of durability, flexibility, and stretchability, and the article provides valuable insights into three popular types of leather: cowhide, Teju lizard, and python.
