Shark vs Elephant Boots: 2 Great Skins for Your Next Cowboy Boots

Shark vs Elephant Boots: How to Choose Which One for Your Next Pair of Boots?

Shark vs Elephant boots – which of these two popular and high-quality options should you choose for your next pair of cowboy boots? Each of these two materials have some unique qualities on offer that make them a popular choice for cowboy boot enthusiasts.

Shark leather and elephant leather are both well-known for their toughness and resistance to scuffs and scratches with both being durable leathers. While both of these leathers take more breaking in than some other skins generally it is noted that elephant skin breaks in before shark skin and in the longer term is the more comfortable of the two. What other distinct features make both shark and elephant leather boots attractive and how do they cater to different personal preferences and style choices is the subject of the rest of this article.

Key Takeaways

• Both shark and elephant leather boots are known for toughness and resistance to scuffs and scratches.
• While both skins are comfortable, shark generally takes longer to break in and is less comfortable than elephant.
• Both options have differences that will appeal to varied individual preferences and style choices

Shark Vs Elephant Boots: A Comparison

So, where should you start when making a decision between shark and elephant boots? What are their related features and differences. The upcoming comparison will help you make an informed decision about which boot is a better choice for you.

As mentioned, shark leather boots are well known for being both durable and tough. Shark skin material is resistant to abrasions and scuffs which makes these boots perfect for handling most environments. In addition, while not waterproof shark leather does have a water-shedding quality. Also, it must be stated, that the unique texture and appearance of shark skin leather definitely gives it a distinctive look that makes it a stylish option for boots. Shark leather boots can take longer to break in and will generally be less comfortable than elephant skin boots – although brand and quality can play a role here as well.

In comparison, elephant leather boots are characterized by the distinctive grain patterns in the leather. These can vary between heavy and smooth depending on each individual skin. Most often, elephant leather is tanned in pieces which means that each piece has its own unique grain pattern that gives your boots a one-of-a-kind appearance. Elephant leather is highly durable and resistant to scuffs and scratches, but is also quite comfortable once broken in and is more pliable in general than shark leather. These qualities make it an excellent choice for long-lasting boots. I have found elephant skin cowboy boots that are decades old that still wear well and feel comfortable.

When you start to compare elephant skin boots to shark skin boots in terms of cost you will find that both types of boots can be on the pricier side compared to leather or some other exotics. Part of the price is for the uniqueness of these leathers and another thing to remember is that these are high-quality, durable skins that can last you for years.

As a summary, as you are comparing shark and elephant boots you should consider the following topics:

• Durability: Both of these materials offer high levels of durability.
• Water Resistance: Shark leather has water-shedding qualities, but neither material is fully waterproof.
• Aesthetics: The distinctive textures and grains of both shark and elephant leathers can give your boots a unique and stylish appearance. (personal preference note here – I prefer the way elephant looks)
• Price: Both elephant and shark boots may have higher price points, but you’re also buying a long-lasting, high-quality product. Elephant boots are generally more expensive than shark boots, but not a hard line rule.

As both shark and elephant leather boots offer good durability and style the decision can then come down to which look you like better, or which has the better price. I personally like elephant boots better, but also find that elephant is usually more expensive than shark boots.

Materials and Properties

In this section, we’ll discuss the materials and properties of sharkskin leather and elephant leather used in boots. Both of these materials offer unique characteristics that contribute to the durability, longevity, and style of the boots made using them.When it comes to durability, both shark and elephant leather boots have similar, but still unique qualities.

Sharkskin Leather

Sharkskin leather is long known for its toughness and strength. In fact, it’s so tough that are one point in time it was even used as sandpaper by woodworkers. This leather is usually less impacted by harsh environments, which makes it a good option for those who need boots that can withstand tough conditions as a key purchase criteria.

Elephant Leather

Elephant leather is tanned in pieces and each piece has its own distinct grain, which can vary from heavy to smooth. This provides for very unique characteristics that add to the visual appeal of elephant leather boots.

And even with its reputation for making long lasting boots due to its thickness and strength, elephant leather is still considered to be a comfortable leather once broken in. When reading what some boot enthusiasts have to say, it is clear that both elephant and shark leather boots have their fans.

Price and Availability of Elephant vs Shark Skin Boots

While both of these leathers are pricier than some other exotics I have found that in comparing shark to elephant skin cowboy boots that you’ll typically find that elephant boots are more expensive.

It may be helpful to understand some of the underpinnings of the supply and demand for these two exotic boot materials. The majority of shark leather comes from the blue shark and this species is not considered endangered.

In the case of elephant boots, elephant leather has to come from legal sources as there are much stricter rules on the use of elephant leather. It is important that you that any elephant leather boots you purchase are sourced ethically and responsibly to avoid contributing to the endangerment of this species. You may also want to know if elephant skin boots are legal or illegal? As for other leathers you can read about what other exotic boot skins are legal or illegal here.

If you are looking for a vintage or second hand pair of boots you will probably find both shark and elephant boots available in the resale market. Elephant especially seems to be a popular skin in vintage boots. You will want to keep factors like the condition of the boots, their age, and any signs of wear and tear in mind as you evaluate any deals. The prices for vintage boots vary widely based on these characteristics and others like the brand.

Maintenance Required for Shark and Elephant Leather Boots

For maintenance it doesn’t matter much if you go with shark or elephant. The fact is that both shark and elephant leather boots need to be regularly cleaned and conditioned. Any mud and dirt should be removed as soon as possible with a clean cloth or horse hair brush. You will want to use a good conditioner for your boots as well and either Bick 4 or Bickmore Exotic are good choices here.

Comfort of Shark and Elephant Cowboy Boots

Elephant leather has the lead in comfort. It is a bit more pliable and allows for more movement without compromising the boot’s structure. Both shark and elephant leather boots provide exceptional strength and durability, but the comfort factor of elephant leather sets it apart. If your main focus is on searching for a comfortable, yet durable option, then a pair of elephant leather boots might be the better choice for your needs of these two.

Conclusion – Should I Pick Shark or Elephant Cowboy Boots?

Both shark leather boots and elephant leather boots offer their own unique qualities with great visual appeal. You should take into account factors such as durability, comfort, appearance, and ethical implications to make a well-informed decision on which boot is best for you.

Elephant has a bit of a lead on comfort and looks (in my opinion), but shark is usually a bit less expensive.

You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/NZpTnfSTNKw