What Exotic Boot Skins are Illegal in the United States? A Concise Guide

What Exotic Boot Skins are Illegal in the United States? 

The standard for most cowboy boots has been and will likely continue to be leather materials and construction, but there are numerous other exotic skins used for boots that can bring an entirely new dimension to your boot style. When it comes to cowboy boots the use of exotic boot skins has always brought attention due to their unique patterns and different look and feel. As you start to look at exotic boots you may be asking what exotic boot skins are illegal in the United States.

You will want to consider both federal law which applies to the entire country as well as to any state specific laws that may exist. California currently has the strictest laws of any state in the US related to exotic boot skins, but several others have their own laws that are stricter than the federal level so you will want to review your own state for yourself.

As you begin to navigate the world of exotic boot skins, knowing this information can ensure you’re abiding by the required laws and regulations.

Exotic Boot Skins Overview

Popular Exotic Skins for Cowboy Boots

In the arena of exotics there is quite a variety of materials available with their own unique textures and finishes. Some of the more popular options include:

• Alligator, crocodile, and caiman: known for their distinctive scale patterns and durability.
• Ostrich: known for both its comfort and distinct quill patterns. Ostrich can be full quill, smooth, partial quill, or ostrich leg.
• Python: recognized for its distinct geometric patterns.
• Stingray: recognized both for its durability and unique pebbled texture.
• Lizard: appreciated for both its smooth finish and small scales.

All these materials (and others) can contribute to the creation of beautiful, high-quality boots, but it is important to be aware of the regulations and restrictions surrounding their use and importation.

Factors Affecting Legality of Exotic Boot Skins

Some exotic boot skins are banned because of protection and conservation laws on both the federal and state level. A skin may be allowed under federal law, but not under your state law.

Several factors affect the legality of using or importing exotic boot skins in the United States, including:

1. Endangered species status: Some exotic animals are protected under international conservation agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) or the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Dealing with materials made from these protected species is illegal without proper permits. Examples of banned materials in this area are Sea Turtle and Pangolin skin boots.
2. State-specific bans: Some states have implemented bans on specific exotic materials. For example, California has stricter laws than most states.
3. Invasive species concerns: Certain materials, such as felt sole wading boots, are banned in some states – Alaska, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and South Dakota – as well as Yellowstone Park – because they can harbor invasive species and pose a threat to local ecosystems.

Illegal Boot Skins in the United States – Governing Laws

Endangered Species and Environmental Protection Acts

At the federal level the key laws governing exotic boot skins will be the federal regulations protecting endangered species which are enforced by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The two main governing rules would be the ESA and the CITES. Trade of the leather and skins from exotic animals is carefully regulated and watched over by the members of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered (CITES), which claims over 180 member countries worldwide as signatories.

State-Specific Regulations on Exotic Boots

Federal regulations play a key role in protecting endangered species and governing country wide laws, but where you live comes into play as well as each state can have its own additional state-specific regulations. California has banned numerous skins that are not banned at the federal level and that are not on the endangered species list.

You will want to ensure your exotic boots comply with both federal and state regulations. We previously mentioned California, but it is not the only state with additional restrictions beyond the federal level. For example, Nevada has additional restrictions as well. You will want to double check your state laws.

FAQ’s on Exotic Boot Skin Legality

Reference disclaimer – Do your own research, this is not legal advice, additional details may change the answer given below.

Are bison cowboy boots illegal under US law?

No they are not. Bison cowboy boots are legal.

Are cape buffalo cowboy boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Cape buffalo cowboy boots are legal.

Are crocodile boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Crocodile boots are legal.

Are elephant skin boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Elephant skin boots are legal.

Are snakeskin boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Snakeskin boots are legal.

Are snapping turtle cowboy boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Snapping turtle cowboy boots are legal.

Are stingray boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Stingray boots are legal.

Are caguama boots illegal under US law?

Yes, they are. Caguama boots are illegal under US law.

Is caiman leather illegal under US law?

No, it is not. Caiman leather is legal.

Are alligator skin boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Alligator boots are legal.

Are hippo skin cowboy boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Hippo boots are legal.

Are python boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Python boots are legal.

Are ostrich boots illegal under US law?

No they are not. Full quill, smooth, and ostrich leg are all legal.

Are shark skin boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Shark skin boots are legal.

Are lizard boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Lizard skin cowboy boots are legal.

Are pirarucu fish boots illegal under US law?

No, they are not. Pirarucu cowboy boots are legal.

Are pangolin/anteater boots illegal under US law?

Yes, they are illegal.

Are sea turtle boots illegal under US law?

Yes, they are illegal.

California FAQ

Are bison cowboy boots illegal under California law?

No they are not. Bison cowboy boots are legal under California law

Are cape buffalo cowboy boots illegal under California law?

No, they are not. Cape buffalo cowboy boots are legal under California law

Are crocodile boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Crocodile boots are illegal under California law. (note this ruling raising questions on the status of this)

Are elephant skin boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Elephant skin boots are illegal under California law.

Are snake skin boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Snake skin boots are illegal under California law.

Are snapping turtle cowboy boots illegal under California law?

No, they are not. Snapping turtle cowboy boots are legal under California law..

Are stingray boots illegal under California law?

No, they are not. Stingray boots are legal under California law

Are caguama boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Caguama boots are illegal.

Is it illegal to wear cowboy boots in California?

No, cowboy boots are not illegal in California, only some skins used to make some cowboy boots.

Is caiman leather illegal under California law?

Yes, it is. Caiman boots are illegal under California law.

Are alligator skin boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Alligator boots are illegal under California law. (note this ruling raising questions on the status of this)

Are hippo skin cowboy boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Hippo boots are illegal under California law.

Are python boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Python boots are illegal under California law.

Are ostrich skin boots illegal under California law?

No they are not. Full quill, smooth, and ostrich leg are all legal.

Are shark skin boots illegal under California law?

No, they are not. Shark skin boots are legal.

Are lizard boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are. Lizard skin boots are illegal under California law.

Are pirarucu fish boots illegal under California law?

No, they are not. Pirarucu cowboy boots are legal.

Are pangolin/anteater boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are illegal.

Are sea turtle boots illegal under California law?

Yes, they are illegal.

You can watch a Youtube video that is based on a summary of this article by going here: https://youtu.be/8l7o0MknrNk