Looking after Snakeskin and Lizardskin boots

Ironically improper care of snakeskin can be unsafe and harmful, at least to your boots!

Snake and lizard skin is by nature highly absorbent, taking in and releasing moisture around it more quickly than most leathers. Hot and cold extreme temperatures, spills and dusty environments can also cause problems and make sure you don’t leave your shoes or boots in front of a fire or radiator, as it can cause the snakeskin dry out and crack giving it a shriveled and weathered appearance and is potentially impossible to repair. Also standard leather products like alcohol, oil, and acetone can actually ruin and or discolor snake and lizard skin!!! Only ever use products that are designed or designated as safe for exotic leathers and snakeskin

General cleaning: Get rid of of dust and dirt using a soft dry cotton cloth and gently wipe in the directions of the scales or use a really soft brush to carefully to remove it. Don’t raise the scales.

If strong waterproofing is required, as soon as you first get them apply a protectant / waterproofing coating to the boots and reapply it every time you clean, condition or polish the boots.

Otherwise just apply a conditioner made for snakeskin which are lighter in composition than most basic leather conditioners, if you look around at the products they are generally considered the ‘light’ or ‘delicate’ versions. It is also best to utilize a cream item instead of a wax as it will go in better and is less likely to leave a residue or build up around the scales.

Use only neutral colored products as colored polishes will often respond the chemicals used in tanning and tinge the skin green. White snakeskin is actually bleached and will ultimately return to their natural golden color, don’t re-bleach it as it will shorten the life of the boot.

Finally, lizard and snakeskin boots are often made with a layer of snakeskin laminated over normal leather which can dry out over time. If this happens use of a quality leather conditioner on the inside of the boot and let them sit for a few days.

Here are a few products that the manufacturers specifically state as being ok to use with exotic leather. The links for each one will open a new page with more details so you can check them out properly (including the buy button – it doesn’t add to cart or anything like that).

Fiebigs leather lotion specifically mentions that it adds an element of waterproofing