Crocodile Shoes

[tsloop]

I know they are for gangster and all, but "my friend" wants a pair or crocodile or alligator shoes.  Does anyone know what brands I, er he, should be looking for.  There are tons of them on ebay but they pretty much all look cheap.

 

[JBZ]

I don't know what style you, er, your friend, is looking for, but there are several Ralph Lauren Polo crocodile or alligator (I can't remember which) loafers for sale on bluefly in a variety of sizes. These are of the "Made in Italy" variety, so they are not C&J. However, given the name brand, I'm sure the quality is good (and bluefly has a good return policy).

The cost is in the neighborhood of $700, marked down from around $1,200 (per bluefly). Others with more expertise can chime in, but I think you pay a fairly hefty premium for real crocodile or alligator (if for no other reason than you rarely hear of a cow biting off the leg of the person who wants to "borrow" its hide for a little while).

Regards,

Jeff

 

[PeterMetro]

I saw those - I can't imagine a worse looking shoe.

 

[tsloop]

I saw the ralph lauren loafers on sierra trading post but don't care for them, I would prefer a pair of lace-ups but good looking loafers would be ok I guess.

 

[zjpj83]

Nice pair of Lattanzis on Ebay recently.
I prefer alligator to croc, by a lot.

 

[tattersall]

Wilkes Bashford in SF carries a J.M. Weston loafer (the "reference&quot in croc which looks very nice indeed.

 

[darkoak]

Nice pair of Lattanzis on Ebay recently.  
I prefer alligator to croc, by a lot.

What's the difference between alligator and croc, in terms of quality of the leather, shine, durability, style etc?

 

[JBZ]

I saw those - I can't imagine a worse looking shoe.

Hmm. I went back to the bluefly site to look. I agree with you that the model they're billing as the "Prescott" is pretty hideous (really low vamp and a "Belgian Shoes" like tie - it suggests something that Tony Soprano would wear). However, the one they're billing as the "Bel Air" looks like a fairly standard penny loafer to me. Of course, this assumes that you're into the alligator look to begin with. I'm not, so the shoes really aren't for me, regardless.

Jeff

 

[Manton]

What's the difference between alligator and croc, in terms of quality of the leather, shine, durability, style etc?

Alligator has smaller, squarish little "panels." Croc's "panels" (or grain) are more round, and larger. Alligator is more delicate, more expensive, and more "pimp" looking (to my eye). Not that I own either. Ahem.

 

[nightowl6261a]

Cole Haan, anyone want a pair, make you a great deal.

 

[kabert]

If you're trying to avoid the cheap look, avoid the ultra-shiny ones. Instead, look for those with a flat (non-shiny) finish by:

-- Edward Green
-- Lattanzi
-- J.M. Weston
-- Paul Stuart

Go for the more classic shoe designs too (classic loafers or lace-ups) if you're trying to avoid flash.

 

[Mike C.]

The Gucci offering this season with the bamboo bit are great if you are looking for loafer/driving shoe in alligator. I don't know about the price though. If I was going to get a shoe in gator, I'd get these.

 

[norcaltransplant]

I can vouch for:
-- J.M. Weston
-- Paul Stuart/Grenson

Both of their offerings in gator (I assume for the $1k+ asking price) are quite attractive in dark brown. They draw attention but not quite on the pimp'tastic level.

Plan B... for the men with big wallets, would be John Lobb Paris. I think JCusey wrote at great length in the past for his love/infatuation with the John Lobb Perrier in croc or gator.

Personally, I'll keep the exotics skins on my belt and preserved Mr. Ed on my feet.

 

[cuffthis]

These are my pair of Church's Prima Classe alligator cap toes. Everytime I wear these, which is not often, I always feel something is amiss. Either they are too pimpish, too expensive, too whatever. I just never feel comfortable wearing them. Brutal honesty - would you wear these? If no, why not? To quote Pat Benatar, "hit me with your best shot, fire away"

 

[Manton]

Those look nice. But if I were ever to get croc shoes, I think I would get them darker (brown, of course) and without any brogueing.