Do crocodile leather shoes last and age well?

[VRaivio]

I just bought my first pair of truly high-grade crocs and I'm wondering how they'll hold up. I know shell cordovan and calf last long and age well, but how about crocodile pairs? All hints regarding care and special products are also welcome.

 

[JayJay]

They'll last a long time as long as you condition regularly and store in shoe bags to avoid them collecting dust.

 

[emc894]

Croc can tend to dry out so just make sure you condition them with the appropriate products so scales don't flake off.

 

[bourbonbasted]

I have a pair of American alligator penny loafers that I have had for two years now and despite regular wear they look great. I store with trees in bags and brush them with a horsehair brush before and after wearing. I wipe them down with a damp rag and apply Reno every tenth wearing or so.

 

[mr monty]

With proper care, the can last 50 years or more

 

[MyOtherLife]

I agree with above suggestions. Personally, I apply leather conditioner once per 2 months even if they sit on the shelf. A little love is all they need and definitely keep dust off them. I have a pair of croco balmoral cap toes approaching their 10th birthday and they are doing just fine.

 

[goodlensboy]

I used crema alpina with excellent results

 

[goodlensboy]

where are the pics

 

[yywwyy]

Where is spoo? I was expecting his answer to be here.

 

[Nick V.]

As mentioned above exotics are dry skins by nature. If they are not regularly moisturized the skin will crack within a short period of time. However if you treat them regularly with a conditioner they will last for decades.
Saphir Reno. is a great product in this case.

 

[VRaivio]

Many thanks for these quick answers!

A sidenote: I've been recommended Bick 4 as the care product for all exotics. I'll test this and report once done.

 

[teddieriley]

If you can replicate swamp-like conditions where you store your pair, that should go a long way.

 

[SpooPoker]



Where is spoo? I was expecting his answer to be here.

I was out hunting crocodiles.

 

[plei89]

This thread needs pics...

I want to see some beautiful croc patina

 

[mr monty]

been using DYO REPTILE CONDITIONER for many years



here for $4.25
http://www.mostshoestuff.com/browse.cfm/dyo-reptile-conditioner-4-0unce/4,309.html

or ebay for $27.99 (add $3.99 for shipping)
http://compare.ebay.com/like/120730803079?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar