8 Good Questions To Ask When Shopping For Exotic Leather Boots - eagleeye04/exoticleather GitHub Wiki

Leather is always in style. While there is a market segment that opposes using animal products as clothing, there are always even more consumers that love the look, feel, and durability of classic leather, be it as jackets or footwear.

Exotic leather boots are a great way to add some flair to your outfits that many around you might not consider, as shoes or footwear is sometimes an afterthought in the larger fashion picture. However, shopping for leather boots that are considered exotic is not something you do every day, so if you're going to hunt for a great pair, use the following 8 questions to make a great selection.

1) What sort of leather are they?

While leather is generally an animal product, some animals are used more than others. Unusual animals might make boots more exotic than others.

2) Where did they come from?

One person's exotic isn't the same as another's. Knowing what part of the world your boots originally came from, even if you're shopping in a local store, helps establish the exoticness of them.

3) Can they be shipped here?

Your search for anything exotic is likely to take place at least partly online. Given that exotic clothing might be from outside the country, make sure it can be legally shipped into the United States. Also look into custom fees and possible shipping delays.

4) Are they sourced ethically?

What you define as 'ethically' could range from animal cruelty to child labor to funding war in a conflict zone. Just make sure that what you wear matches your personal values and beliefs, because nothing is ever more fashionable or stylish than comfort and confidence.

5) How long does it take to break them in?

Most footwear takes time to break in, even if it fits well the first time you put it on. If you're shopping in advance for an event that has a specific date on the calendar, then you want enough time to get comfortable in them before it happens.

6) Can you return them?

If you're ordering from a catalog or online, then the color might not be just exactly the shade you're looking for, and they might not fit just right. Have the ability to swap them out or just return them if this happens.

7) What sort of care do they need?

Some leather boots just need to come out of the box and be worn, ready to go. Others might need treatments and applications in order to be ready for all kinds of weather. Knowing the right care keeps them looking great for much longer.

8) Are they really exotic leather boots?

There is no enforced industry-accepted definition of 'exotic,' but in the minds of most consumers, the boots would either be of leather from unusual animals or something from faraway places, particularly internationally.

Some of these questions might be ones you ask of yourself, and others ones you ask of store clerks or customer service departments. In any case, now that you know 8 good questions to ask when shopping for exotic leather boots, you can find a great pair to add to your own wardrobe or as a gift to someone you care about.