So me and the wife were hunting for new boots last month, cold weather comin’ and all. Saw these shark skin boots online and got curious – never heard of ’em before. “Shark skin?” I thought. “Sounds weird but might be tough.” Decided to give ’em a proper test run myself instead of just reading ads.
First Impressions & Shopping Mess
First thing, finding actual shark skin boots ain’t easy. Went to three different stores downtown, sales folks kept scratchin’ their heads. “You mean cowhide?” Nah buddy, shark skin! Finally found a pair in this tiny, dusty shop tucked behind the laundromat. Price tag made me blink – not cheap. Seller kept braggin’ about how they never crack. Hmph. Talk ain’t worth nothin’. Paid cash to avoid online delivery nonsense.
Wear Testing Phase
The first week felt like clenching bricks. Stiff as hell, honestly. Stuffed rags inside to stretch ’em out faster. Did the stuff:
- Scuffed the toe deliberately against the sidewalk.
- Left them out in that sudden rain shower Tuesday.
- Walked miles through the park’s gravel paths.
Right out the rain? Water just rolled right off, like those car commercials. Nice surprise. Underneath stayed dry too. But man, that first week? Blisters on my left heel felt like chewing gum stuck to my sock.
Checking The Goods
Got real nosy once they softened up. First thing: the scales. Held my phone flashlight tight against the leather. Scales overlapped each other tight, like roof shingles. Felt rough dragging fingers one way, smooth the other. Weird stuff. Folded the ankle part hard. No cracks anywhere, just faint creases. Poked around the seams with a toothpick, stitching stayed tight everywhere. Thread was thick nylon stuff.
The Smell Test
Yeah, weird I know. But smells show quality sometimes. Didn’t smell like cowhide at all. Faint ocean-like salt smell mixed with the leather chemicals. Stronger near the sole glue. The cheap boot I compared it to smelled like plastic and fish left out too long.
Long Haul Stuff
One month in now: No signs of falling apart. Walking feels solid, like firm handshake grip under your feet. Scratches? They’re there, but shallow. Rubbed ’em quick with a plain white eraser and the deepest ones faded. Biggest win? Cold mornings don’t bite through. Feet stay warm. Comfort finally feels better than regular boots, but it took sweat and time to get there.
My Bottom Line
Shark skin boots? Weird, pricey, stiff like hell early on. BUT they handle scrapes, weather, and miles better than most I’ve worn. Quality ain’t a joke if you find real ones. Check them close:
- Squeeze the scales. Should feel bumpy one way, smooth the other.
- Fold the leather tight. Look for cracks – shouldn’t see any.
- Sniff deep. Avoid rotten or strong plastic smells.
- Thump the soles. Feel that solid thud, not a hollow tap.
Worth it? If you’re trudging through wet winters or rough ground – maybe yeah. Just suffer that break-in period first. Feet might hate you for a week.