How To Buy Snakeskin Shoes

We stumbled across this handy set of Snakeskin buying tips in the latest Lucky Magazine. Needless to say, it has changed how buy and care for our lovely exotics.
- As far as aesthetics go, designer Anya Hindmarch says, "The size of the scales should match the size of the product." Since shoes don't have a lot of surface area, pick smaller-size scale patterns instead of the large ones for the prettiest graphic effect.
- "The type of tanning chemicals used makes a huge difference," says designer Devi Kroell: Chemical dyes can stiffen the skin; vegetable dyes will leave it more supple. And in general, the darker the dye, the harder it is on the snakeskin, so natural or light-hued skins will last the longest.
- Once you get them home, use clear furniture polish to gently moisturize your shoes at least once a month.
Photo courtesy of Downtowngal Shoes.
