How to Tell If Men’s Exotic Shoes Are Real or Faux

You are buying something daring, rich, and head-turning exotic shoes. Maybe you’re eyeing those crocodile loafers or stylish snakeskin boots. But hold on… how do you exactly know that they are the real stuff?

When you have been tempted by mens exotic shoes you know they exude a completely different way of style and attitude. But with the rise of high-quality faux options, and with some pushy dealers out there, it can be hard to tell what you’re actually buying.

Then, what can you do to identify a real exotic leather among the false ones? What are the signs you need to look out? And is it ever okay to go faux?

Let’s go step-by-step and see to it that you leave something worth every penny (literally).

Feel Comes First

Real exotic leather has a texture that’s hard to fake. It is luxurious, textured, imperfect in every good manner. If you’re holding a real pair of croc or ostrich shoes, the surface won’t feel too smooth or plastic-like. It will have some natural bumps, ridges or small pores that show it came from an actual animal hide.

Look Closely—The Devil’s in the Detail

Next up—visual details.

The authenticity of exotic leather is varied. No two scales, spots, or bumps are identical. Real snake or crocodile skin, for example, has irregular patterns. Certain areas can appear smoother than others. That’s nature.

Faux leather seems too monotonous. The scales or textures might repeat too perfectly across the shoe, almost like a printed pattern. If you notice that symmetry, it’s probably machine-made.

Also, the seams and edges should be checked. Real leather has a “raw” edge when cut—it might show fibers or feel a little rough. Synthetic materials are usually heat-sealed and very clean-cut.

Smell Test? Yep, That’s Real

Sounds weird, but trust us—the nose knows.

Real leather has a very distinct, rich smell. It’s earthy, deep, and hard to miss. Once you know it, you’ll recognize it instantly. Faux leather either has no scent or smells like plastic or glue.

So if you’re standing in a shoe store, don’t be afraid to take a quick whiff. You’re not weird—you’re being a smart shopper.

Labels, Tags, and Truth

Reputable brands will always tell you what the shoe is made of.

Check the tag or product description. If it says “genuine leather upper,” it might be cowhide embossed with a croc pattern—so not truly exotic. If it says “crocodile,” “lizard,” or “python,” make sure it’s listed clearly as genuine and not “printed” or “faux.”

Mauri shoes for men are genuinely known for using authentic materials like real crocodile, ostrich, and lizard skin—and they’re not shy about telling you exactly what you’re getting. When in doubt, stick with trusted names.

Check the Price (But Be Smart About It)

That doesn’t mean authentic exotic shoes need to cost thousands, but if something seems way too good to be true, it probably is.

That said, some sellers overcharge for faux shoes just because they look fancy. So the price isn’t always a perfect indicator. It’s just one clue. Pair it with the other signs above, and you’ll get a clearer picture.

Flex and Wear Test

Here’s a quick trick if you can try the shoes on: give the shoe a little bend.

Real leather, especially exotic skins, will crease gently and naturally. It won’t crack, flake, or wrinkle too sharply. Faux leather can sometimes fold in weird ways or show signs of stress early on.

Another sign? The inside. Real exotic shoes are usually lined with soft, breathable leather. Cheaper faux options often skip that and go for basic fabric or synthetics.

FAQs

Q: Are faux exotic shoes always bad?

Not at all. There are some pretty solid faux options today that look great and hold up well. They’re also animal-friendly, so if that matters to you, faux is a win. Just make sure the price matches the material.

Q: Do exotic leathers require special care?

Yep. Real exotic skins can dry out or crack if not conditioned regularly. Use products made for exotic leather and avoid soaking them in water.

Q: Can I wear exotic shoes every day?

Sure, if they’re built for comfort. Just know that exotic leather is more delicate than standard cowhide. Rotate your pairs and avoid wearing them in rough conditions.

Q: What’s the best way to spot fake men’s exotic shoes online?

Look for clear material descriptions, close-up images, and real customer reviews. If the site doesn’t list details or only shows generic photos—run.

Final Word

Real or faux. The key is knowing what you’re buying and making sure it fits your style and your standards. Next time you’re eyeing that glossy pair of croc loafers or bold snakeskin boots, remember what you’ve learned here.