While we love both of these hides, there are differences between Alligator and Crocodile. For starters, American Alligator, as the name indicates, can only be found in the fresh water swamps in Southeastern USA from Texas to Florida. On the other hand, Crocodile can be found all over the world in both fresh and salt water. With that being said, Paul Bond Boots only uses Nile Crocodile, not Caiman. American Alligator and Nile Crocodile are similar in look and feel, however with a few subtle differences. The primary difference is that Alligator tiles tend to be more square and slightly larger than crocodile tiles. When it comes to choosing it is all a matter of preference. Some prefer crocodile because is it available in a wider variety of colors whereas American Alligator is typically available in black, brown, and cognac.
We get this question quite often, and unfortunately the answer is no, but we believe for good reason. Because Caiman's are strictly farmed, they tend to remain smaller in size and therefore can be difficult to use for those with a bigger foot. Additionally, due to calcium rivets, they tend to have pock marks making the skin drier. Ultimately, we feel like the hide does not provide enough durability and has a tendency to crack. Because we stand by our product and believe our boots should last, we avoid this skin.
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