Arango Boots | Exotic Python, Eel & Caiman Men's Boots
Arango Boots: Exotic Western Boots for Men
Arango is a Mexican bootmaker known for exotic skins done properly at a working man's price. The line here runs eleven styles across python, eel and caiman, built on two lasts, the Pro-Rodeo and the semi-oval, with prices from $144.99 up to $480.00. This collection also includes Hometown python styles, several of which are currently marked down from $289.99 to $144.99.
Orders over $200 ship free, and every pair can be tried on at our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC stores.
The Skins
Python is the backbone of this collection. Arango uses a nubuck finish that mutes the shine and keeps the scale texture visible, offered in black and tobacco at $249.99. The Hometown python styles in matte black and matte brown are the value pick at $144.99, and the python belly in tamarindo at $289.99 uses the softer, more uniform belly cut of the skin.
Eel, sold here as anguila, is one of the more unusual skins in western boots. It has a fine ribbed grain and a natural sheen, and it wears softer than python. Available in black and vino at $210.00.
Caiman belly, listed as coco belly and coco lomo, is the dress end of the line. The belly cut gives you the raised tile pattern while the lomo back cut has the ridged spine detail. Black coco belly runs $480.00, and the coco lomo styles in cognac and tabaco are marked down to $336.00.
Pro-Rodeo Versus Semi-Oval
The Pro-Rodeo last has a wider toe box and a taller heel, cut in the traditional rodeo profile, and it is the more forgiving fit if you have a broad foot. The semi-oval last is narrower through the toe with a softer rounded point, which reads dressier and sits better under a slim jean. Both are built on the same shaft height, so the choice comes down to fit and how dressed up you want the boot to look.
Building the Look
An exotic Arango in python or caiman is a going-out boot, so pair it with a rancher saco and a felt hat for a baile or a wedding. For everyday, a Cinch or Wrangler jean over the shaft with an Ariat shirt is the standard. Match your belt to the skin where you can, since an exotic boot with a matching exotic belt is the traditional pairing, and finish with a Montana silver buckle. If you want to compare against other exotic lines before deciding, see our La Herradura house boots, Cuadra, and the full men's boot collection. Budget shoppers should also look at our imitation skin boots, which give the same pattern at a lower price.
Sizing and Fit
Arango runs close to standard Mexican sizing, which is generally about a half size smaller than American sizing. If you wear a 9 in an American brand, try a 9.5 here. The Pro-Rodeo last has more room across the toes than the semi-oval, so if you are between the two, the Pro-Rodeo is the safer fit.
A cowboy boot should slip on with resistance and the heel should lift about a quarter inch when you walk. That lift goes away as the sole flexes. The instep holds the boot on, not the heel, so snug across the instep is correct. Exotic skins stretch less than plain leather, so buy close to true size rather than sizing up to break them in.
Call Selma at (919) 351-0295 or Columbia at (910) 596-7393 if you want help before ordering.
Care
Wipe dust off with a soft dry cloth after each wear. Use a conditioner made for exotic skins rather than standard boot polish, since polish clogs the scale pattern on python and caiman and dulls the ribbing on eel. Nubuck finishes should be brushed, not polished, since polish will flatten the nap. Never dry wet boots near heat. Use boot trees or stuff the shafts so they hold shape. We stock boot care products online and in store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Arango boots?
Arango is a Mexican bootmaker specializing in exotic skins, working in the vaquero tradition. We stock the Pro-Rodeo and semi-oval lines.
How much do Arango boots cost?
The collection runs from $144.99 to $480.00. Hometown python styles start at $144.99 on sale, eel is $210.00, python is $249.99, python belly is $289.99, and caiman belly reaches $480.00.
What is anguila?
Anguila is eel skin. It has a fine ribbed grain with a natural sheen and wears softer than python, which makes it a good middle option between plain leather and heavier exotics.
What is the difference between coco belly and coco lomo?
Both are caiman. Belly uses the underside of the skin, which gives the even tile pattern. Lomo uses the back, which shows the ridged spine detail and reads bolder.
What is the difference between Pro-Rodeo and semi-oval?
Pro-Rodeo has a wider toe box and taller heel in the traditional rodeo profile. Semi-oval is narrower and slightly dressier. Pro-Rodeo fits wider feet better.
Do Arango boots run small?
They follow Mexican sizing, which typically runs about a half size smaller than American. Ordering a half size up from your usual is the safe starting point.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, on orders over $200. Several styles in this collection qualify. See our shipping policy.
Can I try them on in store?
Yes, both our Selma, NC and Columbia, SC locations carry Arango and can fit you in person.