Genuine Hippopotamus w/ Hippopotamus Inlay Handmade Boots。Stylish Leather Derby featuring black laces. Perfect for any occasion. Hippopotamus leather is unique for shoes and boots due to its exceptional durability, unique striated and velvety texture, and natural water-repellent qualities. Each piece is also uniquely marked by the scars the animal acquired during its life, adding character. Durability and Strength: Hippo leather is dense and incredibly tough, wearing very well under hard use. It offers strength and resistance that surpass many conventional leathers. Soft, Supple Texture: Despite its toughness and thickness (the hide can be up to 5 cm thick in some parts in its raw state), the leather is split down to a usable thickness (around 2mm for footwear) and tanned to a soft, supple, nubuck-like finish that feels almost \"glove-soft\". Water Resistance: Hippos spend a significant in the water, and their hide has evolved to repel moisture. While not completely waterproof, products made from hippo leather repel liquids more easily than cowhide. Unique Aesthetic: The finished leather has a distinctive, irregular grain pattern and features natural scars and wrinkle patterns that are unique to each hide, similar Rarity/Exclusivity: Hippo leather is rare and considered an exotic material. Ethical sourcing means the hides typically come from animals in managed populations or that died of natural causes under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) certification, which adds to their exclusivity and cost.