If your trying to figure out if the alligator skin on your $2000.00 AF1’s is legit or, if your trying to figure out if the Alligator skin your buying is fake or not, there are a few things you can look for. First, “any ‘alligator leather’ should feel leathery – if it feels artificial or plastic, it is probably not the finish, it probably IS artificial or plastic. Second, real alligator hides are thick and denser than the fake alternatives. Third, give it a good smell, does it smell fishy/swampy or like tanning chemicals? If it doesn’t have a smell or a very light smell, it is probably not real leather. Fourth, if it has a very bright artificial-looking shine, it is probably not real. Last, if all else fails and you still can’t tell if it’s fake or not, find a part of the questionable alligator leather and put a little cold water on it. (You don’t have to soak it!) Let the water sink in, let it sit for a little bit. When it’s sat for awhile, give it a whiff; if there’s an odor, the alligator skin is likely genuine.
