Dan Post Pre-Ban Sea Turtle Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 9 D(These boots are marked a 9 B but I’ve personally confirmed and confirmed from their last owner they fit like a 9 D)
Maker: Dan Post
Material: Genuine Pre-Ban Sea Turtle Vamps, Butterscotch Leather Shafts with Feather Stitchwork
Condition: Good Vintage Condition
The Boots
A striking pair of vintage Dan Post cowboy boots in genuine pre-ban sea turtle leather. The full sea turtle vamps display the hide’s unmistakable large, raised scutes in a rich cognac-to-chocolate brown coloration — thick, dimensional, and glossy with the kind of deep natural texture that no embossed leather can replicate. The scales wrap generously from the pointed toe up over the instep and around the heel counter, giving full exotic coverage across the entire lower boot.
The butterscotch leather shafts carry bold feather or leaf-pattern stitchwork in tonal thread — long, sweeping fronds radiating from a central spine on both front and back panels. The stitching is crisp and fully intact, and the warm golden tone of the shaft leather complements the darker turtle vamps beautifully. Pull tabs are finished with a small sea turtle leather accent at the base. The overall palette is a warm, cohesive honey-to-brown gradient from top to toe.
Construction is classic Dan Post: pointed toes, stacked leather heels with rubber heel caps, leather soles, and leather lining throughout.
Pre-Ban Sea Turtle
Sea turtle leather has been banned from commercial trade under CITES and the Endangered Species Act for decades. These boots represent a material that is permanently unavailable for new production — no bootmaker on earth can legally source sea turtle hide today. The distinctive large-scute pattern and thick, dimensional texture of sea turtle leather made it one of the most visually dramatic exotics ever used in cowboy boots, and surviving pairs in good condition have become increasingly collectible. Once they leave the secondary market, they’re gone for good.
Condition
These boots are in good vintage condition with honest wear throughout. The sea turtle vamps are intact and glossy with the raised scutes well-defined and securely attached — there is natural darkening at the toe tips and light creasing across the instep consistent with use. The butterscotch leather shafts are supple and clean with all stitchwork crisp and intact. The leather soles show moderate wear and the stacked heels with rubber caps show honest use but remain solid. A structurally sound pair with the exotic leather in good shape and plenty of life left.
