Vintage Pre-Ban Nocona Anteater Cowboy Boots
Size: Men’s 9.5 EE (Wide)
Maker: Nocona Boot Company (Nocona, Texas)
Style: 59755
Material: Genuine Anteater Vamps & Pull Straps, Chocolate Leather Shafts
Condition: Great Vintage Condition
The Boots
These are the boots that stop collectors in their tracks. A magnificent pair of vintage Nocona cowboy boots featuring full anteater skin vamps in a rich cognac/caramel coloration — one of the rarest and most sought-after exotic leathers in the world, now permanently banned from new commercial production.
The anteater skin is breathtaking. Large, thick, overlapping diamond-shaped scales cover the entire vamp from the pointed toe up past the ankle and around the heel counter, displaying the unmistakable prehistoric texture that makes anteater leather instantly recognizable to anyone who knows exotics. The scales are massive, deeply defined, and glossy — catching the light with a warm, amber sheen that highlights the natural depth and dimension of the pattern. The cognac coloration shows beautiful variation between the raised scale centers and the darker edges, creating a rich, three-dimensional effect.
A particularly thoughtful detail: the pull straps are also crafted from matching anteater skin, providing a cohesive exotic accent that frames the top of each boot.
The chocolate brown leather shafts feature elegant flowing scroll stitching in gold/tan thread — a classic Western design that complements the exotic vamps without competing with them. The stitching is dense, precise, and executed in Nocona’s signature style. The interior is fully lined in Nocona’s golden yellow leather, stamped with the classic oval “Nocona Boots” logo, style number 59755, and size marking “9 1/2 2E.”
The Nocona Pedigree
Nocona Boot Company was founded in 1925 by Enid Justin — the daughter of H.J. “Daddy Joe” Justin, founder of the Justin Boot Company. When her brothers moved the family business to Fort Worth, Enid stayed in Nocona, Texas, and built her own empire from scratch with seven employees. She grew Nocona into one of the top five boot manufacturers in the country before selling to Justin Industries in 1981.
During the era when these boots were produced, Nocona was manufacturing high-quality exotic leather boots at their Texas facility. Their anteater boots represented the pinnacle of their exotic offerings — a premium product that showcased both the rarity of the skin and the skill of their craftsmen.
Why Pre-Ban Anteater Matters
Anteater skin has been banned from commercial trade under international wildlife protections. No new anteater leather can legally enter the boot market — ever. Every pair of anteater boots in existence today is pre-ban vintage stock: a finite, shrinking supply that will never be replenished.
Among exotic boot collectors, anteater occupies the very top of the rarity pyramid. It is harder to find than elephant, harder to find than sea turtle, and exponentially harder to find than alligator, ostrich, or python. The distinctive scale pattern is unmistakable, and it commands immediate recognition and respect from anyone who understands exotic leathers.
