What's Going on with Pirarucu Boots!?

Pirarucu, also known as arapaima or "big bass," is becoming an endangered species. Here's what you should know about it...
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#Pirarucu #Arapaima #CowboyBoots

[@MyPourDecisions]

I want the rarest and most unique leather I can get. Whether that be these, polar bear, dodo bird, or hell even human scrotum skin. If it's got a cool look and I can afford it then I want it. I already missed out on the anteater and turtle boots

[@Joetrout]

I got a pair of turtles back when they were ok to buy. I hated snakeskin but recently bought a pair of diamond westernback rattlesnake square toe an they look amazing! Get compliments wherever i go. I also heard those are already starting to get banned. Hard to find western diamondback if you do they are starting to ask alot for them.

[@Huckleberry68]

Same bro

[@XMorbidChaosX]

Same

[@spencersonnier1]

I see a lot of people talking about how these boots look ugly. I think Pirarucu boots look amazing. But now I will not buy any to not perpetuate the problem.

[@JeremiahCraig]

It seems like it's getting better. I would hope the large boot manufacturers ensure they are getting their skins from reputable sources

[@rafaelcamara6639]

I like Jeremiah, but I’m Brazilian and I know what I’m talking about. My grandpa has a farm in the state of Goiás, which is far away from Amazonia. He has 15 fish tanks with pirarucus and those fishes get that size in 4 to 6 years. The wild pirarucu is way to hard to catch and isn’t as he mentioned, native Brazilians catch pirarucus with fishing net made of a thick nylon.

[@TexasDevin]

Your opinion matches my own. I have always thought they look amazing. But, knowing what I know now, i would not buy a pair. It's unfortunate all around and I refuse to be a part of the problem.

[@briannawilliams7370]

No they are butt ugly, when I first saw them by some dogs who won money in a personal injury lawsuit and pissed away part of his settlement to buy them and try to be a hot shot I said to him in all seriousness, those boots you’re wearing are falling apart, they are peeling apart at the seams, they look like a fish hide that is peeling off UGLEEEE he said they are arapaima and bragged about how much he spent, I couldn’t stop laughing what a waste of money, I guess these boots are proof that taste is subjective and some people have too much money and no taste or sense, the rarer or more extinct the animal the more some people want them just for bragging rights and nothing else

[@jaimegarcia9032]

these boots just look grose if they were cheap no body would buy them.

[@chrisrodriguez7740]

I just bought a pair today honestly the quality is amazing 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@JeremiahCraig]

Awesome! Congrats on the new boots!

[@grandpawebb6023]

Yeah, I got a pair a couple days ago. They're great.

[@ezequielhernandez8739]

"FUCKING WITH THE FISH SCALES GOT ME COCO AND I LOVE IT"- Esteban Gabriel, Houston, X

[@guero210]

trash song

[@rjwilliams6927]

I think it’s a great looking skin. Having spent a short amount of time in the western wear industry, the consumer feedback was overwhelming negative on the look alone. So, only a fraction of my customers were interested. Living in Florida though...whenever I run across a snake or alligator...I always think cowboy boots.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Yeah it definitely seems like a style for specific tastes. With all the invasive pythons you got down there in Florida, I don't blame you for thinking about all the boots that can come from them!

[@silverforever15]

Wow I didn’t know anything about this, my favorite type of boots are ostrich and alligator but I was considering getting some pirarucu/arapaima boots, but upon hearing this I wish it was more regulated so that we don’t run into the extinction problem like the ant eater😔

[@mysteryman3547]

Check blackjack boots. I believe they use farm raised arapaima fish.

[@ToolFan68]

It's all bullshit. These stories are scare tactics. Period.

[@michaelbaerga8932]

Honestly I love regular cowhide the most because It can look really nice if it’s good quality and I won’t be as worried to scuff it up or scratch it.

[@JeremiahCraig]

I hear that!

[@lawrencelewis5800]

I've seen a lot of guys with these boots but I've never really cared for them. When I found out what they were, I remembered seeing that fish on River Monsters.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Yeah they're huge fish!

[@jeffereyhopkins750]

I am so glad you made me aware. I will not buy them for sure now. I have seen them on Ebay. I just don't understand why they don't raise them on farms and that won't be endangered. should not be a problem Brazil!!

[@JeremiahCraig]

Maybe they're tough to raise in capitivity. They can't farm the pangolin. Plenty have tried. I hope Brazil figures it out

[@brandonfeathers5219]

I just got a pair of these boots, thank you for educating me on them 👍

[@marcodavila10]

They are actually nice looking boots. Have that rugged look. Will go good with ripped jeans...

[@JeremiahCraig]

No doubt!

[@MoMan.88]

I agree it’s kind of a tough thing to decipher, I personally am not a big fan of the look of those boots so I probably wouldn’t buy them anyway, but unless the majority of the demand is gone nothing is really gonna change, and it’s hard to see that the demand is just gonna go away cause this issue is brought to the forefront, because it seems a lot of people don’t care, but I could be wrong, it’s hard to say.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Yeah it's a really tough situation. African countries and the United Nations figured out elephant trade though so I'm hoping for the best

[@oldtownroofing1524]

Thanks for the vid. I really like the pattern and texture. Wanted to do some research before I bought a pair. Really want them, but not willing to contribute to the decline of a species. Thanks for educating me. 👍🏻

[@bigwagdog7967]

I know this video is 3 years old. This comment comes from myself, an exotic skin boot collector. I have python, alligor, ostrich, stingray, lizzard, shrunken shoulder , and plain all regular cowhide leather. I think exotic skin western boots are beautiful. With this being said, I believe in an old saying "You can't have it all." I feel that is true. Exotic skins are fun to wear and show off. If we the consumer buy the exotic skin because it is for sale, I believe that we the consumer have a responsibility to do some research and see if buying this skin is supporting a possible extinction of a specific animal. I personally think that exotic skins should be limited to a guaranteed group of species that are not on any endangered species list. If the species is becoming extinct, then the sale has to stop. Another thing is use only the skins of creatures that have died from old age naturally. This would not hurt species population.

[@abelhernandez2591]

I have a pair but I didn't know they were an endangered species or else I would have never bought them. I thought they were ugly but they are actually soft from the inside. If you brush them with a horse hair brush the scales start to lift up and they look sick. I have gotten plenty of compliments on them.

[@JeremiahCraig]

I don't think they're endangered yet. Just on watch and there are farms of them too from what I've heard I want to look into this again because I want to do a review on some boots because I think they look cool too

[@westernshack]

NICE!!

[@JeremiahCraig]

Thanks man!!

[@lc5991]

Arapaima boots are on my bucket list for boots but it’s something I look for in good condition used to further separate myself from the corrupt demand for this animal. Even though I’m fully aware the leather used for boots is from a farmed animal. I just found your videos you’re very knowledgeable and when I get my podcast up and running I would love to have you as a guest!

[@KaySwaeso]

They look like pineapples

[@mafiozo04]

Damn right! And i love pineapple 🍍💛 i think these kind of boots are beautiful.

[@juniorr2646]

Exactly and glassed mexican sweet bread!! . Everytime i see some guy wearing it i wanna eat it

[@gagecollins9711]

Even though I don't agree with keeping monster fish but the aquarium hobby has almost single handedly saved them. Now there's infostructure to breed and farm them.

[@ministryoftruth1451]

Love the boots. Definitely getting a pair in black.

[@elchedeny9424]

Brazil needs to get a plan going for the population of those fish. Me personally I wouldn't get them not a fan of the look. On the otherhand Snakeskin, Alligator, Crocadile, Sharkskin boots I'm all in.

[@JeremiahCraig]

No doubt! I hope they get it together soon. Sharkskin is starting to be banned in some states too. We'll have to see what happens on that front as well

[@elchedeny9424]

@@JeremiahCraig I'm going to have to start stocking up just in case

[@patricksicard7129]

Yes, I just bought a pair. Were hard to find in round toe, but I eventually found a pair. Brazil does need to regulate so the supply is always available like other resources. Very unique boot.

[@gaylecheung3087]

Great, the coronavirus boot, just joking...

[@tigersaint124]

I thought Arapaima and Caiman skins have to come from farms in order to be allowed in the US.

[@michaelmetler6315]

Brazil need to create a fishery to farm Pirarucu . duh!

[@bigwagdog7967]

Another thought on this subject I had was that maybe you could compile a list of all the spices used to make exotic skin boots and also mention if they are in danger of extinction or still have a very high population. This would also help educate people. This way when someone goes to buy a pair of exotic skin western boots, they will know if they are buying a boot made from a creature possibly going extinct or from a population that's plentiful.

[@smackdadious]

Boot news, i love it.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Haha it's fun to cover! Glad you like it

[@Huckleberry68]

6:43 yes . Although I think it should be regulated

[@kylehorne6893]

Ya just got two pairs of them. Comfortable and nice lookin

[@daboyboy816]

I’ve got 3 pair 😂 I feel bad

[@JeremiahCraig]

Many are farmed but apparently they just don't keep track as well as some other countries do for their exotic leathers. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you already have them

[@tomthoelke8343]

So if you are so worried perpetuating the extinction of the species but still want the look buy an pirarucu PRINT. The same pattern stamped into cowhide.

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

What about Elephant skin cowboy boots? There seems questions about this issue of animals and their uses for us as folks..

[@JeremiahCraig]

Elephant leathers only come from one country in Africa. I believe it's Nigeria. Elephant herds there are culled of old and sick elephants that could cause an issue to the overall heath of the herd as a whole. It's also overseen by the UN

[@UrielsJunkDrawer]

@@JeremiahCraig I wondered how it was that the elephant hide came to be used in today's times. Thanks for the info.

[@nathanaslin9719]

Good pair of AB are already pushing $500/650

[@raulg705]

Unless they’re ostrich or alligator I won’t buy any more boots

[@richardmartinez6990]

As of now I feel good unintentionally being the proud owner of anteater lucchese boots

[@John-ck2hp]

Going to buy my big bass boots right now

[@JeremiahCraig]

Sweet! which ones did you get?

[@John-ck2hp]

@@JeremiahCraig cody james

[@ethanbaran6158]

I'm late, but from what I'm hearing, it's not your fault that the fish is going extinct, UNTIL you buy the boots. Then it is your fault.

[@PerpetuallyTiiiiiired]

Only python and lizard for me man

[@staceyward9841]

I always just buy the leather print of whatever skin I want, no animals have to die for it and the cow hide leather in most cases is way more durable anyway!!!!

[@catchnc4131]

I just ordered a pair

[@JeremiahCraig]

Such a soft leather. Congrats!

[@catchnc4131]

Thank you can’t wait to get them in

[@jimcollins9999]

I gotta get my pair before this goes down man! 👍 I bet other surrounding countries are loaded with Pirarucu!

[@DPPOfficial]

What iPad have you got?

[@junaidahmed5200]

Nice haircut buddy ! 😉

[@JeremiahCraig]

Thanks man! I went to a new place. I think I'll go back again

[@gunnarmeyer2884]

I can't imagine a pair of boots being make out of a fingernail like material being comfortable haha

[@JeremiahCraig]

I think they take the scaly part off and just use the skin underneath it but yes I agree haha

[@gunnarmeyer2884]

@@JeremiahCraig that makes a lot more sense haha. I was picturing some boots with the functionality of mideval plate armor.

[@randomchannel4886]

Theyre extremely comfortable.

[@caseG80]

@@gunnarmeyer2884 yes I have vintage ant eaters there the most comfortable.

[@zekecastillo5021]

I love my pirarucu boots!

[@ph6ntm]

I have a pair, can’t say I am dissatisfied, I love those boots… sorry 🐠

[@zephhattan8008]

They are mass farmed all over S America and even a few in the US now, so I'm torn on the issue. It's not like they're going to actually go extinct but certainly could lose a lot of genetic diversity. It would be great if they could crack down on the illegal fishing, but I doubt much of the Arapaima leather comes from that anyway, they are after the meat. There are videos on youtube of them haphazardly cleaning a boat full of these fish, tearing the scales to hell anyway.

[@JeremiahCraig]

That makes sense. Good info!

[@Dr.LongMonkey]

THE aquaculture of Arapaima still affects wild populations because we don't really know how to breed Arapaima in captivity. Most farm raised arapaimas come from wild caught females

[@sergioruiz650]

You can also get elephant boots, I would never get them but I just bought a pair of fish boots didn't know they were endangered tho.. but I seen lizards/snakes all different species, stingrays, bisons, crocodiles, alligators, shark, giraffes, eels & fish. All sold legally in the USA. I own most but giraffes, eels. Elephants or shark.

[@JeremiahCraig]

I tried elephants! Love them. Can't wait to get a pair. That and Sharks

[@sergioruiz650]

@@JeremiahCraig I didn't like them, my favorite since a youngster are crocodiles, snakes & ostrich all black. I also used cow for work & stuff. But bought a pair of fish one cause I like the style.

[@hectorruiz5154]

I’ll buy both

[@hardcorechicano]

They should just make them out of Tuna or the invasive Carp fish in North America.....

[@MNessmith]

Those bass boots are tragically ugly.

[@chrishigdon8149]

Pass on them although I'd love to own a pair. It is a beautiful material but there are so many options why even contribute to the problem if you even know there is a problem which I didn't until I watched this video. Ty.

[@gabrielnascimento1021]

Damn I knew my country politicians were bad but not THAT BAD holy crap

[@bigguapo_503]

Love my pair

[@mwmceo6145]

You gotta buy before extinction for resale just look at anteater

[@hlifino1]

The meat here for boots is farmed just like the alligator, caiman, crocodile etc. I would buy them now before they are no longer available. But yeah torso farmed which puts money is native hands.

[@toddwilliams6]

River Monster!!!!!!!

[@arcticwanderer2000]

There is a trade in this fish for it's flesh and it is served in restaurants in Brazil. If the fish were being killed just for the skin to make boots I would boycott buying the boots. But if the fish are being killed for the meat and the skin is just added value for the harvester, I think using the leather is a good thing.

[@nobodysreview6137]

I have mixed emotions about this kind of stuff, Animals all eat eachother in the wild and have no remorse, go watch cows being slaughtered and im sure youll feel some type of way about that. Also, if these fish are so valuable maybe people raise them there. News is bogus a lot of the time, if you went 2 brazil who knows what the real story is. When animals get old they get killed by other animals and eaten and no boots are made with the skin, if a hunter kills an animal that he see's is older then he can use the skin and feed the rest to the wild or to people.

[@snowdoggieii]

So... pangolins are Gen Y?

[@caseG80]

Crazy I got a dozen pairs of boots from old family friend and there’s Three pair of pangolin a blue, maroon and a real dark maroon pair. Also about pangolins and noise I watch a live safari stream a lot and the pangolins are actually calmer when the guides leave the engines of cars on then when shutoff you can physically see them change behavior. There not seem very often thou cool looking thou cheers

[@caseG80]

These boots are old probably from 70’s. All in great shape thou I just ordered bunch of stuff to keep them that way they need some moisture that’s for sure

[@anthonypaque8214]

I think if they are going extinct people could farm them, so it wouldn't take away from the wild

[@nobodysreview6137]

People might be buying boots made of these in case they get banned, that way they will have a pair.

[@UNSC011001]

But if you dont buy it then the legacy of that animal that it took to make a particular pair of boots goes to waste. Idk of anyone that would want a species to go extinct, especially over fashion. But like you said, if you buy then you're encouraging the status quo. Idk.....I would buy a pair that was already made, said and done. Treat it with some dignity. But personally, I wouldn't want one killed just so I could have boots from it. For example, I would buy a pair of sea turtles or ant eaters, but they're banned too & I'd have to buy from a regular individual. That being said, the animal has been killed a long time ago. In that case buying wouldn't benefit an industry, just the seller, the buyer, & the preserving of the boots & the population of the animal remains the same. Or maybe find a new pair of fish made by a brand that doesn't make anymore out of that material.

[@rsea910]

I want to get a pair.

[@DHilbert84]

Omg I got 3 pair I didn’t know now I’ll never buy another

[@spookshow6999]

I just seen a pair on Ariat on sale.

[@JeremiahCraig]

You get them?

[@randomchannel4886]

Probably fake tho... ariat makes their boots in china.. china knows how to copy any print

[@pittkid32]

Buy them now while you can. One thing I have learned living in California the king of exotic animal skin bands. Once it illegal you’ll never have another chance. It’s always the big ole bad Americans fault no matter how it shakes out!

[@GlassWolfLH]

Look at the skins you can't have on boots anymore.. elephant, shark, stingray, pangolin... the list goes on.

[@Miguel323527]

@@GlassWolfLH seen shark and stingrays boots for sale recently .

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@Miguel323527 I've seen Elephant as well, but it was NOS. Not currently in production in the US. I've seen albino alligator, but they had a customs tag on them to allow import via fish and wildlife. It's just a matter of what the Government decides to allow you to own these days, and that seems to change with every administration.

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@Miguel323527 getawaytips.azcentral.com/what-states-are-freshwater-stingrays-legal-in-12506704.html

[@olvera6710]

If y’all want exotic elephant, hippo, snapping turtle look up Pinto Ranch and you will find some amazing boots.

[@mattjrk5679]

I just buy them cause I like them. And it’s done dead and turned into a boot

[@TheMidnightModder]

Luckily I don't care about the diamond look for boots. Unluckily I love the look of sea turtle boots. EDIT: Call your congressman to spread the word about this and maybe we could get sanctions on brazil to enforce these laws like we threatened to sanction mexico to defend the border.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Good call! Worth a shot

[@Fuentesvicla956]

I love the seaturtle boots i own some made by nacona,plus apair of lucchese aripima both badass boots!

[@mr.mr.3301]

Umm it’s my understanding they are invasive species in some areas

[@JeremiahCraig]

Interesting! Spill off from the farmed areas?

[@mr.mr.3301]

Jeremiah Craig I think I saw it on river monsters or some show like that. I have a pair and they are surprising comfortable and tough.

[@spookshow6999]

Actually no. He actually catches one, and measures it on the show. They are protected. That’s why he is collecting data on them in that episode.

[@Mmaulin12]

I’ll stick to cow and ostrich lol

[@happymonk4206]

I've seen them in e local boots store, I don't find them attractive and there's a tag on them that states they cause cancer. Not too sure about the latter of that. I just don't like the look of them. No I wouldn't buy them plus the price is out my league.

[@BillLingad]

I just received a pair of Murphy boots which uses pirarucu skin from Lucchese. I noticed that there is a small area on the right boot where skin is already peeling off! Is this normal? Do pirarucu skin easily peel off? Or should I contact Lucchese for a refund/exchange?

[@Joetrout]

Yes some parts will peel easily. Just let it be

[@victormedina3459]

I have a pair of caguama turtle

[@justinarnold4024]

I wouldn’t buy them. As you said, it’s horse shit that they do that. I’ll stick to my cowhide.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Makes sense to me

[@n2boots389]

That sounds like Brazil. Very corrupt down there..

[@samjenkins9982]

I am more of a cow leather guy but i will encourage mt friends to no longer buy thwm

[@Mountainhomestead]

I’m not a fan of these boots any way but why not use tarpon? They look extremely similar And are a lot more plentiful.

[@CaseyScoffieldWOW]

I don’t personally care for them. I don’t like the look and the texture.

[@dixiechampagne2892]

Ghar would make a nice pair of stuffkickers AND they're a nuisance species where I live

[@janetizaguirre8743]

My husband just bought some of these boots 😳 $400!

[@GlassWolfLH]

Stop trying to rationalize your guilt. It's not a double-edged sword. You are creating the demand for the product, so you ARE directly responsible for the decline of the species due to over-harvesting. If you still want Arapaia boots, buy them from a responsible bootmaker, who uses farm-raised fish, instead of fish imported from Brazil. Simple solution to the problem. Cut off the demand, and the villages will find other means of income.

[@JeremiahCraig]

It's all my fault!! haha. There are ways to ensure we buy from responsible bootmakers who get their leathers from farms and I will cover that when I review a pair in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@JeremiahCraig To be fair, "you" meant anyone who purchases boots from makers who use imported exotic skins that are harvested in less than ideal ways. I didn't particularly mean YOU personally. Supply and demand is a fairly basic economic staple, though, and understanding that creating demand is what causes supply to be sought is important, in the same line that if the government didn't outlaw narcotics, making them desireable to some, and there wasn't a large demand for them on the black market, the drug cartels wouldn't be importing so much of that garbage into the US. They aren't creating the demand by having loads of supply. The demand is there, and they are filling that need in the market. I still think the Arapaima boots looks amazing, though, in all honesty.

[@machoprotegido5607]

Pirarucú is ugly, nothing like anteater.

[@usaflag7305]

I think those boots are ugly but a lot people just buy this boots bec is just a trend.

[@gunner4lyfe723]

Alright making a boot out of them is one thing but eating the kids goes too far my guy.

[@JeremiahCraig]

I hate when that happens

[@PUNISHERMHS_2021]

If I had the chance to buy a pair, I would. After all it ain't my fault that Brazil has that issue due to it's politicians. But since I don't have the opportunity to buy a pair, I won't and try to spread awareness for this issue

[@XMorbidChaosX]

I want my boots to be illegal asf

[@raulg705]

I wouldn’t want to kill off a species just for fashion don’t make sense to me

[@chaytonwhare3593]

I go fishing alot got a chance to go to the amazon to try and catch one never caught one but met some farmers who farm them i asled them if i can help and these guys risk life for these fish i had got hit in the thigh by the body and it was like getting hit buy a car

[@FrontierLegacy]

That is the problem with wild exotics Farmed is one thing but wild harvested should never be bought. Luckily, I dislike all exotics.

[@JeremiahCraig]

That makes it easy I guess. Wild harvested is a very hard thing to get right. I hope Brazil figures it out or farms arapaima if they can

[@FrontierLegacy]

@@JeremiahCraig why I don't like exotics is an aesthetic reason. They all look ugly to me and are way too fancy for my taste. My bison Abelines are pushing too fancy themselves.

[@jaimegarcia9032]

pangolins skins i believe eere just left overs they werent killed for their skins.

[@gaylecheung3087]

Gross thanks Jeremiah. Brazil is still considered a third world country and they did not treat their poor good is a backward country and very corrupt. Why do they call the big bass fish dude what passes are small there in North America Canada so fresh water fish... Now knowing everything I’m always not a big fan of exotic SKiNZ when it comes to footwear or anything purses blah blah blah “hell no I don’t find it pretty I don’t find that looking just to look at it it’s just not my cup of tea yeah I find it very ugly

[@bigbluemsp]

They're FUGLY. Not my style. I'll stick to Ostrich and Gator.

[@sjcfl]

Nop don't buy animals are more important than animals

[@andrewlanhamoutdoors9489]

You pronounced the name of the fish wrong

[@JeremiahCraig]

I'm not surprised haha. It's a tough one!

[@andrewlanhamoutdoors9489]

Jeremiah Craig oh my gosh you replied 😂

[@jimmyramirez8844]

Real one are $700.00

[@saleemwaheed9956]

Great video! Don't buy. Brazil get your sh#% together so we can buy!

[@JeremiahCraig]

I hope they figure it out!

[@shelleyskrepnek5398]

I have three pairs of cowboy boots. I'd never buy boots made from pirarucu/arapaima.

[@JeremiahCraig]

Makes sense. I might if I found the right pair. It all depends

[@dalehaub59]

Real men wear cow hide boots !

[@tigranmazmanyan8177]

Cows increase global warming)