The Ruling on Using the Skins of Predators and Snakes

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, many people wear shoes made from the skins of snakes and vipers. What is the ruling on wearing shoes made from these?

Answer:
It is not permissible to use the skins of predators or the skins of snakes. They are ritually impure, and tanning does not purify them. Tanning does not purify them because they are impure in their essence, like the eye. The impurity of the eye is not purified by water, tanning, or anything else. What is purified by water is that which has become impure, meaning its original state is pure but it was affected by impurity; it is washed and becomes pure. As for that which is impure in its essence, it is not purified, such as the dog, the pig, the lion, and the rest of the predators. This is not purified. Likewise, the snake is foul and impure, and its skin is impure in its essence; tanning does not purify it. Yes.