FAQs

• Why don't you show width fittings?
  
  We use several different factories to make our products, they use different "lasts" to make each shoe. These are the blocks of wood upon which the shoe is made. The "width" fitting is actually a volumetric measure not just width. Sometimes a shoe on a narrower but higher last will fit better than on a wider but lower last - both having the same "width" fitting. This leads to more confusion than it is worth. We prefer to open a dialog with you, and make recommendations based on what you have told us. Once one pair of our shoes has fitted you well we can recommend many others knowing they too will fit well - based on our knowledge of the lasts. The fitting of our shoes is much more consistent than mass-produced items because of the way they are made.
  
  
• Why do you ask for normal US size when you send UK sized shoes?
  
  We have some considerable knowledge now on how our shoes correspond to US sizing. Certain styles warrant a full size down while others only a half size down. This is due to the “last” used to construct the shoes. If you have wide or narrow feet we can incorporate this into the size choice. Please just order your normal USA size, but if you have had other UK made shoes it is helpful for us to know.
  
  
• How long will delivery take?
  
  We try to dispatch goods within 4 days however we always ask you to grant us at least 10 working days. In certain cases (bespoke slippers) it can take significantly longer - up to 8 weeks. If you have time constraints please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate you. Please note - we use Fedex who require a signature - please give us a delivery address where the items can be signed for. Fedex usually take 2-3 days to deliver from time of dispatch.
  
  
• Are all items in the catalog in stock?
  
  We hold substantial stocks however because of our huge range there are times when we are out of some sizes. For this reason we ask you to give us 10 days to dispatch your shoes. If there are issues with stock we will let you know. Please note, bespoke items such as slippers will take 8 weeks.
  
  
• What does Goodyear welted mean?
  
  Goodyear Welting is a special technique for fixing the "upper" to the sole. Rather than do this directly a "welt" is used. This means that the upper can be stitched onto a new sole several times using welts - thereby prolonging the life of the shoes significantly without losing their shape. Cheap shoes are usually glued to the sole and you have to throw them out when the sole expires.
  
  
• Do you have a shop in the USA?
  
  No. We have showrooms in London, UK, two boutiques in Paris, France, one in Geneva - Switzerland, and one in Crieff Scotland. Most of our business is mail-order and internet and we are good value because we do not maintain expensive premises and large numbers of shop-floor staff
  
  
• Who makes your shoes?
  
  All our dress shoes (English style shoes) are entirely made in the UK. Unlike many of our competitors who make their shoes in the Far East and "finish" them in the UK, all of our English shoes are entirely made in Northampton, England - the home of traditional high-quality shoe-making. They are made from the finest leathers and superior long-established construction techniques.
  
  
• Can I send you a drawing or tracing of my feet?
  
  No thanks! The foot is 3 dimensional and however accurately you can trace your foot we can not use this for any sizing - so please do not go to the effort.
  
  
• What payment methods do you accept?
  
  We accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards. Sometimes your card issuer will automatically block a foreign mail-order transaction, if this is the case your bank will normally call you for authorisation. If this does happen please let us know when we can charge the card and dispatch the goods. Please ensure we have daytime / cellphone contact details for you so we don’t delay in dispatching your order.
  
  
• What initials design would look good on a slipper?
  
  Please refer to the pictures to help you. You can have just about any color of thread/wire incorporated into the lettering. Some letter combinations look good in “block” while others are difficult to make into a block and are better as “script”. Have a think about how fat or thin your initials are (for example J and I are “thin” letters and G and O are “fat” letters) and refer to page 26 to see which combination suits best. We would be delighted to advise you.
  
  
• The shoe/slipper slips at the heel - is it too big?
  
  Not necessarily. You should be able to slip your small finger down the back of your shoe or slipper. The soles are very stiff - give the shoe/slipper a firm bending a few times and try it on again - in most cases you will find this resolves the problem.