ABOUT | SIZING | MATERIALS | MADE TO ORDER | RETURNS | Scroll down to read
ABOUT
Handmade Shoes & Leathergoods crafted with premium artisan leathers as Limited Edition stock & custom made. Fairy Steps have left their gentle footprint across the globe since 2002. Still handcrafted by the original Shoemaker one unique pair at a time, from a woodland workshop deep in the Devonshire countryside. The dedication & passion that started the adventure all those years ago remains, despite the fact that I am still waiting for the Elves to turn up...
Day's spent in my studio are happily filled with leather, thread, birdsong and endless tea. I am very much a seasonal maker so inspiration from the thousand acre Wood surrounding my home constantly finds it's way into my work. See instagram diary for studio shots and stock updates. Ren x The Fairy Shoemaker
SIZING
Fairysteps shoes are generous. Customers always 'SIZE DOWN' in our shoes, so as a general rule, order one size down from your usual commercial shoe size, eg: usual size = US 8 / UK 6, order size = US 7 / UK 5. Half sizes should go down to the next full size below.
How To Measure - Place a sheet of paper and your heel against a straight wall. With pencil held upright, mark the longest toe. Do this with both feet and compare the longest measurement with the chart below (don't forget to leave a little wiggle room). If ordering boots it is advisable to wear socks when measuring, for shoes feet should be barefoot.
Interior finished size of BOOTS, SHOES:
UK 3 - Length: 23.8 cm
UK 4 - Length: 24.7 cm
UK 5 - Length: 25.6 cm
UK 6 - Length: 26.5 cm
UK 7 - Length: 27.4 cm
UK 8 - Length: 28.3 cm
International conversions:
UK 3 / US 5 / EU 35.5
UK 4 / US 6 / EU 37
UK 5 / US 7 / EU 38
UK 6 / US 8 / EU 39
UK 7 / US 9 / EU 40.5
UK 8 / US 10 / EU 42
Conversions are approximate, always measure before ordering to check your actual foot measurement on the chart. An International customer who wears a US size 8 would convert to a UK 6, but will need to select UK 5 when ordering, thus following the 'down one size' rule.
MATERIALS
• Leathers - Thick & supple full grain, gently antiqued leather from a gold rated Italian tannery. Purposefully made to embrace all natural markings within the leather, rich natural colours shine through which will fade / darken when creased. I use specialist artisan leathers for both footwear and leathergoods. *Accent colour is noted second after / in the product title and is used for the boot or shoe backs as well as decorative options on both footwear and bags.
• Ribbons / Lacing - Are chosen to compliment the leather colour but if you fancy a specific colour please tell me.
• Soling - Vibram non slip, zero drop, thick, durable, cushioned, outdoor soling. So comfy they feel like slippers you get to wear all day.
MADE TO ORDER
Made to order boots, shoes and leathergoods have a turnaround time of up to 10 weeks. Its a long drawn out making process which can not be rushed. Only limited spaces and styles are ever available, simply because I am a one woman business. Spaces cannot be reserved in advance and are sold on a first come first serve basis to keep things fair. As ever, I am eternally grateful to my loyal customers who stick by me and my slightly unorthodox way of working. Thank you.
RETURNS
Returning goods - PLEASE READ!
I accept returned products within 14 days of date of delivery. Custom footwear can be returned as per conditions below. Custom / Made to Order accessory orders / sales are final and are non returnable. To log a return please contact me with your name and the date of order. Return address shown on the front of your package.
Items must be returned unworn / unused and in the new condition in which they were received, in their original packaging. Always try shoes on a clean carpeted surface to assess fit.
"Footwear should feel comfortably snug, not squished. ONLY when you are completely happy with the initial fit should you wear them. If worn, for any length of time at all, they cannot be returned. This includes walking around your home for periods of time to check for fit, simply because your foot will begin to imprint on the insole and the shoe will start to adopt the shape of your foot. It is the nature and beauty of handmade shoes, but it does render them unsuitable for reselling as new. Always trim your ribbons OR tie in double bows, long ribbons are a tripping hazard! Leather likes to be loved, polish regularly."
Please read the following:
Refunds EXCLUDE the initial and return delivery costs. Refund is not guaranteed and is subject to our review of the returned product. Parcels should be carefully packaged and insured to cover the cost of the item should they be lost. International customers are responsible for any customs charges that may be incurred, either way. Mark international returns clearly as 'Returned Goods' to avoid this.
Customers are responsible for taking accurate measurements following the detailed instructions given on each listing. I can only advise with the information you give me, and even then, on occasion you may have to pay to return footwear for a refund. Feet are fickle things and sometimes only actually trying on footwear can tell you if the fit feels right for you. I am afraid I do not offer an exchange service as such, or even custom remakes,