High End Shoemaker Mishap

[VANDERHAHN]

Last year, I bought an MTM pair of shoes from a high end shoemaker. I consulted with the shoemaker pretty extensively before I placed the order. My shoe size changed just a little last year, so I sent many comps for shoes that did and didn’t fit. I took and sent measurements and photos. The shoemaker recommended a size, and I paid the tab—a little more than $2000.

The shoes arrived about 8/9 weeks later. They were so large that they were goofy. Goofy big on me. I could fit two or three fingers behind my heel. I coordinated with the shoemaker to find a fix. We reviewed my measurements, and I even retook all of my measurements at the request of the shoemaker. All measurements came back the same. The shoemaker confirmed that the shoes should have fit, but recommended a smaller size for future purchases.

I asked the shoemaker to relast my shoes on the smaller last, but they refused. Today, I have a $2000 pair of shoes with a fit so poor that I rarely wear the. despite my best efforts—I inserted two tongue pads and a large arch pad, plus I wear them with boot socks.

As a habit, I buy a few new pairs of shoes at the start of each year. While the shoes I bought last year don’t fit, they are the most beautiful shoes I’ve ever seen. This year, I’d like to buy a pair from this maker that fit.

It’s reasonable that they should give me a discount given the poor experience last time (based on their recommendation of size), I know that. But how much of a discount would you expect? Thank you in advance for recommendations!

 

[comrade]

I had a similar problem with a pair that turned out too small.
This was after measuring me and measuring a pair of favorite
shoe that I brought along. I was was given a full refund. Based
on your experience, I would never go back to them.

 

[shoemaker_rafal]

If you have received shoes that are clearly too big, then in my opinion, you should absolutely demand a product that fits you well or ask for a full refund. That shoemaker obviously doesn’t have that in him or has lost it long time ago. Personally, I call that thing the honor of a craftsman. I am writing this from my own perspective as a person who makes bespoke shoes and who puts client’s satisfaction first.