Private Footwear
Private made to measure footwear.
There are very few shoe-makers left in this country who have the skills required to assess and manufacture footwear suitable for people with severe disabilities. The Cordwainer specialises in this work and over the past 15 years we have been able to help many people resolve their long standing footwear problems. We also make footwear and orthotics for people with far less wrong with their feet but who never the less find it difficult to buy shoes that are suitable for them.
The traditional materials and methods of construction we use make it possible to make a wide range of styles and types of footwear, but we are unable to copy much of the fashion styles of footwear because of the technology involved in modern shoe manufacture.
All footwear and orthotics orders are accepted on the understanding that deposits cannot be returned after work has commenced on the order. Please also note the section 'style limitations' relating to orders accepted entirely at the customers own risk. We do not have a catalogue of styles as all our shoes are designed at the time of ordering when consideration can be given to the suitability of style and material for your needs. If you choose a style that we feel is inappropriate or more difficult to manufacture, I will insist that the order is accepted solely at your own risk.
Bespoke shoemaking is particularly difficult because of the need to understand the interaction between the feet and the shoes, further complicated by any problems with the feet. It is for this reason that great care and attention is required to make sure that each pair of shoes fit correctly. Making shoes by hand is not an exact science and I ask my customers to understand that while I aim to achieve 100% success this is not always possible.
Each pair of shoes are made on 'lasts' made from the measurements of the feet. We conduct numerous fittings to ensure your shoes fit correctly and are tailored to your needs. Each new customer will require lasts to be made, however I will alter your own lasts for a small charge.
The 'one-off' payment for the lasts include all alterations made during their lifetime, many clients have more than one pair to allow for different heel heights and styles.
Inevitably there will be occasions when the finished footwear is not completed to the customer’s complete satisfaction. We can not make full refunds on payments paid but will consider a reduction in the cost of the finished shoes to reflect any problems encountered. However I guarantee I will work with you to correct and improve the footwear to achieve the best fit and finish possible.
Hopefully you will enjoy wearing your new footwear and I look forward to welcoming you as a new customer.
Measuring and fittings.
First Appointment: Measurements and sometimes a cast is taken of the feet. The lasts are made and a "mock upper" made to check the last. Styles and materials are chosen and 1/3rd deposit paid. (allow 2-3 hours).
Intermediate fitting: After 3-4 weeks the shoes are fitted with the proper uppers but without the sole and heel. The second payment of 1/3rd is made.
Final fitting: After a further 3-4 weeks the shoes can be fitted with the soles and heels attached. Any final adjustments can be made and the shoes taken away. The balance of the account is paid.
Review appointment: It might be necessary to have a further appointment to review the comfort and fit of the finished footwear.
Adjustments and alterations are made as and when required and will be made free of charge in most cases.
All given delivery dates are estimated and subject to change.
Home visits.
I offer a limited 'home visit' service to areas where I have most enquiries and customers. I rarely visit Scotland or the far North of England. Where I visit customers at home the above time scale is lengthened depending on how often I can arrange to visit. I try to arrange visits 3-4 times each year and make a charge of between £30-80 for each visit to cover the costs of being away from the shop for these periods.
For existing customers in and around the North West of England I will endeavor to visit as and when required, but will be making one day each month available to visit customers in the area.
Style limitations.
On occasions I might suggest that a style of shoe (in particular ladies court and slip-on shoes) may be more difficult to make work with your particular problem. Although I am pleased to explore ways of over-coming any such difficulties, it must be understood that this work will be accepted entirely at your own risk. You will be asked to sign a form to this effect.
Delivery charges.
Where Royal Mail is used to deliver your footwear, deliveries are by the 'signed for' service. If you wish me to use any other delivery method, please inform me at the final fitting appointment. An extra charge may be made to cover the cost involved.
Further information.
Please read the "information" page of the web site before ordering.
HELP WITH THE COST OF YOUR FOOTWEAR
It is more important that you receive the footwear you need without having to worry whether you can afford the footwear you need. I will always try and work out ways of spreading the payments or other ways of financing your footwear. Over the past few years we have identified a variety of organisations and charities who have helped in specific cases, some of those will only support their own members while other may help more generally. These are a few of the charitable organisations who are able to help people under certain circumstances.
The Barchester Healthcare Association
The Stroke Association
The Hospital Saturday Fund
The Ex-Serviceman's Association
Please ask if you need help with paying for your footwear, or let me know of any other organisations who are able to help.
Remember, you may be entitled to have your footwear provided free of charge through the NHS, please see the 'NHS Footwear' section.
PLEASE NOTE
Our footwear and orthotics are made using the highest quality materials and processes that continue to be used in traditionally made bespoke footwear. All the materials we use comply to European Standard EN 344-1.
The Cordwainer is registered with the Medical Devices Agency. All our footwear and orthotics comply with Medical Device Directive EN93/42/EEC which states that custom made devices are subject to the classification rules and should not be CE marked.
The Cordwainer is one of the most experienced and highly skilled shoemakers in the United Kingdom, however this does not allow us to prescribe an appliance or footwear as shoemakers cannot register with the Health Professionals Council. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement that you are happy to receive footwear not made to prescription. If you wish to have your appliance or footwear made to prescription you should seek the advice of your hospital or doctor.
The best results always come from co-operation between all the health professionals involved with dealing with your condition or disability. The Cordwainer will work with any NHS Hospital, Trust or Clinician to ensure you receive the best service possible.
