THE RAE. CUSTOM

Character: This is veg tan leather unlike any we have seen.  While the leather is structured from it's veg tannage, the tannery's special tumbling process makes the leather soft and supple, topped with the extra step of ironing the surface while keeping the body and pliability.  It is skivved down especially for us to midweight leather ideal for all seasons, then we add another process to add an even more supple feel.   Some parts of the hide are more pebbled, while others are smoother...but in general, most hides are smooth.  Please indicate if you have a preference.

Care: Darker colors can be conditioned or cleaned with a shoe wax as well. Lighter colors should be cleaned and conditioned lightly with saddle soap. Be sure to test a small area prior to using.

This leather is from a tannery in the Tuscan region of Italy. They make only 100% Vegetable Tanned leathers and bear the Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana mark which are the strictest standards in traditional leather tanning and environmental standards. Their labor standards are also certified.

There are inherent variations in natural leathers, handmade manufacturing, and local sourcing.  Color and texture variations can vary within the same hide.  Different monitors can also display colors differently.  You may indicate any preferences in tone or texture in the Notes to Shoemaker section if you are looking for something specific so we can do our best to accomodate.

For our other leathers, check out our Current Leather offerings here

Our insoles are cut from a thicker vegetable tanned leather than typical shoes to help with breathability and shock absorption. 

The midsole, which serves as the chassis for a shoe, is also made of a vegetable tanned soling leather sourced from the US and Spain (we never use the typical factory cardboard).  The material is also ideal for bacteria and odor prevention and great shock absorption. 

Between the soles is a layer of cork.

Our soles are sourced froma family run sole manufacturer in Portugal in an area reknowned as one of the shoemaking capitals in Europe. Our soles and heels are made of Italian vegetable tanned leather. The heels are stacked leather or wood, no hollow plastic core heels, and we add a layer of rubber under the heel for slip resistance.  

We manufacture in Europe so have highest standards in glue safety, toulene free.

Makers: Our shoemakers are the absolute heart of our work. Handlasted shoes require a deep understanding of the leather as it is being stretched and formed around the mold.  Read more on our small and wonderful team of craftsmen here.

FOR STYLES WITH NO STRAPS and/or MULES:

Typically the roundtoe is best in your largest size from factory shoes, but pls check each style suggestion by the size selection drop down.  The fit is roomy at the width, but the flatter heel makes an even roomy fit comfortable.  

FOR SHOES WITH STRAPS:

We recommend to go with the LARGEST of your size range.   This allows for some room at the toes if needed, while the strap keeps the shoe securely on the foot.

WIDE LASTING:

Our Roundtoe collection is not available in wide, but the insert is removable to give you added volume if needed

More details on sizing and measuring your length correctly here

A STORY ON SIZING:

I typically wear a size 9.5US to 10US (40/41EU) in factory made shoes.  Factory made shoes typically have a stiff plastic layer between the leathers which aggravate my toes and heels.  

My length measurement is 255mm, which is a 39EU by our size guide, matching my size in my early adult years.

Comparing those two bits of info, I am a 39 by length, but need the volume of a 40/41 now as my joints have spread and my feet have become wider, so I opt for a 39 WIDE in our almond toe shoes and boots WITH NO LACES OR STRAPS.  For shoe WITH LACES OR STRAPS, I can securely wear a 40 standard and just make the laces/strap snug to fit.  Since I have a high instep, I can wear a 40 standard width in our Sandy style as my instep takes up some length.  I wear a 41 in most of our Roundtoe shoes, the Catu I wear a 40 as I wear it with no insert

For our almond toe mules and sandals, I am comfortable in the largest of my factory size range, so a 41.

Please keep in mind that handmade shoes and bags takes hours and hours of physical labor. With that in mind, shoes and bags can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of receipt in original condition.
Please don't order multiples simply to find your size as each is handmade to order.
Shoe fittings should be done on carpet or a towel.
Shipping costs are non refundable, but exchanges are always shipped to you for free.
Store credits are always issued with shipping fully credited for your next purchase.
Any return shipments should be insured and tracked.

Current Shoemaking Time : 2-6 weeks, but more in the 2-3 week range for most shoe styles.

Current Bagmaking Time: Ready made bags ship within 5-10 business days from Spain, and we will then clear US customs before forwarding to US address.  Typically it is on it's way to you within 10 business days.  

US orders: All US orders are shipped to you from the US.  No duties or additional taxes are due.

EU orders: All EU orders are shipped to you from Spain.  VAT is paid upon order and no tarriffs are due.

NON EU International shipments: Customs fees, duties, and return shipping are the responsibility of the purchaser and the amount and collection is at the discretion of your home country.  European countries outside the EU zone will have their shoes ship from Spain.  If you fail to pay the customs fees to your country's customs office, we reserve the right to subtract the additional shipping to receive the goods back from your local customs office.

More details below:

//SHIPPING INFO

//SHOP POLICY