FAQs

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER MADE TO MEASURE?

The senior bootmaker is involved in the complete process from taking drawings and measurements through to building the last, cutting the upper, making the boot and finally fitting it.

People who have regular foot/joint pain or and foot problems of a medical nature should first contact a podiatrist or medical practitioner.

HOW IS THE MADE TO MEASURE SERVICE CARRIED OUT?

This is a service for people who have a long history of boot fitting problems -they cannot be successfully fitted with standard ‘off the shelf’ boots.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

There is usually a waiting time of 12 months for an appointment with the senior bootmaker - he sees a maximum of 6 people a month. From foot drawings, to fitting - the time is approx. 3 - 4 months, it can be longer depending upon the complexity of the boot to be made and the time available each week for one of the senior bootmakers to concentrate on this type of work.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF MADE TO MEASURE?

A made to measure boot will not correct or cure foot problems which result from a medical, orthopaedic or extreme bio-mechanical conditions.

A made to measure boot can most certainly help alleviate some of these types of problems and help foot comfort by creating less pressure across or on joints, incorporating more padding/cushioning or support into parts of the upper or giving the boot a specific amount of flex or stiffness - the variations which can be built into a made to measure boot are many and varied.

During assessment the bootmaker will give his view of what level of success can realistically be anticipated - however - the decision to proceed or not remains entirely with the customer.

IS THE LAST SUITABLE FOR OTHER TYPES OF FOOTWEAR?

The last the bootmaker makes is specifically a boot last so it is not suitable for dress shoes or every day footwear. Boot lasts and shoe lasts are significantly different. The last will also have an allowance built into it to enable a footbed or orthopaedic heel cup to be used in the boot. Altberg make a small number of outdoor shoes for rural/hill use that are based on walking boot design and used by many customers as ’everyday footwear’ - these can normally be made on a customer’s made to measure last.

CAN A MADE TO MEASURE BOOT BE RESOLED?

Yes - we use the customers last for resoling - it will cost more than a standard resole because we must hand make the replacement sole. Also the customer must have purchased the last so that it is still available for use.

IF I HAVE FOOT PAIN WILL MADE TO MEASURE CURE THIS?

It depends very much on what is causing the pain - if the problem is a simple boot fitting problem - i.e. Foot shape, foot volume or pressure on joints - then a correctly fitting boot will certainly help a great deal.

If the problems have elements in them which are the result of ligament, muscular, orthotic or bio-mechanical issues then the boot is only one part of the solution and although it may help it will not necessarily cure. If you have regular or persistent joint pain then you should consult with a podiatrist or medical practitioner before considering made to measure footwear.

CAN I JUST TURN UP AT THE FACTORY?

Absolutely not - Customers for this service are seen by appointment only, the senior bootmaker can only see a maximum of 6 people each month and there is normally a waiting list for appointments.

If you wish to make an appointment contact the factory - 01748 850615/824717

Do not make the journey unless you have a confirmed appointment with the senior bootmaker for the made to measure service. A senior bootmaker will usually speak with you on the phone before confirming your appointment, he will assess with you the possibility of a visit to assess for made to measure.

IF I DECIDE TO COME TO THE FACTORY FOR AN ASSESSMENT AND DECIDE NOT TO PROCEED, DO I PAY ANYTHING?

The point at which costs start is when we take the drawings - prior to this there will be a visual assessment and a full discussion about the fitting problems the customer is experiencing (it helps if the customer brings their old boots, socks or orthotics if they have them).

If it is decided a made to measure boot will be of no benefit then no charges are made.

If the customer wishes to proceed - then drawings will be taken. This takes up to 2 hours and a charge of £60 is made for this.

Once the drawings have been taken the customer is given a written quotation together with copies of the drawings. The customer does not need to decide anything further on the day. We file the drawings and the customer can place an order at a later date should they wish to do so.

DO I PAY A DEPOSIT AND IS IT REFUNDABLE?

Yes, a deposit is payable. There is normally a period of one month between the receipt of an order and work starting. If the customer cancels within this period the deposit is refundable.

Once work has started the customer pays for any work done up to that point, so a partial refund could be made. Details of times of starting work will be indicated on the order confirmation - these are intended as a guide.

WHAT IF THE BOOTS DON’T FIT?

We allow for 3 factory visits. Visit 1 - to measure and take drawings. Visit 2 - to try the boots on, it is normally ok on this visit for the customer to take the boots away with them. Visit 3 - is a review visit, and if necessary we may make small alterations to the customers last and use steam and the revised last to remould the boots. 90% of our made to measure customers do not require any boot revision, so for them a third visit is not required.

In the past 10 years there have been 3 occasions when a complete remake of a boot was required, we made no further charge for this. If you visit our factory for a made to measure assessment, it is for both us and you to decide if a successful outcome can be realistically achieved. If we don’t believe it is possible, then we will advise you that we are not confident to go further, there have been as a small number of occasions when regrettably we have done this. However, the customers all understand our reasons, that to go further could be disappointing and costly for them and frustrating for us.