Information
MADE TO MEASURE FOOTWEAR
The footwear I make is made to the highest standard using materials and processes that continue to be used traditionally in the bespoke footwear industry. All materials used in construction including Upper and Lining leathers, Insoles and Outsoles all comply to standard EN 344-1.
MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTIVES (EN 93/42/EEC), REGULATION 15
Registration No: CA 003905 dated 11th August 1998
All my footwear applies to the above directive. This states that custom made devices are subject to the classification rules and should not be CE marked. This is a custom made device.
DISCLAIMER
Philip J Taylor t/a The Cordwainer is not registered with the Health Professionals Council and as such is not able to prescribe an appliance or footwear. You are aware that any instruction for an appliance or footwear is made by you the client and agreed with me the manufacturer before work can commence.
In all matters I am only able to advise a course of action or specific relating to an appliance or footwear based on my knowledge and experience within my area of expertise. If you wish to have your appliance or footwear made to prescription you should consult with a qualified orthotist or other health professional registered with the Health Professionals Council.
GUIDANCE FOR CUSTOMERS
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. I specialize in this work and over the years I have been able to help many people resolve their long standing footwear problems. I also make shoes 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 I use make it possible to make a wide range of styles and types of footwear, but I am unable to copy much of the fashion styles of footwear because of the technology involved in modern shoe manufacture.
All footwear orders are accepted on the understanding that no deposits can be returned after 14 days. Please also note the section 'style limitations' relating to orders accepted entirely at the customers own risk. I do not have a catalogue of styles as all my 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 I 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. I 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 for reasons outside my control the finished footwear is not completed to the customers complete satisfaction. 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. Styles and materials are chosen and 1/3rd deposit paid.
Mock fitting: After 6-8 weeks a temporary upper is made ready to 'test the last', in other words to check the last is close enough to cut the proper uppers.
Proper fitting: After a further 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 vist 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.
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 will be made to cover the cost involved.