The Handmaking Process

Step 01 - Placing an order Step 02 - Measurements Step 03 - Fit Trial Step 04 - Handmaking

How E.Woodford Works

Guiding you every step of the way

Every E.Woodford boot and shoe is made to order, tailored to your specifications. You select your style, preferred material, and colour; and we’ll craft them - by hand - ensuring a perfect fit.

Throughout the process, your personal assistant will guide you through every tiny detail, so you can experience how footwear is made the proper way, the E.Woodford way.

Feeling the difference

Our high-quality materials and hand-made craft produces boots and shoes that simply feel different.

The sole, insole and upper mould are set to the shape of the last to support every part of the foot. Each component and detail has been selected to create a fit that will demonstrate why our traditional techniques should remain in use and preserved for future generations.

“I don’t know how you are going to explain how good this feels on, I have felt nothing like this before.”

— Karan Shetty, E.Woodford customer

Step 01

Placing an order

Just like our materials and hand-made craft, our ordering process is different to what you might be used to.

Add your selections to cart and pay the deposit to secure your place in the production queue. Within 48 hours, your personal assistant will be in touch to discuss your order. This is your opportunity to further customise your footwear or edit the material and colour options you’ve selected.

Select a style of boot or shoe

Choose your leather

Select a colour

Book your production slot with a deposit

Assistant confirms all details within 48 hours of booking

Step 02

Measurements

Getting the perfect fit

Being in the shoe trade for so long has given us a great understanding of feet. At E.Woodford, we have tested and compared many lasts with our local experts at Springline to find boots and shoes that will fit all.

The result is lasts available in three width fittings that will comfortably fit the majority of people’s feet, if slight adjustments are required we have the tools and skill to do so. In the event that you have a unique foot shape, we can offer a fully bespoke service.

Here’s how we get the perfect fit:

“If someone wants a pair with materials this good, we’d better make sure they fit!”

— Len Robinson, Master shoemaker

Visit our showroom

If you would like to make an appointment to visit our show room, have your measurements taken and see our heritage techniques first-hand, please advise your assistant.

You will be able to touch and feel the materials and observe our hand-makers in action. You can even try hand-welting for yourself, if you’re brave enough.

Self-measuring

If you are unable to visit please don’t worry, experience has also taught us how to get the fit right from a distance. Our purpose-designed sizing pack will soon arrive at an address of your choice. Inside your sizing pack, you will find the following items.

Foot-imprint film

2.1

This specialised carbon paper measurement tool comes with clear instructions to guide you in capturing a precise imprint of each foot. After standing on the film, it will retain the unique contours, arches and dimensions of your feet. You then simply place the used film in the pre-addressed return envelope provided and send it back to us.

Questionnaire

2.2

To further personalise your experience, we include a few questions about any specific needs or issues you may typically have with footwear. This can be completed by hand or online, by scanning a QR code.

Foot template

2.3

This is for you to draw around your feet, providing an additional layer of information to help us determine the most accurate sizing possible. Instructions will be provided to ensure we get the most accurate size.

Measuring tape

2.4

Use this to capture the circumference of the widest part of your foot, giving us further insight into the dimensions of your feet and helping us select a width fitting (again, clear instructions are included).

A material swatch

2.5

If you have already chosen your material and colour, we will supply a cutting from the actual skin your boot or shoes will be made from. If you’re still unsure, we can also provide swatches of any of our materials upon request.

Step 03

Fit Trial

Sizing is determined from the details provided in step 2, along with any further notes given to your assistant.

By creating a 'fit-trial' (effectively a prototype of the final product) we create a vital checkpoint before work begins on the final boot or shoe.

Your trial pair will be hand-lasted and hand-welted, matching the skill and care that will go into your actual boot or shoe. We do not attach a sole or fully finish this pair but we do add cork, tack a heel on and send them to you, providing an opportunity to experience a genuine sense of the fit and comfort you can expect. This way any necessary adjustments can be identified and addressed before we craft your final pair.

Step 04

Handmaking

From our hands to yours

Handmaking shoes with such level of attention to detail and quality is naturally a time-intensive process. We value your appreciation for our craft and we are committed to delivering nothing less than the best we can.

While the duration of each step in our unique sizing process may vary, the timing primarily hinges on the shipment of the sizing pack and the fit-trial items between you and us. The shipping duration can vary depending on your geographical location.

Wherever in the world you are, we will be clear about the estimated times for each step, keeping you informed with personal updates. We work to make buying from E.Woodford an enjoyable and transparent experience.

To help you track your order’s progress, a dedicated member of our customer service team will be in regular contact throughout to ensure everything stays on track and, if necessary, advise you of any changes to the timeline.

Of course, once we get your first pair right, you can skip the measuring process and move straight to the final pair for your next order.

Current delivery times

Fit-trial

6-8 weeks

Completion

12-15 weeks