FAQs

With true moccasin construction, the part of the pattern underneath the foot is whole (not pieced) and it wraps around the entire sole of the foot. This means your foot is literally cradled in one piece of quality leather, instead of cut-out or pieced, or replaced with a different medium. The most important benefit is comfort, as the leather will smoothly mold to your foot over time; no seams or other materials will interfere with the moccasin’s soft natural support. Also, because one piece of firm leather bottoms the shoe, it will withstand the process of soles replacement in the future.

You must request a Return Authorization Number (RA#) to send any product back to Quoddy (products received without return authorization will be researched as time allows). All returns must be in original unworn condition and authorized within 30 days of delivery for a refund or exchange. Customers will bear the cost of return transport unless there is a manufacturing defect or some other warranty concern.

In-stock exchanges are available for any footwear or accessory in a different size of the same style. Again, all returns for exchange must be unworn, in the state you received them, in the original packaging, with RA# included. Exchanges will be fulfilled promptly and sent out to customers free of charge.

Made-to-order products are personalized based on your design choices and, therefore, not returnable for refund or exchange (unless there is a manufacturing issue with the material or craftsmanship of the product). If you have a quality concern you wish to report, please complete a Return Authorization form outlining the problem and include the RA# provided by customer care. In some cases, we’ll email a paid return label so the product can be sent back to production for evaluation. If the return is found to have a defect in either material or craftsmanship, we will contact you to discuss the possibilities of repair, replacement, or refund.

Refunds are issued to the original method of payment, as our processor does not retain account details (for security reasons). Refunds will include the price of the product and any taxes charged. Initial shipping costs will not be reimbursed. Please understand it may take up to two weeks to process your return and issue the credit. 

We understand that sometimes it's hard to make a choice based on what you see on the website. We are happy to send you samples upon request. Just get in touch with us by phone, email or chat to let us know which leathers or items you're interested in seeing. We will gather the samples and send them out in the US mail.

Adding lining is mostly a personal preference. In some cases, it makes the footwear more durable, as it adds weight to the upper. It also adds to comfort, as some people like to be barefoot for warm weather casual. Leather lining doesn't promise to add significant warmth, but it makes putting most footwear on with socks much easier. Some styles can be lined in sheepskin, which does provide insulation in cold weather. However, some styles cannot be lined at all due to the upper leather tannage (such as Chromepak, which is oil-stuffed). Finally, boat and canoe shoes worn for the purpose of boating or lake camp use should not be lined at all, so they can be allowed to air-dry naturally.

We provide a padded full leather insole for most styles, to aid in cushioning for shock absorption. Upon request, we can add arch support at no additional cost, just add your instructions during the checkout process. Both types of insoles are normally adhered to the footbed, so they do not slide around inside the shoe. You may request that your insole not be adhered, if you want to take them out or substitute with your own or an orthotic, just add these instructions during the checkout process.

Yes, our leather soles are thick so they can be considered “street-worthy”. Historically, leather was the primary soling material for all shoes and boots, and it’s still favored by many today. Generally, a leather sole provides added protection and durability to the shoe upper, and almost all leather soles can be repaired or replaced in the future. Please ask Customer Care if you have specific questions about the style you are ordering. There are some cautions for wearing shoes with leather soles in damp weather or freezing temperatures, as it can be slippery when wet and will NOT provide traction on frosty or icy surfaces. Think of leather soles as a fair-weather option, for when the occasion is casual and safety performance is not a concern.

Most footwear components are made with brass as the base metal. The hardware we use in our footwear (eyelets, ports, rivets, etc.) are lacquered to preserve the finish and to prevent rust over time. A thin layer of film is applied over the metal color layer to protect the surface from wear and discoloration.

Many of our styles, specifically boat and canoe shoes, have a rawhide shoelace that is threaded through the color and wraps around the entire foot, or full perimeter of the shoe. This means that the fit from the front and around the heel is adjustable and can be cinched up if it becomes loose. That way, you can wear the shoes with thick or thin socks, then barefoot the next season.

With a handsewn wrap, a thick layer of pliable leather is handsewn to the bottom of the upper, to provide a soft but durable sole and a true “moccasin” type of wear or feel. Handsewn wraps are usually replaceable a few times, provided the upper is kept in good condition so it can be resewn later. (Handsewn wraps are also available in composition rubber, such as Vibram’s NewFlex & AirCalla.)

With a leather outsole, a thick layer of leather is grooved on the bottom so it can be machine stitched to the upper, then a heel added. Leather outsoles are usually replaceable a few times, provided the upper is kept in good condition and will support the reconstruction process.

Yes, you may purchase additional laces in our online store at any time. We also have available the lacing tool you may need to replace the laces in your shoes. If you have a boat or canoe style, it may be best to send them in so they can be laced in our shop… it’s sometimes challenging to work the laces through the eyelets.

There are no longer any commercial tanneries producing leather in Maine, since the closing of Tasman in Hartland. We buy our upper leathers from US tanneries as often as we can, such as Horween in IL, SB Foot in MN, Hide House in CA, Keystone in PA, and Seidel in WI; we also buy leathers from around the world (South America, Mexico, Europe, and the Dominican Republic).

All our MTO (Made to Order) products are made exclusively in Maine. We make a conscious effort to add new products to the Quoddy collection which can be made in our shop with Maine craftsmanship, talent, and expertise, but not all our inventory is made in the US. We do buy American supplies as often as we can, such as soling from Vibram USA in MA and Kamick in VT. We buy machine and handsewing thread from our neighbors, Maine Thread, and padding from Der-Tex in Saco.   

Unfortunately, as our industry became smaller, there were fewer US suppliers of materials and components… but we do see that trend changing. We will continue to focus on this as more options arise. Until then, while our workshop is in Lewiston, Maine many components (leather, soles, hardware, etc.) are sourced globally. 

Yes, special requests such as special stitching or alternative materials are accommodated through our made-to-order process. Please call our Customer Care line to discuss in advance, so we can talk you through the options and costs.

No, because we use the same lasts to sew the shoes on, we make any required sizing adjustments when we cut the leather so that the inside of the footbox will remain standard. For sheepskin slippers that come in whole sizes, we recommend people who wear a half size to go up to the next whole size (8.5 > 9).

Please refer to our sizing section for measurements and instructions for deciding what size you should order. As we use the same lasts for many different styles, once your Quoddy size is determined, you will be able to apply this information to most of our other products as well. (Please see Last information highlighted on each product) In addition, please see our added fit notes for each style, as there may be features which are exclusive to that construction.

We suggest you survey the size of your most comfortable shoes and use this as a starting point. [We need to publish new sizing charts/recommendations and method of selecting size and width, tracing, etc.]

Usually, we can adjust your shoes so there is more room in the front, and our shoemakers can also suggest other possible fit adjustments which may help. Call customer care at 207-853-2488 between 8:30am and 5:00pm Eastern or email us to arrange this complimentary service.

We recommend ordered a belt which is two sizes up from your paint waist measurement. If you wear a 34” pant, you should a 36 belt. Please give Customer Care a call to ask which style has snaps for changing out the hardware.

We treat some of our uppers prior to packaging with Feibing’s 3 Way Leather Conditioner*, which cleans and nourishes the natural leather surface. However, we cannot recommend any specific treatment, as each tannage requires its own special care and end purposes vary widely. Please contact Customer Care if you would like us to research the best care option for your leather choice.

We also sell a natural waterproofing product, which is only for use on surface-tanned, full-grain uppers. Please test a small area in advance, as the leather color may darken with application (this is normal but may not be desired with light colored leathers).

We do not treat the surface of our suede footwear prior to packaging. We cannot recommend a care product for that reason. We do NOT recommend the use of Quoddy’s waterproof for suede products, it is only for use on surface-tanned, full-grain upper leathers.

The easiest way to order our Resole & Refurbish service is to click here [link]. The cost is $129 Domestic US and $199 International. You can also call in and place your order in person if you have additional concerns or requests. All resole and repair work is performed right here in our workshop (Lewiston, Maine) by the same skilled hands that made them in the first place. With this service, the cost of shipping is included (both ways) for US customers. We will email a paid return label within 1-2 days of receiving the order, and we’ll send your refurbished shoes back free of charge. If you are an international customer, you’ll bear the cost of shipping your shoes to Maine, but we will send them back to you free of charge.

If your shoes need resoling, we will select a new pair of outsoles matching the originals. Also included are a new insoles, replacement laces, a full cleaning and buffing of the upper leather, and a new Quoddy shoe bag. Many of our customers tell us that it’s almost like getting a new pair (except they are already broken in).

We’re happy to give you alternative soling options (style or color), depending upon what is possible with your style, and/or a different lace color. Just note this in the special instructions box during checkout and we will be in touch with you if we have any questions.

During most times of the year, repairs take approximately 3-4 weeks. Just as with a new order, you’ll receive an email with tracking details when your newly repaired shoes leave our workshop.

We process each order (in chronological order) and pass its materials requisition to production within 1 day of receipt. We are usually happy to accommodate any changes to your MTO product, provided the leather has not yet been cut. The best way to change or cancel an order is to call us at 207-853-2488, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm EST.

If you ordered an in-stock item, it should ship within 48 to 72 hours of receipt; although we have in-stock pairs for select styles, every shoe goes through a final finishing quality check prior to being sent to our shipping queue. 

All made-to-order footwear takes approximately 5 weeks for delivery (international customers should expect an additional week in transit). You will receive an email when your order ships from our workshop in Lewiston, Maine. You’re welcome to reach out via live chat, email or phone if you want to request rush service ($75 cost), which will move your shoes to the front of the line (rush service availability depends upon the time of year and availability of materials). 

Yes, we charge a nominal flat fee of $15 for shipping in the lower 48 US states. We can estimate the cost to ship via UPS, FedEx or USPS if your location is Hawaii, Alaska, or international.

You must request a Return Authorization Number (RA#) in order to send any product back to Quoddy (products received without return authorization will be researched as time allows). All returns must be in original unworn condition and authorized within 30 days of delivery for a refund or exchange. Customers will bear the cost of return transport, unless there is a manufacturing defect or some other warranty concern.

In-stock exchanges are available for any footwear or accessory in a different size of the same style. Again, all returns for exchange must be unworn, in the state you received them, in the original packaging, with RA# included. Exchanges will be fulfilled promptly and sent out to customers free of charge.

Made-to-order products are personalized based on your design choices and, therefore, not returnable for refund or exchange (unless there is a manufacturing issue with the material or craftsmanship of the product). If you have a quality concern you wish to report, please complete a Return Authorization form outlining the problem and include the RA# provided by customer care. In some cases, we’ll email a paid return label so the product can be sent back to production for evaluation. If the return is found to have a defect in either material or craftsmanship, we will contact you to discuss the possibilities of repair, replacement, or refund.

Refunds are issued to the original method of payment, as our processor does not retain account details (for security reasons). Refunds will include the price of the product and any taxes charged. Initial shipping costs will not be reimbursed. Please understand it may take up to two weeks to process your return and issue the credit. 

We do not have a retail store, but you can make an appointment to come to our Lewiston shop to see how the shoes are built, and even try on many of our styles. We have a small selection of footwear from exchanges available for purchase in-person (goods which are featured during our semi-annual tent sales). Because we do a lot of made-to-order work for customers and retailers, we don’t stock finished shoes in all sizes like a reseller would.

Please email: service@quoddy.com