FAQs

FAQs

Frequently asked questions & answers

About the Shoes

What are Medieval Moccasins?

Medieval Moccasins are like no other shoes. Here you will find answers to some of our most often asked questions. If your question is not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

Medieval Moccasins are handcrafted leather shoes in a unisex design of ancient European origin and are equally appropriate for period or modern attire. Variations of this shoe can be traced back to Celtic times and have been found in archeological sites all over Southern Europe. This style was commonly known as a "bog shoe" or "ghillie", a traditional Scottish folk dancing shoe.

Each shoe is made by hand with great care and attention to detail. This attractive alternative to more restrictive styles of footwear is seamless and washable by hand or in your machine. Each shoe is made from a single piece of leather, which is then laced in back and front. Our shoes are designed to hug the foot in comfort and support. By loosening and tightening the laces through the gathered rosette at the toe, the shoes will adjust to each individual foot.

What colors of leather are available?

Medieval Moccasins come in a wide variety of colors to match anything (and everything) in your wardrobe! Our colors change periodically, and sometimes we have small remnants in our workshop that are not shown in the product pages. We can always send snips of our hides as samples to help you make up your mind. We also often have specialty leathers that are only available for a limited time!

Online purchases are hand-made to order! We also have a large and varied stock at the shows we attend. Our workshop does not always have access to the ready-made shoes for rush orders though. If you have any questions, you can always email us (shoecrew@medmocs.com) to see what options we may have for you!

Visit our store here!

Natural Colors

Click any image to view larger

Premium Colors

* Premium Colors are specialty leathers and have an extra fee upon purchase. This fee varies upon leather and style.

How do I trace my feet for the right size?

tracingsample2

To measure your foot, follow these instructions for tracing your feet:

Please stand barefoot on a piece of paper, with your body weight evenly balanced on both your feet. Have someone else trace your feet holding a pen/pencil straight up and down.  Draw a perpendicular box around each foot tracing, and measure the sides of the box. Make sure the sides of the box are labeled clearly in inches. This will give you the accurate length from the tip of your longest toe to your heel (see sample). Then simply choose the size that is closest to the length of your foot. Keep in mind that our supple leathers will stretch a bit over time, and you want them to fit snug to keep their support.

IMPORTANT:

  • Do not look down during the process as looking down can make you shift your body weight, which can distort the tracing.
  • Do not have your feet measured while sitting, as your feet spread when standing and walking.
  • Do not use a fat/oversized pen/pencil or hold it at an angle as this will change the size of the tracing.

If you have any questions, please email your tracings to Medieval Moccasins. We will use your tracing (see sample) to determine your correct size. Please be careful and accurate. Do both feet. Do not send tracings via email without clearly labeling the length in inches of all sides of the box, as emailing can distort the tracings and prevent us from giving you the perfect fit you deserve. Be sure to include your name and order number.

If you need a custom pattern made for your foot, then you must mail us a physical copy of your foot tracings, which we will use as a pattern to cut your custom sole. Please use a separate piece of paper for each foot. Remember that custom shoes are non-returnable, so please be as accurate as possible!

How do I know my size in Medieval Moccasins?

Sizing is unisex and there are no half sizes because the shoes are very adjustable and meant to fit snuggly. Generally, our shoes run similar to women's commercial shoe sizes or slightly larger. Customers with half-sizes or men's sizes are recommended to order a size up. Please trace your feet and check our size chart below BEFORE you order to be sure of a perfect fit. It is always safest—and highly recommended—to include foot measurements with your order.

To measure your foot, follow the instructions for tracing your feet.

Draw a perpendicular box around each foot tracing, and measure the sides of the box. This will give you the accurate length from the tip of your longest toe to your heel (see sample). Then simply choose the size that is closest to the length of your foot. Keep in mind that our supple leathers will stretch a bit over time, and you want them to fit snug to keep their support.

If you need extra support, we recommend that you upgrade to any of our above the ankle styles and then you can add your own orthotic inserts. We suggest using three-quarter length orthotics only, so that the insert doesn’t interfere with the shoe, and the leather can still take the shape of your foot. If you prefer the look of our lower shoes, keep in mind you can cuff the ankle down in any of our hightop styles. This gives the look of a lower profile but still accommodates the height of an insert. If you still prefer to order our lower styles, please make sure your orthotic is not too thick, so they don’t lift you out of the shoe. If you want to use a cushioning or gel insert, please make sure that you cut them down to smaller than the size of the Medieval Moccasins’ soles so that the inserts do not stretch out the heel of the shoes. Do NOT order a size larger just to accommodate an insert.

Adult Sizes Babies and Children
Our Size Length (inches) Our Size Length (inches)
2 7 5/8" 4 4 7/8"
3 7 7/8" 5 5 1/8"
4 8 1/8" 6 5 3/8"
5 8 1/2" 7 5 5/8"
6 8 7/8" 8 6"
7 9 1/8" 9 6 3/8"
8 9 1/2" 10 6 5/8"
9 9 7/8" 11 7"
10 10 1/4" 12 7 3/8"
11 10 1/2"
12 11 1/8"
13 11 5/8"
14 12"

Do Medieval Moccasins come in wide sizes?

Since your Medieval Moccasins are adjustable, width is not usually a problem. Please do not choose a larger shoe size to accommodate a wide foot. If you can wear commercial shoe sizes simply by ordering a “wide” size, then you would probably NOT need to have a custom pattern made for our shoes. It is always a good idea to include foot measurements or foot tracings when you are not sure of size.

If you need extra support, we recommend that you upgrade to any of our above the ankle styles and then you can add your own orthotic inserts. You can find more help with orthotics here.

How do I measure for Medieval Moccasins boots?

When ordering Tall Boots, the following measurements are required:

*Length from below the knee to floor (measure at crease behind knee/below kneecap)

*Circumference below the knee

*Length from widest part of the calf to the floor

*Circumference of widest part of the calf

*Length from under the calf to floor

*Circumference under the calf

*Length from ankle to floor

*Circumference of ankle

Custom Boots

When placing your order, please include your leg measurements in the Comments box, or email them separately. We cannot start making your boots until we receive these measurements. Boots have a non-returnable restocking fee of 35%, so measure carefully!

Some helpful tips on taking Leg Measurements:

  1. Have someone else take your measurements! Bending over/twisting your leg will distort and give you a poor fit.
  2. Use the same height measurements for both legs, and give us the corresponding circumferences. Your leg heights should match on both legs.
  3. To find the height just below your knee, measure from the crease behind your knee/below your kneecap.
  4. Move the tape measure for each height--it's easier and more accurate than giving us your below knee height, and the rest at "# inches shorter."
  5. Finally, be sure to hug the tape measure against the curve of the outside of the leg, not the back.

In all, these measurements will create a “cone” that is the shape of your leg. We will be making your boots to those measurements to give you a customized, tailored pattern made for your legs. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

For a limited time only, this tailoring is included in our stock boot price. Tailoring only refers to the shape and height of the boot-leg, so please keep in mind that if you require a custom sole, then the $75 custom fee applies.

Be sure to include your name and order number with the measurements if they are emailed. If your order includes boots for more than one person, don't forget to tell us which set of measurements goes with which boot!

How do I know if I need custom Medieval Moccasins made for me?

While our shoes are usually able to adjust for wide and swelling feet, we can also completely customize the sole and leather upper to the shape of your foot! We have helped many customers with problem feet, from bunions, plantar fasciitis, disabilities, and more, so everyone can enjoy comfortable, well fitted, and all-day wear shoes.

Just ask us! Email us tracings of your feet (instructions can be found here) and we can determine if you need custom work. We will then work with you in detail to get you the best fit we can.

There is a $65-$75 fee to make you a custom pattern. This is automatically added to the price of the shoe when you select the Custom Fit option in our shopping cart.

Shoe Care & Repair

What are Vibram Soles?

Our Vibram® brand soling option is a super cushy, comfortable, and flexible option for those who want to walk on air! While our standard soles are lightweight and flexible enough to be folded in half lengthwise, Vibram soles take it to another level. They can be rolled into a circle, made to do "the wave," and even be folded widthwise. Their exceptional comfort is perfect for all day wear, in any style from sandals to boots!

Vibrams have an extra fee of $30 (nonrefundable in returns and exchanges). We also offer a white Vibram sole for $35. They are 3/8" thick and made from neoprene crepe rubber, just like our standard soling.

What kind of soles do you use?

Our soles are minimalist and flexible, letting you feel the ground beneath your feet! The sole is made from Neoprene rubber, designed for years of hard wear. The standard sole is black and 3/8" thick; white soles are available as a custom option for an extra charge. Our shoes can last decades with care!

We usually discourage making the soles out of leather, because it reduces their longevity and gives very little traction. If you still decide to choose a leather sole, we recommend wearing them with caution and keeping them as indoor shoes only.

We also offer the luxurious cushioned Vibram brand soles for an extra $30 and a white Vibram for $35; more information can be found on our Vibram FAQ page here.

How do I care for my Medieval Moccasins?

With a little care, your Medieval Moccasins should give you years of comfort and wear.

The most important thing to remember with Medieval Moccasins is that you can adjust them! Our shoes are designed to fit snugly and should hug the foot in comfort and support.

To customize the shoe to your foot shape, simply loosen the double knot at the rosette and adjust the shoe to the width of the foot.  Once the shoe is set to your foot, you shouldn’t have to customize them every time.  Just don’t forget to tighten the rosette as the leather stretches to maintain our signature glove-like fit.

Our gladiator styles do not have a rosette, but are also adjustable. Simply adjust the tension of the laces to maintain proper placement and support.

Just remember, your foot should never slide around inside the shoe, because it will stretch the leather out of shape. If you want to wrap the laces around your ankle, remember to cross them in front first, to maintain the right amount of tension to stabilize the heel of your foot.

Please keep in mind that leather is an organic material. Natural variations in texture and color add to the uniqueness of the product, and should in no way be considered defects.

Important:

  • Keep away from extreme heat! It is harmful to the leather and the neoprene sole.
  • Make sure to clean and condition your shoes at least once a year to maintain their supple feel. We do NOT recommend wearing your Medieval Moccasins into the ocean, because the salt in the water destroys leather!
  • Adjust the rosette of the shoe as the leather stretches, to keep the foot from sliding back in the shoe. This will prevent the excessive heel wear.
  • Remember we offer a wide variety of repairs, should something go wrong with your shoes. Don’t despair: contact us to see if we can help!

Regular Leather:

Machine wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. No soap or detergent! To dry, stuff with tissue paper and air-dry naturally. DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER! Moisturize with lotion or leather conditioner at least twice a year. (Anything you use on your own skin should be fine for the leather!) Leather ages and needs regular conditioning to keep it from becoming dry, dull or cracked. However, do not store your shoes while damp, as leather can mold as well (washing, along with proper drying, removes this mold).

Metallic Leather:

This leather is more delicate and is considered a dress shoe. We do not recommend washing the metallic leather. Washing can wear away the metallic coating on the leather. To clean, wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Condition metallic leather shoes from the inside to ensure that the moisture is absorbed and that the leather stays supple.

*For regular and metallic leathers, baby wipes are a great trick for a quick clean up and a little conditioning.

Suede:

Suede leather is also considered a dress shoe.  It is not necessarily more delicate, but it can “age” faster, and look more worn. To clean suede we recommend brushing the leather with a suede brush and/or beating the shoes together.

To keep suede looking fresh, treat with Scotch Guard and repeat Scotch Guard treatments per manufacturers instructions. Suede can be washed, but will appear stiff when dry and will soften as the shoes are worn. It is also recommended to condition suede on the inside to keep the pile looking new.

Can I wear these shoes with orthotic inserts?

Absolutely! While our flat soles offer a barefoot-like feel, some customers want to add extra support. With our adjustable leather upper, we have some recommendations to keep your shoes in good shape while taking care of your feet's special needs.

Primarily, we recommend that you upgrade to any of our above the ankle styles (hightop, open toe hightop, and boot) to keep the inserts firmly in place. The extra height of orthotic at the back can lift your heel out of the back of the lower style shoes, stretching and making you walk on the heel of the shoe. We also suggest using three-quarter length orthotics only, so that the insert doesn’t interfere with the shoe, and so that the leather can still take the shape of your foot.

If you prefer the look of our lower shoes, keep in mind you can cuff the ankle down in any of our high top styles. This gives the look of a lower profile but still accommodates the height of an insert.

However there are some options for our lower styles. Please make sure your orthotic is not too thick at the heel, so you don’t lift your heel out of the shoe while you walk. Orthotics with arch support are not recommended. If you want to use a cushioning or gel insert, please use a few spots of super to keep the insert in place, or it will slide under your feet and potentially stretch the heel of the shoes. Make sure that you cut them down to smaller than the size of the Medieval Moccasins’ soles so that the inserts, which can also stretch out the heel of the shoes.

Do NOT order a size larger just to accommodate an insert.

How much will it cost to repair my Medieval Moccasins?

Schnips:

Our "schnip" repair is a customization of the shoe to allow adjustability even after the leather has stretched.

A “front schnip" is recommended when the rosette of the shoe has been tightened completely and is still loose on the foot, and when the round tabs across the bridge of foot touch or overlap.

A “back schnip” is recommended when the heel of the shoe has stretched out and the foot is walking off the sole and onto the actual leather (more than just the normal scuffing).

We simply cut off the excess leather and repunch the holes to make the shoe a little smaller when it is laced back together.

Front schnip (rosette) $25.00
Back schnip $25.00
Full (front and back) $30.00
Boot $45.00

 

Patches:

We are able to patch most small holes and tears worn through the leather. Holes underneath or next to the sole cannot be repaired, unfortunately. Please send us pictures of the areas needing repair, and we can confirm how much doctoring your pair needs.

Patch $20

 

Re-sole:
Unfortunately we are no longer able to offer resoles. We encourage you to visit your local shoe repair shop before the leather wears through if you believe the soles need replacing.

And please remember: We are a small family business with a unique method of shoemaking. We are only able to repair Medieval Moccasin shoes.

 

Return Shipping for all repair types:

All Low Top and High Top Styles
$12.00
Boots $16.00

 

Contact us through our contact page or email us at shoecrew@medmocs.com to start restoring your moccasins!

What do I do if the sole starts to come off of my Medieval Moccasins?

We try very hard to ensure a strong and reliable bond between our soles and our leathers, however over time it is common for the edge to start to peel back. If this happens, you can always send your shoes to us and we will fix them for free. Simply pay $12 for their return shipping.

Get craft-quality super glue that can be used on leather and rubber. You should be able to find it at any craft store or super market. Make sure your shoes are dry. Put small dots of glue on the sole (don't use too much or it will squeeze out and get on the leather), then hold the leather and sole together for about 15 seconds. It will take 20-25 minutes before they'll be cured enough to wear.

After the Oklahoma City Bombing, the glue had to be reformulated; the previous mix of chemicals could have been used to make a bomb. Glue manufacturers continue to improve their glues, but it is still a bit inconsistent, especially on leathers that have been oiled too much.

General Information

What is your privacy policy?

Medieval Moccasins will not share customer information with anyone outside the company. We value the confidence that our customers place in us. Protection of their privacy is very important to us. View our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions.

Do you guarantee your shoes?

We stand behind ~and in~ our products and will do our best to take care of any problems that may arise due to manufacturing defects. Above all, we take pride in our customer service and our craftsmanship.

What is your return/exhange policy?

We will gladly accept returns and exchanges within the following guidelines:

Returns:

We will refund your payment less the cost of shipping and a non-refundable restocking fee for returns within 30 days from shipping date, for unworn shoes ONLY.

For boots, the restocking fee is 30%. For all other products the restocking fee is 15%.

Please note: Custom orders and shoes made from metallic leathers are NOT refundable.  For shoes with Vibram soles, the extra $30 fee is nonrefundable.

Sizing is important, and we will work hard to ensure the shoes we ship are the shoes that fit the best. Please include the form you received with your shoes when you ship. We are constantly trying to improve, so please let us know your reason.  We do our best to make our customers happy, so contact us if you have any concerns.

Exchanges:

We do our best to explain our sizing and describe our colors so we can hopefully avoid any unnecessary exchanges. If you are not happy with your shoes when they arrive, please let us know right away. We must receive your shoes within 30 days of their shipping date.

NOTE: Return shipping is required at the same amount as original shipping cost. There is a restocking fee of 20% to exchange boots. Extra fees for Vibram soles or white soles are not included in exchanges, and must be paid for again.

Customer satisfaction is very important to us! We will do our best to get you a pair that you love!

Where is Medieval Moccasins located?

We are located in San Marcos, Texas, U.S.A., right on the eastern edge of Texas Hill Country. We make our shoes in a workshop located inside our family home. Our only year-round storefront is our website. You can find us in person at a variety of festivals and shows throughout the year. View Our 2018 Schedule »

Ordering & Shipping

What are your shipping rates?


Within the US
Adults $12.00 (Boots or 2+ pairs: $4.00 each additional)
Infants & Children, Laces & Bottlenets $12.00 (3+ pairs: $5.00 each additional)
Canada and Mexico*
All Styles
$22.00 (Boots or 2+ pairs: $4.00 each additional)
International* (except Canada and Mexico)
All Styles $24.00 (Boots or 2+ pairs: $4.00 each additional)
*Duties, tariffs, taxes, etc. are the responsibility of the customer. We do not ship to countries if we cannot insure the shipment.

Domestic:

Our flat rate of $10 accommodates up to 2 pairs of adult shoes, and then it’s $4 for each additional pair. (So 3 pairs adults pairs ship for $14). For Children’s Shoes and Accessories, $10 will ship up to 3 pairs, and then it’s $4 for each additional pair. The knee-high boots ship for $14.

All orders to destinations within the United States will be shipped U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail unless otherwise requested and approved.

For domestic orders, we use padded Priority envelopes from the United States Postal System that can be tracked online. Tracking numbers are available upon request; just tell us in the comments section! Larger styles or multiple orders may require flat rate boxes.

Signature confirmation is available upon request for an additional charge of $3.00.  Keep in mind if you request a signature confirmation, someone must be there to sign for the package or it will be brought back to your local post office until it can be picked up in person.

International:

Canada/Mexico: $22 will ship up to 2 pairs of shoes, and then it’s $4 for each additional pair (for example: 3 pairs of shoes will ship for $26). The knee-high boots ship for $26.

International (except Canada/Mexico): $24 will ship up to 2 pairs of shoes, and then it’s $4 for each additional pair. (For example: 3 pairs of shoes will ship for $28).  The knee-high boots ship for $28.

All orders to destinations outside the United States will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service Parcel Post unless otherwise requested and approved. Since all international orders have to use PayPal®, we can send you an invoice for any difference in shipping charges if you request a different shipping method.

US Parcel Post packages to Canada can only be tracked to the US border, and the number will be given upon request. Just ask us in the comments section of your order! Unfortunately, USPS no longer offers tracking for all other international orders.

Keep in mind that customers are responsible for any and all Customs charges, which vary by country, and are payable to their local Customs Office. We will not ship to countries if we cannot insure the shipment.

Once the shoes enter the post office, we are no longer responsible for them. However, we will work with specific mailing requests to the best of our ability, in order to accommodate costumers’ requests.

 

How do I order Medieval Moccasins?

The easiest way to order your Medieval Moccasins is to go to our secure, online store. We can also send you PayPal invoices for customized or complicated orders. Just send us an email! You can also reach us toll free at 1.877.891.3550, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Our work line is also our house line, so we sometimes even pick up outside those hours. If we aren’t there, just leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards: Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, and Discover®. We also accept payment via PayPal®.  We will accept personal checks in U.S. currency, drawn on U.S. banks, for phone orders only. Your order will not be started until we receive your check, and it has cleared. International orders must use PayPal®.

How soon will my Medieval Moccasins arrive?

COVID-19 Shipping Delay Notice: Due to the effects of the pandemic, our ship times are currently 10-12 weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Most of our orders are made from scratch when your order is received. If you are ordering with a specific date or event in mind, please let us know and allow a minimum of 4 weeks to get the shoes from our hands to your feet. For boots, and other complicated or customized orders, please give us up to 14 weeks.

Domestic orders usually take between 2-3 days to arrive from their shipping date. International orders can take 3-6 weeks to arrive from their shipping date, depending on the destination and local customs.

We work hard to fit your timeline, and you can always ask us about rushing your order. Most rush-ordered shoes ship in 14 business days for a fee that varies by style ordered and workshop schedule. They should arrive within 21 business days from order date. Overnight shipping is available at extra cost. For rush orders, the delivery date must be confirmed by the workshop first. We will send you a PayPal® invoice for the rush order fee when we confirm that we are able to fulfill the order in time.