Purchase Policies
As the artisan and owner at Soul Path Shoes, I stand behind my work. I guarantee all our products for any defects in craftsmanship, function, or fitting. It is to everyone’s benefit to have more than satisfactory results, especially mine, so I take great care to work with diligence to produce the finest footwear I can every time. I survive as an artisan due to my reputation for meticulous quality standards, good communication, and my desire to surpass my clients’ expectations.
STANDARD SIZE PRODUCTS
In the case of standard sizing, such as the standard sized sandals, the Nature Souls slip-on’s and children’s shoes, the customer is responsible to make the proper sizing choice, and may verify sizing concerns with me prior to purchase. We are happy to exchange any standard size item for another size, providing it is available, and if the returned item is still in new condition. The customer will be responsible for all shipping costs and applicable taxes.
CUSTOM MOCCASIN-BOOTS & CUSTOM SANDALS
All deposits or payments made on custom orders are non-refundable. We do offer a grace period for a cancellation within 48hrs of deposit in case this was a mistake or for other reasons. However, the refund for this will be the full amount – 15% to cover admin time and conversion rate fees.
The deposit or original order is a commitment on behalf of the customer to follow through with the order. The deposit secures the customer’s place in our orders as of the order date, and will be honoured as such. The deposit is used immediately to order materials, such as leather, custom buttons, and soling and other shoe making materials, as well as to pay staff and administration fees. Our commitment is to follow through on the order and fulfill it to my usual high standards of craftsmanship, in or near our estimated time frame (this is typically in the 3-6 month range, but a request must be made at the time of the order if one requires a more accurate or current estimate).
* Soul Path Shoes reserves the right to cancel an order if we are not able to complete it, and in this case only will we issue a full refund on the deposit.
SHIPPING FEES
The shipping fees for the USA and Canada are typically $64.95 USD, with a maximum coverage of up to $1,000CAD ($730 USD at the time of writing), as this is the maximum coverage offered by Canada Post. Any additional coverage or upgrade in service will require a quote and a relative increase in price, based on the shipping company’s rates, as we will need to use an alternative courier for this service, such as Purolator or Fed Ex. The shipping fees will be added to your final invoice for balance, and the customer will have the choice in service options and the associated prices.
Important notice: In the rare and unfortunate instance of boots getting lost in the mail, Soul Path Shoes will only replace/remake boots of up to the dollar amount that the insurance covers. If the original boots were worth more than the amount of coverage, we can only make boots of the value of the insurance claim. For this reason we strongly recommend getting full coverage on the value of your boots.
* We may only notify you of alternative options if the total value of your order exceeds the $1,000CAD, as otherwise our standard Canada Post Expedited option offers the best value for price to our customers.
LEATHER VARIATION, COLOR, ETC.
ALL of our custom moccasins are made of genuine, full grain American Bullhide and/or Bison of the highest quality. However, as leather is a natural material with irregular characteristics (unlike a uniform fabric), there are always variations in grain pattern, temper, and in tone and color. We do our best to represent the product and colors with our photographs, but each hide is somewhat unique and there is variation in color from hide to hide. Also bear in mind that the bison is a free range animal, and some irregularities and blemishes do occur more than on conventional cattle. We check every piece of leather meticulously, and will not use any inferior material. However, minor stretch or scuff marks are common, as well as a great variety in the grain pattern, which is part of the appeal of the unique and beautiful leathers we use.
COMPLETION & TURNAROUND TIME ESTIMATES
We do our best to stay within the estimated times to complete custom orders. However, as these boots are hand crafted one at a time by a preeminent artisan of highly customized work we do appreciate some flexibility with turnaround times. If you have a special event or deadline we ask that you notify us well in advance.
Entirely crafted by hand and starting with a custom pattern, these unique moccasin-boots often include artwork or other original design features. Such work requires time, patience, and a clear state of mind, and most of my customers have understood that it is this careful pace and good energy that makes real quality and such a personal experience like this possible in the modern world.
FITTING
We will re-adjust or remake a custom moccasin or sandal if it doesn’t fit properly and if this is indeed a defect in our workmanship. The customer is responsible for following the casting instructions in the video and completing an adequately usable cast, and accurate foot tracings. The instructions are very clear and we have been using this method for over 10 years with great success.
The customer is also responsible for reading and following the breaking in instructions emailed with each order. If this document has not been read or received for whatever reason, the customer is responsible for requesting this before moving forward with the wearing or breaking in of the new moccasins. In all cases for replacement or repair issues the client will be responsible for all shipping fees incurred.
The moccasins we make provide a neutral base, with the exception of arch support when this is requested in the custom options. Typically stretching and breaking in techniques are sufficient to accomplish an exquisite fitting. The customer is responsible for taking care in the casting process and drawings, as my pattern is based entirely on these. This is not a difficult procedure, and in the video we provide clear and detailed instructions that provide excellent results when followed properly. We make ourselves available for questions or for a phone call if something is not perfectly clear in this process.
The moccasin-boots we make are not stiff, conventional boots with artificial stiffeners in the heel area or the toe, as is the case with many factory made boots. This is a major difference between a moccasin and a boot, and one of the reasons people find these moccasins so soft and comfortable. However, if more support is required, this is not my responsibility, and this may not be the right footwear for you. We provide custom fitted footwear, which is not the same as custom orthotics. People with structural or foot problems should consult a doctor and get a prescription for custom orthotics. These may be incorporated into my custom fitted footwear and may provide a compatible fitting, but this is beyond the scope of our responsibility. We do not assume any responsibility for postural imbalances, uneven weight distribution, lack of support or correction of any of these particularities resulting from individual body habits in our customers.
We look forward to a long and friendly business relationship with our clients, and strive to offer truly personalized service in an exchange that is deeply satisfying for both for us as the artisan, and for you as our valued customer.”
