FAQs

How does it work?

We design classic and timeless mens shoes and add them to our ever-growing catalogue actively. You have a wide array of styles, leathers, textures, colors and sole options to choose from. Once you place your order through our webstore, we start handcrafting your shoes.

Every shoe that you purchase is made-to-order (MTO), crafted one at a time and with utmost care and passion. MTO allows us to reduce costs and minimize waste (unsold inventory!). This facilitates an efficient business structure in which the savings are passed on to you, the end customer. This
results in one-of-a-kind shoes offered at prices impossible otherwise. Win-win for both the brand and you.

The crafting process involves several manual steps completed by experienced artisans at our workshop in South India. The process can take anywhere from one to two weeks to complete and this waiting period is well worth it. Once your shoes are ready, they are shipped directly to your door. We offer free shipping within India. In a world of mass production, it is a privilege to offer MTO shoes that you can wear year after year.

What sets your experience apart?

We promise to offer you a smarter way to shop. A way that gives you the highest quality at the lowest price possible sitting at the comfort of your home. We rely on traditional shoe-making techniques and guarantee the longevity of our shoes. You deserve quality for years, not seasons.

We focus carefully on finishing for a flawless look. We have developed our own lasts (foot-shaped moulds) and have refined them over the years based on real customer feedback. Our shoes fit true-to-size with a little or no break-in period, and the shoe will conform to the shape of your feet over time.

Do you have a bespoke service?

At this point in time, we don’t.

How do I contact OneHugeStep customer service?

Email preferred. Write to us at cs@onehugestep.com

Do you any showrooms or experience stores in India?

No. Born digital since 2013 and ready to take on the world

Do you have COD (Cash On Delivery)?

No.

Do you have an Affiliate Marketing program?

No.

Describe your manufacturing process?

There are more than 150 manual steps involved with making our shoes, and each one is controlled by an artisan. They either execute the step by hand or with the help of a hand-operated machine. The entire process takes from 1 to 2 weeks to complete. We don't take any shortcuts. We do things the old way which is the only way to guarantee the longevity of our products. We believe the human touch is essential and invaluable in the art of shoemaking. It is our duty to honour the craft by ensuring responsible and fair working conditions for our artisans.

What kind of warranty do you offer?

We are happy to offer a 2-month warranty against any manufacturing or design defects. Damage from usage is Not covered under warranty. We are always available to help you find a solution to such issues if we can. Please contact our Customer Service for any assistance.

What type of sole options do you offer?

We use veg-tanned full-grain leather soles (from Argentina) for a vast majority of our shoes and Indian Buffalo leather with rubber forepart for our boots. These shoes are Blake/McKay stitched. For some styles, we use rubber soles for nice traction and shock absorption. Usage of lightweight EVA soles is getting very popular these days. Rubber and EVA soles are usually glued/cemented with worldclass adhesives.

Are OneHugeStep shoes resoleable?

Yes. As long as you maintain the shoes reasonably well and the upper leather is in the prime of its condition.

What is Blake-stitching?

Blake-stitching is a shoe construction technique that started in the mid-19th century, and what we predominantly use. It has multiple variations, but basically consists of attaching the upper, lining, insole, midsole and outsole through a row of stitching. This means these critical components are
actually stitched together rather than being merely glued on. This system creates a sturdy shoe that can be resoled when needed. Blake-stitched shoes are also comfortable and require minimal break-in.

Is Blake-Stitching better or worse than Goodyear Welted?

This is highly subjective. It is argued that Goodyear Welted is a more labour intensive and hence results in superior shoes. While in theory this is true, in reality what determines the quality goes well beyond this factor. From our experience, a shoe should be judged by so much more than its
construction method alone. Consider the quality of the leather, components used, processes followed etc. Fit and finishing are just as important. It really is a matter of personal preference. Our customers have responded more positively to the Blake method. It creates a lighter and more
comfortable shoe. Also, Blake-stitching allows for a sleeker shoe profile which looks beautiful.

What is a last, and how long are the shoes lasted for?

A last is a foot-shaped mould created in different sizes and widths for specific shoe styles. Leather needs to be slightly heated and humidified to achieve a proper temper for the lasting process. An important mark of quality is the cooling method that follows. This can be measured by the time the
leather stays on the lasts, the more time the leather stays on the last, the better the results will be. During the process, the leather fibers stabilize and adapt to the volume given by the last. We leave them at room temperature for a minimum of 48-72 hours instead of using any artificial cooling systems very common in mass-produced shoes. This results in a better looking and more stable shape which preserves the shoe structure over the long term.

What type of lining do your shoes have?

All of our shoes are lined with full-grain Indian Calf leather which is

a) Durable and won’t break
b) Supple and easy on your feet
c) Minimally treated without harsh chemicals
d) Aniline dyed and breathable and your feet won’t suffocate

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we do. Most of our returning customers avail this by sending us an email. We send them the promo/discount code that they can use during checkout. The discount averages around 10%.

International shipping?

There are two challenges we faced in our 10+ years of operations
a) Every country has different regulations governing taxes and duties when it comes to buying shoes from a foriegn country. We won't be able to absorb any of those costs.
b) Refunds and Sizing related Exchanges are far more seamless within India.

Please read our Return Policy prior to ordering.

How soon will I get my order?

On average we will ship your shoes one to two weeks from the time of ordering. We understand this doesn’t work for everyone, especially if you need something urgently. If you can afford to wait, it will be well worth it.

Can I Return or Exchange an item?

Please read our Return Policy prior to ordering. This policy doesn’t apply to Sale or Discounted items and Factory seconds.

What is the Return or Exchange process?

We keep it very simple and straightforward. Just email to Customer Service with your order number and specify if you want a Refund or Exchange. You have to ship back the shoes in its original condition/packaging at YOUR cost and we don’t levy any restocking fee. Once we receive it, our
quality control department will check the shoes to confirm it is unworn and in perfect condition to be resaleable. Then we will send the replacement pair to you or initiate a refund. Whatever works best for you. Please read our Return Policy prior to ordering.

How long does it take to process an exchange?

Same 1-2 weeks. We don’t have any inventory of shoes to facilitate size exchanges immediately. Please keep in mind that our shoes are made to order. We will do our best to fast-track your replacement.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

The refund will be issued in one business day after we confirm the product is unworn and is resaleable. Do keep in mind that the Payment Gateway takes some time to process refunds. In general, you can expect the reversal in a couple of business days after we instruct them. If you don’t see the refund within this time period, please email our Customer Service and we will look into the issue.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is free within India. For International shipping, you will know the additional costs involved during Checkout. We have a significant International repeat customer base who love our shoes.

Can I change the Size, Color or Style on my unfulfilled order?

We try our best to accommodate all requests. However, since the shoes are made-to-order especially for you, changes need to be considered on a case-to-case basis. We recommend you contact Customer Service to find out if production has started on your shoes. Depending on the timing of the change request and the status (work-in-progress) of your order in the production pipleline, we will advise suitably.

How do I know the status of my order?

Generally, your shoes will be shipped to you between one to two weeks from the time you place your order. We recommend you contact Customer Service in case of any delay.

Can I expedite my order?

Orders are processed on a FCFS (first come, first serve) basis. Since our shoemaking process involves over 150 manual steps, we generally don't rush orders.

How do I know if the fit is right?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some men like their shoes to be very snug and hug their feet, while others prefer to have some breathing room. Generally, we recommend a snugger fit right out of the box, because over time, the leather will stretch and adapt to your feet. The sock inserts we
provide can help if you want more snugness or cushioning.

Should I get a larger size if my feet tend to swell?

We recommend ordering your usual size, but opt for open laced shoes like Derbies. If you must have closed laced shoes like Oxfords, then order half a size up and wear them with inserts which can be removed if your feet swell. We don’t recommend Loafers in such medical conditions.

How long does it take for OneHugeStep shoes to break-in?

The way we construct your shoes helps to shorten or eliminate the break-in period. However, it is still a personal experience. The break-in period depends a lot on your foot shape, making sure you have the right size, the types of socks you wear and the way you walk. If you find the shoes too stiff
at first, don’t worry - they will soften and mould to your feet over time. If you experience any discomfort, we recommend you wear your shoes indoors before wearing them for long periods outdoor.

Do you offer Wide sizes?

All of our shoes are made with the standard UK F width (US D width). After thorough research and consideration, we determined this is the best width to address a large customer base. We would love to offer more options for widths (Narrow, Extra Wide etc). It’s on our wish list of things to accomplish as our brand grows.

What size should I order?

We have developed our own true to size lasts (foot-shaped moulds) and have refined them over years based on real customer feedback. If you have ordered dress shoes from other renowned brands, use that size to order. If you are ordering suede shoes, it is recommended to go 1/2 size
down as the stretch quotient of split suede (not reverse suede) leather is slightly higher compared to full grain leather.