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MADE TO MEASURE BOOTS

Measure to measure boots are for customers with more extreme or unusual foot shapes and dimensions. People who require 'made to measure' will have had a long history of bootfitting problems due mainly to the size or shape of their feet.

Anyone requiring made to measure should contact the office to make an appointment with the senior bootmaker. There is normally a waiting list for appointments and customers should be prepared for this.

A minimum of two factory visits are required (it can be more). The first visit is for assessment and, should you decide to go ahead, foot drawings will be taken (this takes up to 2 hours).

The time from placing an order - to returning for bootfitting will be 8-12 weeks. The boots are 100% handmade with specific patterns and lasts being developed and this takes far more time than a standard boot.

Otherwise there is an option to purchase the last (which will be held at the factory permanently). After three months, if the last is not purchased, it will be remodelled for other work.
THE MADE TO MEASURE PROCESS

A drawing is taken around the customers foot - weighted and unweighted.
The stick length of the foot is taken - weighted and unweighted.
The stick widths of the foot are taken across the key forefoot and heel areas - weighted and unweighted.
Circumferences are measured around the metatarsal and instop areas weighted and unweighted.

Depths of the foot are measured around the forefoot and toe areas - weighted and unweighted.
The brannock length of the foot is taken - weighted and unweighted.
Foot anomalies are assessed and where appropriate measured and recorded on the drawings.
Measurements are taken of the side foot profile and side heel profile.

A minimum of six drawings, 82 measurements are recorded - there can be more depending upon the complexity of the last that is required.
Foot outline drawings showing key measurement.
A foot side profile drawing showing key measurements.
The tools required for foot measurements.


MAKING THE LAST
Once the drawings have been taken the last will be made and patterns produced to make an upper, midsole, footbed and sole to fit the last - there are over 170 separate operations to make a pair of made to measure boots. Shown below is a brief outline of some parts of the process.

A last is built up using leather.
Strips of leather are hammered into place.
The last is sanded to shape as each new layer is added.
The last length is checked as each new layer is added and sanded.

The circumferences are checked as each new layer is added.
Depths around the forefoot are checked.
The heel dimensions are checked and shaped to the appropriate dimensions.
The stick widths are assessed as last building progresses.

Setting and hardening the last ready for bootmaking. 		The method shown is the 'adding on method'. For narrow, low volume feet - the 'take off method' maybe used.
ie. A last is carved, sanded and reduced to produce the required three dimensional shape. At Altberg we use both 'add on' and 'take off' methods.


MAKING THE UPPER PATTERNS AND CUTTING THE UPPER
Once the last is prepared patterns can be made to produce the upper and boot components. The patterns are always kept in the customers file for future reference but the last must be purchased.

Cutting a pattern.
An example of paper patterns for the upper of a pair of made to measure boots.
An upper is cut out of leather using the patterns to produce the appropriate shapes.
Cutting the lining from the pattern.


MAKING THE SOLE

Cutting a sole mid layer from the patterns.
Sanding down an assembled sole to the appropriate outline.
Setting the sole to shape before pressing and laminating.
Setting the sole to the boot before final pressing.

Sanding the edge of the sole, a fine finish. 		 


MAKING THE BOOT

Reinforcing the reverse of the upper with breathable cotton fabric or other materials.
Sewing the upper.
Punching holes for the 'D' ring lacing fastenings.
Attaching and pressing the lacing attachments.

Sealing the Sympatex waterproof membrane lining (430 - 480°C).
Moulding the heel.
Lasting the forefoot.
Lasting the sides of the boot.

Sanding the side of the boot to prepare for the sole.
Attaching the sole.
Sanding the edge of the sole to match the boot.
Examining the boot.

Buffing the boot to a waxed clear finish. 		 


MADE TO MEASURE COST GUIDE 2009
BUILDING A LAST Based on the customers drawings. £ 400-600
PURCHASE OF LAST Last is held for 3 months after fitting. If not purchased within this time it will be remodelled for other work. We will include purchase of the last in your quotation. £ 150
CUTTING PATTERNS AND UPPERS The customers upper patterns are developed based on the made to measure last and the upper is cut. £ 60-100
CUTTING PATTERNS AND MIDSOLES A made to measure last requires a specific midsole to match the outline shape. The midsole will be moulded to match the pitch of the last. £ 25-45
CUTTING PATTERNS AND MAKING THE SOLE A sole is made to match the last and give correct heel pitch and toe spring. £ 45-75
CUTTING PATTERNS FOR THE FOOTBED A footbed is made to go inside under the foot. This is moulded to the last profile. £ 20-40
HEEL ORTHOTICS It is normally necessary to use an 'off the shelf' heel orthotic with the footbed to achieve foot stabilisation for fitting. £ 20-40
CUTTING AND FITTING INDIVIDUAL SPONGES, FELTS & REINFORCEMENTS These are cut by hand with patterns if necessary and fitted into the upper to meet specific customer need. £ 20-50
TAKING DRAWINGS There is no charge for the initial consultation and visual assessment - if the customer decides to proceed drawings will be taken (two hours). If the customer decides not to proceed after drawings have been taken - there is a cancellation charge of £60 to cover the time for taking drawings. £ 60 cancellation charge for drawings.

The above are intended as a price guide - a verbal guide quotation will be given once visual assessment has been completed. Once the drawings have been completed a full written and costed quotation will be provided.
NB: Made to measure boots are only made on a non-refundable basis. The senior bootmaker will give an estimate of fitting improvement during the assessment. We normally anticipate a fitting improvement of 60-80%. We would not anticipate a 100% improvement because an element of the fitting problem will always be related to bio-mechanical/foot movement movement issues and a made to measure boot may help but it will not necessarily solve these issues.


GOOD BOOT FITTING HAS FOUR ELEMENTS
THE BOOT SIZE  +  THE BOOT DESIGN  +  FOOTBEDS  +  SOCKS


MADE TO MEASURE DETAILS - Q & A
  • WHO SHOULD CONSIDER MADE TO MEASURE?
    This is a service for people who have a long history of boot fitting problems - they cannot be successfully fitted with standard 'off the shelf' boots.
  • HOW IS THE MADE TO MEASURE SERVICE CARRIED OUT?
    The senior bootmaker is involved in the complete process from taking drawings and measurements through to building the last, cutting the upper, making the boot and finally fitting it.
    Details of some of the steps involved are outlined above in the made to measure process.
  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
    There can be a waiting time for an appointment with the senior bootmaker - he sees a maximum of 6 people a month. From foot drawings, through bootmaking, to fitting - the time is between 3 - 5 months, it can be longer depending upon the complexity of the boot to be made and the time available each week for the senior bootmaker to concentrate on this type of work.
  • WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF MADE TO MEASURE?
    A made to measure boot will not correct or cure foot problems which result from a medical, orthopaedic or extreme bio-mechanical conditions.
    A made to measure boot can most certainly help alleviate some of these types of problems and help foot comfort by creating less pressure across or on joints, incorporating more padding/cushioning or support into parts of the upper or giving the boot a specific amount of flex or stiffness - the variations which can be built into a made to measure boot are many and varied.
    During assessment the bootmaker will give his view of what level of success can realistically be anticipated - however - the decision to proceed or not remains entirely with the customer.
  • IS THE LAST SUITABLE FOR OTHER TYPES OF FOOTWEAR?
    The last the bootmaker makes is specifically a boot last so it is not suitable for dress shoes or every day footwear. Boot lasts and shoe lasts are significantly different.
    The last will also have an allowance built into it to enable a footbed or orthopaedic heel cup to be used in the boot.
    Altberg make ONE shoe (the McColl Microlite) that is based on walking boot design and it is used by many customers as 'everyday footwear' - This can normally be made on a customers made to measure last.
  • CAN A MADE TO MEASURE BE BOOT RESOLED?
    Yes - we use the customers last for resoling - it will cost more than a standard resole because we must hand make the replacement sole. Also the customer must have purchased the last so that it is still available for use.
  • IF I HAVE FOOT PAIN WILL MADE TO MEASURE CURE THIS?
    It depends very much on what is causing the pain - if the problem is simple a boot fitting problem - ie. Foot shape, foot volume or pressure on joints - then a correctly fitting boot will certainly help a great deal.
    If the problems have elements in them which are the result of ligament, muscular, orthotic or bio-mechanical issues then the boot is only one part of the solution and although it may help it will not necessarily cure.
  • CAN I JUST TURN UP AT THE FACTORY?
    Absolutely not - Customers for this service are seen by appointment only, the senior bootmaker can only see a maximum of 6 people each month and there is normally a waiting list for appointments.
    If you wish to make an appointment contact the factory - 01748 850615/824717
    We have people travelling from all over the country as well as from outside the UK - do not make the journey unless you have a confirmed appointment with the senior bootmaker for the made to measure service.
  • IF I DECIDE TO COME TO THE FACTORY FOR AN ASSESSMENT AND DECIDE NOT TO PROCEED...DO I PAY ANYTHING?
    The point at which costs start is when we take the drawings - prior to this there will be a visual assessment and a full discussion about the fitting problems the customer is experiencing (it helps if the customer brings their old boots, socks or orthotics if they have them).
    If it is decided a made to measure boot will be of no benefit then no charges are made.
    if the customer wishes to proceed - then drawings will be taken. This takes up to 2 hours and a charge of £60 is made for this.
    Once the drawings have been taken the customer is given a written quotation together with copies of the drawings. The customer does not need to decide anything further on the day. We file the drawings and the customer can place an order at a later date should they wish to do so.
  • DO I PAY A DEPOSIT AND IS IT REFUNDABLE
    Yes, a deposit is payable. There is normally a period of one month between the receipt of an order and work starting. If the customer cancels within this period the desposit is refundable.
    Once work has started the customer pays for any work done up to that point, so a partial refund could be made.
    Details of times of starting work will be indicated on the order confirmation - these are intended as a guide


MADE TO MEASURE PROCESS EXPLAINED
Step One Phone the Richmond factory to make an appointment with the senior bootmaker. The senior bootmaker see's a maximum of six people each month so there is normally a waiting list for appointments. Telephone - 01748 850615 / 824717.

Special last made to accommodate an enlarged joint


A very narrow, low volume size 13½ last made to specific customers measurements alongside a standard last for comparison


A special last with deep toe & enlarged joints alongside a standard size 8 for comparison


A special last made to a specific customers measurements - a broad, wide, angular foot with high volume & deep toes alongside a standard size 8 for comparison
Step Two When you attend the appointment you should bring your old boots, socks, footbeds and anything else you believe may help is assessing your boot fitting requirements.
Step Three If it is decided to proceed with made to measure then the bootmaker will take at least six detailed drawings - this will take approximately 2 hours. At this point cost is incurred which is non-refundable.
Step Four The bootmaker will give you a written quotation together with copies of all the drawings he has taken. Due to the time involved in making a made to measure assessment a cancellation charge is introduced at this point (details in the cost guide above) - you do not have to place an order - your details will be kept on file and you can choose to order at a later date if that is what you wish.
Step Five On receipt of your order you will receive a written confirmation of terms, conditions and anticipated boot fitting date. You will need to confirm an appointment before coming to the factory for fitting.
Step Six Fitting - the boots will be fitted at the factory by the senior bootmaker and his assistant - the same person who measures your foot, makes the boot and fits the boot.
Step Seven It is normal to fit special footbeds in made to measure boots - details will be in the quotation.
Step Eight Customers may purchase the last so that the lasts, drawings, patterns for the upper, midsole, sole and footbed are all kept at the factory in your file - you will receive a certificate of last ownership - the last will be used for any future boot requirements you may have - or to resole your existing boots.
Step Nine With made to measure boots one further visit for fine tuning may be required. - This visit will not be charged for - however - any further visits may be subject to extra costs.
Notes:
  • WE ARE ARE NOT SURGICAL OR ORTHAPAEDOIC BOOTMAKERS. IF A PERSON HAS A FOOT PROBLEM RATHER THAN A FITTING PROBLEM THEN THEY SHOULD CONSULT A FULLY QUALIFIED FOOT DOCTOR.
  • WE MAKE BOOTS SPECIFICALLY TO THE WEIGHTED AND UNWEIGHTED DIMENSIONS OF YOUR FEET. WE WILL GIVE YOU OPTIONS TO ENABLE YOU TO DECIDE ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE MIDSOLE, UPPER MATERIALS, SOLE AND UPPER DESIGN - INCREASED CUSHIONING OR BREATHABILITY ETC. WE WILL SUGGEST OPTIONS TO ENABLE YOU TO DECIDE ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE FOOTBEDS, UNDERFOOT CUSHIONING AND SHOCK ABOSRPTION.
    ALL THE ABOVE RELATE DIRECTLY TO BOOTMAKING AND ARE IDEAL FOR RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS THAT RELATE DIRECTLY TO EXTREMELY HIGH VOLUME WIDE FEET, EXTREMEMY LOW VOLUME NARROW FEET, UNUSUALLY SHAPED FEET, JOINT GROWTH, TOE ALIGNMENT, EXTREMELY ASSYMETRIC, EXCESSIVE TOE DEPTH OR TOE SHAPE.
  • HOWEVER SOME FOOT PROBLEMS ARE A MIXTURE OF THREE ELEMENTS;
    • BIO-MECHANICAL/LIGAMENT/MUSCULAR CAUSE BY WEAR AND TEAR OR ACCIDENT.
    • BIO-MECHANICAL/LIGAMENT/MUSCULAR PASSED ON GENETICALLY
    • BOOT FITTING
    BOOT FITTING IS ONLY ONE ELEMENT - IT CAN MOST CERTAINLY IMPROVE FOOT COMFORT AND GENERAL "WHOLE BODY" WELL BEING - BUT THERE CAN BE ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEE THAT A CORRECTLY FITTED MADE TO MEASURE BOOT WILL GIVE 100% RELIEF FROM FOOT DISCOMFORT.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CUSTOM FITTING OR MADE TO MEASURE
  • Payment for the work we do of a non-standard nature during manufacture or fitting is non-refundable.
  • A deposit is required with the boot order and the amount is based on the amount of non-standard work involved.
  • With made to measure you will receive a confirmation of your order which will indicate the anticipated start date for work on your boots - you may cancel and receive a full refund of deposit up to this date minus the charge for taking drawings - however after this date if boots are cancelled then payment for the amount of non-standard work done will be deducted from your deposit.
  • Payment of the outstanding balance is made upon completion of the first fitting.
  • The boots we make are subject to the standard statutory requirements with regard to quality of materials and manufacture - however -the boots do not carry a fitting or suitability guarantee - we will only custom fit boots or do made to measure boots on a non-refundable basis with regard to fitting and suitability.
  • As explained in custom fitting and made to measure details above - the boot is only one component in overcoming foot problems - it will normally improve foot comfort but there can be no guarantee.
  • We are a working factory, the senior bootmaker has much demand upon his time and anticipated delivery dates on 'made to measure' will periodically fall behind. Customers must be prepared to accept this.


GOOD BOOT FITTING HAS FOUR ELEMENTS
THE BOOT SIZE  +  THE BOOT DESIGN  +  FOOTBEDS  +  SOCKS