Factory Seconds and Samples
What are they?
Factory Seconds – Pairs which have a gathering of minor cosmetic flaws from production which present no issue to longevity, performance or quality. Granted, any first quality pair can and may have imperfections from the use of organic materials and the process of handcrafting a pair of boots, but boots which fall under this category typically include multiple instances of these. These minor cosmetic flaws, in either cases, can include but are not limited to instances such as irregular stitching, boot shaft height and leather scarring or texture outside of our normal production tolerance.
Factory Samples – Generally first quality pairs made for the production team to reference for various reasons such as size grading, pattern grading and component testing. These pairs may get handled on the factory floor or in the sampling room. Therefore, they could have some minor scuffs or scratches to them, which are mostly buffed out prior to shipping to the customer. Typically, these pairs fall somewhere between a second and regular stock, so it is possible even though these pair are more towards first than second quality, that they may have an instance or two from the seconds category on them.
Try-On’s – Pairs which have been tried on a few times in the local shoe repair shop here in Buffalo, NY, or at the factory in the sampling room, or from a few customer exchanges. Samples might get tried on once or twice as well. These pairs tend to have some creasing or folding in the vamps and quarters, but this is typically smoothed out after purchase and prior to shipping.
*Due to having multiple pairs of any given size quantity within a style or style itself, we do not have individual pictures of single pairs to be shown prior to purchase, nor do we have individual, specific information regarding individual pairs. The Grade is what needs to be referred to for information regarding the lot or the pairs listed. If you’re wondering why something was labeled as a second or sample, please read the Grade assigned to the product, as the Grade will tell you why it was labeled as any of the above.
Grading/Classification
With our grading system, the grade assigned, and the description mentioned on the product page are the reasons why the boots were assigned to this category. Performance is not compromised with anything listed within this section.
Grade 1 – Any cosmetic, non-structural flaw in the boot. A detailed note is assigned to the description of each individual pair, or set of pairs which receive this grade.
Grade 2 – Footwear which has been worn, drastically mismatched in color or has sustained some sort of damage during production. A description of this will be provided in the Grade listed.
What Determines the Price?
As of Spring 2026, our pricing model will be as follows. This model includes free shipping within the United States at this time, but a shipping fee may be applied come Summer 2026:
Seconds: $268 - $298 depending on model, upper leather and build.
Samples and Try-On's: $298 -$328 depending on model, upper leather and build.
Upper leathers which cost more (Kudu, veg tan, Temepsti leathers, horsebutt, etc.) and builds which cost more (Stitchdown) will be marked slightly higher due to their higher cost.
*All footwear purchased from within this section is not refundable. Size exchanges from within this section are available if the size needed is in stock. Limit to one exchange per boot ordered, if needed. We can also provide a size or style exchange for other items of a similarly equal price. If you have a question about sizing, please reach out prior to purchase*
How often does this stock appear?
Appearance is at random throughout the year. There is never a set schedule for their availability.
