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 to them which are mostly buffed out prior to shipping to the customer.
Prototypes and One-off’s – Generally first quality pairs produced with different or new patterns, lasts, components, etc. These pairs may get handled on the factory floor or in the sampling room. Therefore, they could have some minor scuffs to them which are mostly buffed out prior to shipping to the customer.
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 or style, we do not offer individual pictures of pairs prior to purchase. If you’re wondering why something was labeled as a second or sample, please read the Grade assigned to it 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?
Samples, One-off’s and Try-On’s are generally first quality and will be priced higher than a second, but lower than regular stock production. This discount is typically around 10% or 15%-20% off of regular stock pricing for that particular model and depending on the condition. Try-On's will be around 10% since they have only been tried on a few times and taken a few steps in.
Seconds have minor cosmetic flaws from production and are typically discounted 20%-25% off of regular stock pricing for that particular model and depending on condition.
*All footwear purchased in this section is final sale - no refunds. Size exchanges within this section are available if the size needed is in stock for the item you purchased. 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.
