Factory Seconds and Samples

What are they?

Factory seconds, samples and one-offs are pairs of boots which have been created as prototypes, for displays/pictures, or with minor cosmetic flaws from production. Seconds characteristics typically put them just underneath the benchmark for our first quality production. Not all factory samples make it to production. In fact, most don't and are often rolled up into our one-off inventory. We will also post boots which have been tried on a few times in the local shoe repair shop or were exchanged a few times to get the right size for a customer.

*Due to having multiple pairs of any given size quantity or style, we do not offer individual pictures of pairs prior to purchase. To know what to expect, please reference the Grade assigned to the pair. Thank you. 

Where do factory seconds come from?

With so many manual steps involved (typically around 200+ steps) in creating a single pair of boots during production, sometimes imperfections outside of normal tolerance. The difference is that second quality pairs tend to have more of these imperfections, or larger instances of them. For every 100 pairs of boots that are produced, we get about 5-10 pairs, sometimes 10-15 pairs of these which come out with minor flaws due to the nature of handcrafting a boot. Naturally we aim to reduce this, but the reality of handcrafting a pair of boots is that they will happen.

During the build process, sometimes any of the following examples of events can occur:

1. The sole stitching machine rips the shoe out from underneath and the thread appears crooked or dents the upper leather or welt. The same concept applies for upper stitching.

2. The sewing machine jams in the beginning, middle or end of sewing a quarter while the needle has already poked through and produces a stitch line slightly outside of the pattern. For a second quality boot, we would have this happen in multiple areas.

3. Deviation of leather scarring, texture or shade, excessive scuffs, scrapes, or scratches, is more plentiful on one boot than another or on the pair as a whole as compared to first quality. This is not to say that leather with more texture than another pair is defective, but these are marked as seconds due to them not coming out exactly as we would sell a first quality pair.

Grading/Classification:

With our grading system, the grade assigned and the description mentioned in the product description on the product page are the primary reason(s) why the boots were marked as factory seconds. Performance and quality are not compromised with factory seconds as they are aesthetic instances of manufacturing. Some common grades in the past have been noted below:

Grade 1: 

• Stitching irregularities – multiple areas of small dips or crooked lines in sewing.
• For Richmond models, some toecaps may be slightly crooked from boot to boot. For example, the left boot toecap might be straight while the right boot toecap may be slightly skewed.
• Multiple scuffs, scrapes, or surface scratches in the leather as a result of either the manufacturing process or from the natural variations in the leather hide. While these aren’t present on many pairs, they can be on a few. Note: first quality pairs may have minor scratches or imperfections either from transit time or from the leather itself.

• Edging and Bottoming – Different grit sandpaper being used to finish the boots as well as different veg-tanned leather welts, veg-tanned leather midsoles etc. Sanding irregularities may also be rolled up into this category. 

Grade 2:

• Footwear was worn for photos or around the factory or warehouse for grading/fit testing. Other instances include damage sustained during production such as multiple surface gashes or multiple instances of heavily crooked stitching, heavy scarring or imperfections. Specific descriptions of this grading will be provided on the product page for each pair and typically Grade 2's are lower in price.

What Determines the Price?

Inventory of seconds and samples is constantly fluctuating with production and sampling finishing up nearly every month. Due to this, there will be many different instances and degrees of seconds and samples. The pricing on these will fluctuate and it is very well possible that the price on the same model from either a few weeks or a month ago, may be different than the current list price you may see on the same style currently due to different pairs moving through inventory. Pricing depends largely on materials used, mainly soles and upper leather. These are the two major cost-driving components of a boot or shoe's typical end price. For example, kudu, moose, Dublin, Chromexcel and horse leathers are more costly and difficult to obtain. Therefore, they carry a higher end price regardless of being a factory second, sample or first quality.

Pricing may fluctuate from time to time depending on the grading or condition of each pair when they become available. Pricing for each style but different sizes may also change at any time depending on the inventory and condition. For example, a 1 centimeter leather gash won't carry the same price as a 2 inch leather gash. A sample will typically carry a higher price than a second because samples are typically produced at first quality.

**Factory seconds and samples/one-offs are final sale - no refunds. Size exchanges only if the size desired is available in the item you purchased. If you have a question about sizing, please reach out prior to purchase**

How often does this stock appear?

There is no schedule or time frame as to how often or when factory samples or seconds may appear. Their occurrence is typically presented at any point by chance during the manufacturing process or while taking inventory and doing quality control.

So why consider a factory second?

Maybe you live in Buffalo and the snow, slush rain and salt are part of your commute for 8 months out of the year. Maybe you're looking to go to the grocery store quick and want to put on something that will get you from the parking lot to the deli counter in style. Perhaps you don't want to wear a $500+ boot to go fill up your car at the gas station out of fear gas may drip onto your leather boots and stain. Or just maybe you're looking for a general pair of boots to beat around which you don't have to worry about taking care of too much. From groceries to the gas pump, seconds and samples can make for a great addition as a worry-free option to your everyday rotation.