Frequently Asked Questions

Boot Tongue Sliding to Side?

No Elastic Boot Laces?

Elastic laces are awesome, but if you want to have the "slip on" function, it will only work with fewer eyelets. Elastic laces work really well with styles like chukkas, which only...

Why is DETERMINATION Not a Farm Boot?

You might have noticed in various reviews that people are using the Determination in soft ground with no issues. The reason why we don't promote them as field-friendly is because we...

Nubuck Care?

Nubuck is a very low maintenance leather. In general, smooth grain leather uses different products from hairy nappy leather (e.g. nubuck, suede, roughout). Nubuck is smooth grain leather that is...

Removing / Replacing Insole?

Do you want to remove and replace our insoles with your own? I'll give you the best of my knowledge here. However, please proceed with caution, as this modification voids...

How to Use Shoe Trees?

Here are 4 tips on how to use shoe trees, with more explanation below. The left shoe tree goes in the left shoe, and the right shoe tree goes in the right shoe....

Glue for Outsole Repair?

We recommend Aquaseal+SR (Shoe Repair) by Gear Aid brand. It is easier to work with, doesn't have a strong chemical smell, and has the strongest bond. We do NOT recommend...

Which Style?

Falcon Wingtip is the best for showing off a little. The intricate detailing also makes it more aesthetically resilient. Fer Cap-Toe is the best-seller. Some prefer it over the Zetone...

Leather Care?

Do Not Condition Brand-New Shoes It's unnecessary and can actually damage the finish. More details here: Do Not Condition Brand New Shoes - The Shoe Snob   Hybrid Approach: Professional +...

Topline Hitting Ankles?

Sorry to hear about the topline bothering your ankles! We know that the topline will break-in to a softness that is comfortable for you. However, we don’t want you to...

No Complimentary Shoe Trees?

Carets no longer includes complimentary shoe trees. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. We sell shoe trees on our site. You can also purchase them elsewhere, as most...

Wearing Without Socks?

Are these "barefoot" dress shoes meant to be worn without socks? No! When we say "barefoot", it has nothing to do with wearing socks, or not. "Barefoot" refers to the essential features...

Color Rubbing Off Leather?

Why is the color rubbing off the leather of my shoes? Sorry if this took you by surprise! When we first got news about this, we were surprised too. But after getting our...

Pre-Conditioning Leather?

Our finishing department applies a light coat of cream to your shoes, so you do not need to condition your shoes before first wear. You can apply cream or polish for additional shine...

Matching Shoe Color with Your Pants, Suit, and ...

Here’s a great infographic that shows you which color shoes generally match with which color clothing.  For more detail, here is the full article. Now, think about what you'd like...

Waterproofing?

Do Carets need waterproofing? Can Carets be waterproofed? Most of our customers don't waterproof their Carets. The cement construction of Carets is much more water-resistant than the strobel construction of...

Tongue Pad (or Heel Grip) Removal?

Thanks for reaching out! I'd be happy to send you another pair of tongue pads. You don't need to put in another request, they're already packed and labeled for pickup. ...

How to Tie Our Laces? The "Berluti" Double Knot

The Best Way to Tie Our Elastic Laces We recommend using the Berluti knot for all your laced shoes. It's a neat knot that stays tied. This is especially useful for your...

Arch Support?

Why don't we have Arch Support? Can it be inserted? Here is a great article from our friends at Natural Footgear, "What is Natural Arch Support?" We agree with their...

Slippery on Carpet?

I would take it to your local shoe repair (Yelp is a great place to search) and get their expert opinion. Whatever they suggest, have it done, and we’ll reimburse...

Shoe Stretching?

From the few times customers have told me they were going to stretch our shoes, it has never worked. But, you’re welcome to give it a try. Stretching your shoes...

Squeaking Shoes?

Are your shoes making squeaky noises? Squeaking noises in shoes are normally caused by smooth surfaces rubbing against each other, whether that's the leather, the outsole, or the floor you're...

Why Use Shoe Trees?

Shoe trees cost money. Shoe trees add to shipping weight. And taking shoe trees in and out of your shoes between wears adds an extra step to your busy day....

Outsole Separating from Upper?

Sorry about that! I understand it must be frustrating to have this happen to your shoes. Fortunately, it can be fixed. If you have steady hands and a love for detailed...

Shoe Trees Jammed?

Are your shoe trees unable to contract because the spring mechanism is jammed? If your shoe trees stuck, unable to contract because the spring mechanism is jammed, we can fix...

Flex Point Pain?

Is there a pinching when you walk, from the leather flexing down onto the top of your feet? First, my apologies for this issue. I know it can be quite...

How to Lace Our Shoes? The "Double Helix" Spira...

Carets shoes are laced with the patented Double Helix method, with permission from the inventor Monte Fisher. Notice that the laces don't overlap. This reduces friction, making it easier to...