FAQ: Masterfully Handcrafted Shoes With The Comfort of a Sneaker
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

What sort of leather do you guys use for the shoes?

Every shoe is exquisitely handcrafted out of full grain and top grain leathers that have been beautifully cured and tanned over a 30-day period. Full grain means the whole and natural grain of each hide is used and still visible after the curing process. Top grain means the natural grains in the hide have been buffed out to create a smooth surface but the integrity and durability of the grain is still maintained.

Last updated: June 01, 2021 21:54

How durable are the outsole? How long will the outsole last before I need to buy a new pair?

Outsole durability definitely varies with each user and how well (or not) they care for their shoes. We’ve been testing the outsoles since 2018 and our focus group participants were instructed to wear them out as much as possible with heavier than normal usage. To date they outsoles have held up great and show regular—but expected—wear and tear. If they get dirty or scuffed, you can clean them using a mild hand or dish soap (i.e. Dawn) in a water solution. Simply mix the solution in a bowl or spray bottle, moisturize a dedicated cloth or rag (not the same one used to for the leather portion of the shoes) and brush it over the soles borders and bottoms. You can also have a separate rag and bottle of water to “rinse” if needed.

Last updated: June 01, 2021 21:56

Can I use mink oil to protect the shoes? If not what do you suggest?

There are several quality care and maintenance products available on the market and most leather enthusiasts tend to have their own personal preference. If you prefer Mink oil that should work just fine but just bear in mind that many mink-oil-based products also contain silicone, which serves as an effective waterproofing agent because it blocks up the pores of the leather—but this action prevents the leather from breathing, which leaves it susceptible to moisture buildup and faster decay.

We generally prefer to use leather creams and lotions containing lanolin—as we have found it be particularly effective at cleaning and conditioning leather products. Nevertheless, as is the case with any leather creamer, oil or moisturizer, we strongly suggest patch testing it first and letting it sit for 24 hours in case it alters the appearance of the leather in your shoes.

Last updated: June 01, 2021 21:56

Will it be possible to insert my own orthotic insole?

Our orthotic insert are completely removable and can easily be swapped for one of your own preference and liking.

Last updated: June 01, 2021 21:56

Will your orthotic insoles and shoe laces be available for purchase separately?

Yes, after selecting your pledge level you’ll be offered the option to addon additional insoles and laces.

Last updated: June 18, 2021 10:00

Who will you use for shipping?

We plan to use Fedex, UPS or DHL with tracking # provided for real time updates. Only exception is Japan will be USPS with tracking.

Last updated: June 18, 2021 15:15

My country is not listed for shipping. What options do you suggest?

If you live in a country we have not listed, please contact us to learn more about alternative shipping options that allow you to ship to your country from a US based mailing address.

Last updated: June 01, 2021 22:00

Can you do mismates?

Yes, just make sure to let us know when you fill out our backer survey that you’ll receive from us after our campaign ends.

Last updated: June 03, 2021 13:42

Where are these shoes made?

They are handcrafted in Medellin, Colombia by 3rd Gen Artisans, and all raw materials sourced from there too.

Last updated: June 20, 2021 08:40

Can John Candor insoles be used with other shoes?

Yes, they can be inserted into any other footwear. The edge won’t line up perfectly, but I think they’ll be close enough. You can always trim them too. I currently have an extra pair of our orthotic inserts that I’ve been using since Feb, 2020 for all of my non-John Candor shoes.

Last updated: June 24, 2021 11:25

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!
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BackerKit FAQ

What is BackerKit?

BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!

The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.

How does BackerKit work?

After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.

I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?

The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.

Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.

To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.

How do I update my shipping address?

BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.

When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?

That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.

I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?

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