As an independent brand since 1981, we have the benefit of being able to select our own path and our own way of doing things. We look on at a consumer society that worships the trend of the now that bring on mass production and ends with even the luxury design houses burning surplus stock.
We choose to have no part in that system, it is just not for us. With a core collection that can be traced back nearly 40 years we avoid the wasteful resource of creating new full collections every 6 months, or even every 3 months. Our production is managed in sensible batch quantities in family-owned factories with high working standards and practices.
As part of our continuing drive toward sensible and sustainable production we have turned the dial up on our custom-made service.
With our extensive back catalogue of styles, and a never-ending demand for our original styles we opened the doors of our design room to make the vast catalogue available to our customers.
Our Custom-Made section allows our customers to select any one of the original designs, in a wide range of colour ways, materials and combinations, and have that style manufactured as a single Special Order. In true Underground style we will not be bound by rules or seasonal restraints. We design our products for all our customers, helping those that want to go a second time around and buy a pair of favourites or those that missed the opportunity first time around.
We continually add to the catalogue as we research the records and re-load the styles which represent the diversity that is Underground.
Above all, in an era when sustainability is the watchword, we see the custom-made service as the perfect way to help reduce the overload of mass production and waste. As a brand we are dedicated to individuality and reject the concept of mass over production and the custom-made service is another way for us to demonstrate our adherence to those objectives.
One of the most popular options from Underground, this service is personal to the customer and part of our policy to maintain individuality and authenticity around the brand.
Customers can select from the range that we have made available, but it does not stop there. Most of the styles that we produce from our Originals collection – the Creepers, Steel Caps and Winklepickers can also be Custom Made in other combinations that in some cases have never been made before.
Creepers – all the colours and materials can be inter-changed between single, double and triple soles – if you don’t see your option, we can still produce that for you. Material combinations can be inter-changed between the different styles – for example if you see a combination on the Wulfrun and would like that as a King Tuts, then yes, we can do that. Similarly, we can interchange styles and soles on the Steel Cap collection and on most of the Winklepicker collection.
How to Order – look through the style section on our store and select from one of the options. If you can’t see the style that you want, then just contact our Personal Shopping Advisor and we can help you create the style that you want – customerservice@underground-england.com
Select the sole height that you would like. You can choose single, double, or triple sole heights on all the Original Creeper and Original Steel Cap Styles.
For the winklepicker styles we offer just the original sole depth. For the single and double sole round toe creepers you can choose between a black or white sole. You can also choose between the black and white sole on the single and double sole steel caps.
We have a huge selection of leathers, fabrics, and vegan friendly options to choose from. You can see most of the leathers and fabrics on the store but if you want to explore the full materials collection then we can provide you with special access to our “materials library “. Ask the personal sales advisor if you would like to view the library.
A cutting of the leather or material can be sent to you if you would like to check the quality and colour.
Most materials can be used on most styles but there are some restrictions according to the construction limitations and some design limitations that we impose.
Non leather options are available on request.
For some styles you can choose combinations of materials with one material for the body of the creeper for example and another material or colour for the apron of the creeper. Some examples of the combinations are show below.
For those shoes and boots with buckles and metal trims there are options to change from a silver finish to gold or gunmetal finish.
You can see some examples below of different options
There are some other options available.
It is possible to change the piping and interlace on creepers from black to white or red and some other colours on request.
We can source special materials if you have a specific request. For example, if you have a request for a specific Tartan design, we might be able to acquire that for you or a special shade of suede or leather can sometimes be sourced.
Please use our size chart to select the size that you need. Other than 5.5 we do not offer half sizes and we are unable to offer options on width fittings.
Many options are available in the custom-made section of the online store. The delivery time for our custom-made orders is between 8 and 12 weeks.
Due to the nature of the custom-made production, we cannot refund custom made orders. However, if you need to exchange the size, we will be able to arrange that for you.
If the shoe or boot with the combination of colours and materials is not shown, then our Personal Shopping Assistant is available to help you create the style.
We have hundreds of options within our custom-made archive but If the shoe or boot with the combination of colours and materials is not shown then our Personal Shopping Assistant is available to help you create the style.
You will need to email the customer service team on customerservice@underground-england.com with the details of the styles that you would like to create. After a phone or email consultation we will produce an image of the design for you to approve and then make the shoe available for you to order.
Knowing that many customers use our custom-made service for special occasions we are here to help create the special shoe for you. Please contact us if you have any questions.
It’s rewarding to see our customers with their special custom-made orders. Please share your images with us.
Here are a few testimonies and images from our customers.
1, How long does it take to produce my order?
To give us enough time to procure the materials and plan the order into our special production line we will need between 8 to 12 weeks to produce the order. On occasion that time can be extended, so do let us know if you have a special date or deadline.
2, When do I pay for my order?
As we are making up a special style in a specific size, we will require payment at the time you place the order online.
3, Can I cancel or exchange my order?
As the order I especially made for you we are not able to cancel or refund your order. We will try our best to exchange the order for another style or size when you receive your order.
4, What happens if I need to change to another size when I receive my order?
If you need to change the size of your shoe when you receive the delivery, we can arrange that for you.
5, How does my custom-made order help with sustainable production?
By ordering a custom-made shoe you are helping to reduce the waste associated with over production. The shoe or boot is made specifically for you in the size that you ordered meaning that there is no overstocking of footwear that sits on the shelf.
6, Where are the shoes made?
All custom-made orders are produced in family-owned factories in Portugal and The UK with most upper materials and components produced in the local economy.
7, Can I use a leather or upper material that is not shown on the website?
We offer an extensive range of materials that you can select on your custom-made order. If you have a specific request for a colour or material that Is not shown as an option, then contact our customer service team with the details of your request and we will let you know if that option can be made available.
8, Are all the designs shown on website?
Not all the styles from our archive are shown in the custom-made section. If there is a specific style that you would like to have remade as a custom-made order, we will check to see if that is an option and available to be custom-made.
9, Can I have an existing shoe on a different sole height?
Yes you can. Please note that the white sole is only available on a single and double unit. All boots with external caps can only be produced on a single sole and interchangeable sole heights are not available in our Winklepicker collection.
Shop the Underground selection of Custom Made Styles – here.
