Russell Moccasin
Transitions in the leadership of companies like Russell are never easy, especially when that company has been operating virtually unchanged for nearly 125 years. I hope that through the articles, interviews, and countless hours spent with customers talking about our plans for the future, that we have helped everyone understand Russell’s future trajectory. Over the last few months we have been taking a long hard look at each part of Russell to help us prepare for that future. What I hope to do today is provide customers some answers to questions you may have been thinking of, but may have not seen answers for.
Where are all the products I know and love?
The new website just launched over Thanksgiving and, for now, it will primarily be for informational purposes. We do have a few select styles in-stock, as well as accessories like boot conditioner and socks. Most of our core boot and shoe styles will be returning in 2023, so don’t be alarmed. Right now our focus is on the custom orders in the pipeline. Read on for more on that.
What will Russell’s product offering look like in 2023?
In the past Russell was producing more than 120 models of boots and shoes, with over 50 leathers and 25 soles for customers to choose from. Over time these options just sort of built up to the point that it became very difficult for customers to figure out what combination they needed for their pursuits. There was very little information available about the different materials and their benefits, and even more confusingly, there were often several materials that looked exactly the same but had wildly different properties. On the production side, you can imagine the problems created by the hundreds upon thousands of combinations of different materials and styles.
Because of this, starting in 2023 we are reducing the number of materials available and honing them to a curated selection for each of the core models we will be keeping in production. Not only will this provide more clarity for customers, it will also increase order accuracy. Below are the three different ways you will be able to order boots:
In-Stock Boots
In-stock footwear will comprise approximately 5 of our most iconic models as well as occasional special runs. These boots and shoes will be made with the leather, sole, and specifications that make them best suited for the primary use of that model. In-stock models can be returned and exchanged, making them a great option if you don’t know your Russell size, or are new to Russell entirely.
Made-To-Order
We think that the ability to choose a different leather or sole to customize the look and function of our footwear is part of what makes Russell so unique. We are continuing that tradition with the Made-To-Order line which will be available in our standard sizing. Most of our models will be available for Made-To-Order so there will be plenty of selection. Customers will be able to choose from a curated selection of leathers and soles, and each will have a detailed description to help you make the best choice possible. This option will give customers a custom boot at a comparable price to our In-Stock models, and a much faster turnaround than the Will Russell Custom Shop. Our target for order to delivery time is three months. Due to the fact that these boots are custom made for you, we cannot accept returns or exchanges.
Made-To-Measure
The Will Russell Custom Shop will be reopening in 2023. All boots in this line will be Made-To-Measure, which will require either an in person visit to our shop, or meeting us for measurements at an event. Even at our custom shop, we cannot accommodate every foot. When we reopen the wait list, the first step will be a consultation. This will help you choose the best model and materials for your desired use. Keeping with previous policy, we do not accept returns on Made-To-Measure footwear as they are made for you and you alone.
Why aren’t you allowing custom orders currently?????
When our team took over operations at Russell in October, there was a 15 month wait time on custom orders, and that lead time was continuing to grow. Rather than continue to take new orders, which would result in continued frustration from customers regarding the long lead time, we made the difficult decision to stop taking new custom orders for the first time in 124 years. No company ever wants to stop taking new orders, but in this situation, it was absolutely necessary. We will be taking the next few months to catch up on these orders so that when we start taking new orders again, the lead time will be 3 to 6 months. While it may frustrate some that the custom shop is not taking new orders currently, it is the right thing to do for all our customers. We anticipate the re-opening of the Custom Shop in May of 2023.
Is it true Made-To-Measure Boots from the Will Russell Custom Shop will be starting at $1,500????
The short answer is yes. As we have been working on tracking our efforts at Russell, one thing has been blatantly apparent: custom measured orders take a really long time to make. To give you a comparison, it takes over 15 hours longer to make a custom measured boot when compared to a standard size of the exact same model and materials. This is due to the build-up process of creating a last to match your foot, as well as the tedious measurements to adjust the patterns to accommodate your foot as well. Made-to-measure boots are great for those who have feet that don’t line up with standard sizes, but for everyone else, the right standard size will mold itself to your foot for a custom fit, without the custom price. That is the beauty of the all-leather moccasin construction!! We are working on a detailed size guide to help you achieve the best fit in our standard sizes as well.
If you look at any other US made custom boot maker, you will notice that they either have stopped making made-to-measure footwear, or have increased pricing even more than we are doing. The cowboy boot industry in Texas is a good example of this. We don’t like it any more than you do, which is why we are working hard on alternatives like our Made-To-Order models.
Where and how can I get my Russells Re-soled?
We just launched our Licensed Re-soling service with our longtime partners Appleton Cobbler Shoppe. This service will help serve to provide our customers with faster re-soling times (2-3 weeks) rather than the 8 weeks it was taking us at the workshop. Our Licensed partners have access to all our soles and materials so you can typically get the same soles we have offered in the past. Dan and John have been working directly with Russell for over a decade and are incredibly talented. I am sure that you will find them a great resource. Visit the Service page of the website for contact information to get the re-soling process started.
If you need a repair, you can contact us at customerservice@russellmoccasin.com
Have a question we have not answered? Email us at luke@russellmoccasin.com
W. C. Russell Moccasin Co.
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Fortunately there is a solution, a great shop at https://cwoodcockandco.com/ carries a lot of the old models.
