FAQ'S

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Everything you need to know about your Lignarolo experience.

About Lignarolo

Lignarolo is a men's luxury footwear brand based in United States. We design and produce handcrafted leather shoes in small seasonal batches using full-grain calfskin from a Gold-Rated tannery in Arzignano, Italy, and traditional Blake stitch construction. Every pair is made to order. Every pair is numbered.

Three things: the material, the method, and the model.

Material: We use full-grain calfskin from a Leather Working Group Gold-Rated tannery in Italy. The same grade of leather found in shoes costing three to four times our price.

Method: Every pair is hand-lasted and Blake-stitched. No shortcuts. No mass production.

Model: We sell directly to you. No distributors, no retailers, no boutique markups. The savings go into the leather.

Our shoes are handcrafted in [WORKSHOP LOCATION e.g., Latinamerica / artisan partner workshop]. Each pair passes through the hands of experienced craftspeople before it leaves our workshop.

Not at this time. Our shoes are built on a refined standard last that fits the vast majority of feet well, and the full-grain leather adapts to the shape of your foot over time. If you have specific fitting concerns, contact us before ordering and we will advise you personally.

We believe the most sustainable product is one that never needs to be replaced. Every decision we make, from the LWG Gold-certified leather we source to the Blake stitch construction that allows resoling, is guided by longevity, not trend. We also produce in limited batches twice a year. There is never unsold inventory going to landfill. What we make, we make with intention.

Product

Full-grain calfskin is the highest grade of leather available. Unlike corrected-grain leathers, the natural surface of the hide is left completely intact, preserving its tight fiber structure, breathability, and characteristic pore pattern. It is stronger, more flexible, and more beautiful than processed alternatives. Most importantly, it develops a unique patina over time: the longer you wear it, the more it becomes yours.

All of our leather is sourced exclusively from a tannery in Arzignano, Veneto, the heartland of Italian leather production. The tannery holds a Gold Rating from the Leather Working Group (LWG), the industry's most rigorous environmental certification, covering water use, chemical management, and full traceability of the hide.

Blake stitching is a traditional Italian construction technique that binds the insole, leather upper, and outsole with a single continuous stitch running through the center of the shoe. The result is a cleaner, slimmer profile than Goodyear welted shoes, with a more direct flex that requires minimal break-in. Blake-stitched shoes can be fully resoled, extending their life indefinitely.

Yes. Because our shoes are Blake-stitched, they can be taken to any qualified cobbler for resoling when the outsole wears down. This is one of the key reasons we chose this construction method: a good pair of shoes should last decades, not years.

A last is the wooden mold around which a shoe is built. It determines the silhouette, the fit, and how the leather will move with your foot over time. Our lasts were developed and refined over four years. When a shoemaker 'lasts' a shoe, they stretch and secure the leather around this form by hand, a process that, done correctly, gives the shoe its precise structure before a single stitch is placed. We leave each shoe on the last for a minimum of 72 hours at room temperature, rather than using artificial drying methods. The result is a more stable shape and longer-lasting structure.

The Leather Working Group (LWG) Gold Rating is the highest environmental certification in the leather industry. It is awarded only to tanneries that demonstrate the most rigorous practices in water management, chemical use, energy efficiency, and supply chain traceability. It is not a marketing designation, it is an audit result. Our tannery in Arzignano has held this rating consistently.

We currently produce four silhouettes:

  • Penny Loafer, our signature style. A clean, unadorned loafer on a fitted last.
  • Derby, a classic open-laced oxford for formal and business wear.
  • Loafer, a softer, more casual companion to the Penny.
  • Brogue Boot, a hand-burnished ankle boot for colder months.

Each silhouette is available in a selection of leathers that varies by season.

We offer a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If something is wrong with how the shoe was made, a stitching failure, a sole separation, a hardware defect, we will replace it or issue store credit. Damage from normal wear and tear is not covered. Contact us with your order number and photos of the issue and we will take it from there.

Because our shoes are Blake-stitched and built on a fitted last, the break-in period is minimal compared to stiff Goodyear welted construction. Most customers find the shoes comfortable from the first wear. The leather will soften and begin to conform to your foot within the first two to three wears. If you find them slightly firm at first, wear them at home for a day before taking them outside for extended periods.

Sizing

Order your standard US shoe size. Our lasts are built to fit true to size. If you know your size in dress shoes from brands like Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, or similar, use that size. For a full size reference including UK and EU equivalencies and foot measurements, see our Size Guide at lignarolo.com/pages/size-guide.

Always go up. Our loafers are built on a fitted last, a half-size too large will break in comfortably and adapt to your foot. A half-size too small will not.

All Lignarolo shoes are built on a standard D-width last. If you typically wear an E width (wide), we recommend going up half a size. If you wear a C width (narrow), going down half a size should work well. If you are unsure, contact us before placing your order and we will advise you based on your measurements.

It takes two minutes:

  • Stand barefoot on a flat sheet of paper. Keep your weight evenly distributed.
  • Mark the furthest point of your longest toe and the rearmost point of your heel with a pencil, keeping the pencil vertical.
  • Measure the straight distance between both marks in centimeters.
  • Match your measurement to the Foot Length column in our Size Guide. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger.

Yes. Our full size guide, including US, UK, EU equivalencies, foot length in centimeters, and sole width, is available at lignarolo.com/pages/size-guide.

If you experience foot swelling during the day, we recommend ordering your standard size and using the insole inserts that come with each pair. The inserts can be removed for additional room as needed. We do not recommend sizing up more than half a size, as it will affect the fit at the heel.

Orders, Shipping & Returns

We produce two collections per year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Each run is intentionally limited. When a batch sells out, it is gone, the next season brings a new run with updated leathers. This model allows us to give full attention to every pair and eliminates the overproduction that comes with maintaining inventory. Your order is confirmed and assigned to the current seasonal batch.

Orders ship within [X–X weeks] of placement, depending on where we are in the current production batch. You will receive an email confirmation when your order is placed, and a shipping notification with a tracking number once your pair has left the workshop. If you need an estimated delivery date, contact us with your order number.

Yes, we ship internationally to many locations around the world. Shipping rates and delivery times may vary depending on your country.

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location. [IF FREE SHIPPING IS OFFERED: Orders over [AMOUNT] ship free within [REGION].] We use [CARRIER NAME] for all shipments.

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number. You can use this number on our website under the “Track Your Order” section.

We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unused and in their original packaging. Please contact our customer service for further instructions.

To initiate a return or exchange:

  • Contact us at [EMAIL] with your order number and the reason for the return.
  • We will confirm your eligibility and send you a return shipping label.
  • Pack the shoes in their original box and send them back using the label provided.
  • Once we receive and inspect the pair (up to 3 business days), we will process your exchange, store credit, or refund.

Worn items, items returned outside the 30-day window, and items not in original condition are not eligible for return.

Refunds are issued within one business day of confirming the returned item is unworn. Depending on your card provider, the refund will appear in your account within 4 to 7 business days. PayPal refunds appear immediately. If you do not see the refund within this window, please contact us.

If your order has not yet been processed, we may be able to accommodate changes or cancellations. Please contact us as soon as possible with any modifications.

We accept various forms of payment including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and other digital wallets. Specific options available at checkout may vary based on your location.

Yes, we take the security of your personal information very seriously. Our website uses advanced encryption technologies to protect your data.

Our customer service team is available from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.

Care & Maintenance

Full-grain leather rewards regular, simple care. A well-maintained pair will last decades.

  • After each wear, use a horsehair brush to remove dust and surface dirt.
  • Every two to four weeks, apply a small amount of leather conditioner (we recommend a shea butter or beeswax-based product) using a soft cloth. Work it in with circular motions, then buff to a gentle shine.
  • For a deeper shine, follow conditioning with a polish that matches the leather color.
  • Allow the shoes to dry naturally — never near direct heat.
  • Use cedar shoe trees after every wear. They absorb moisture, reduce creasing, and hold the shape of the last.

For light scuffs, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the area and buff with a soft cloth, most surface marks will fade or disappear. For deeper scuffs, a matching shoe cream applied in thin layers will help restore the color. Do not use excessive water or alcohol-based cleaners on full-grain leather.

Full-grain leather can handle light rain without damage. If your shoes get significantly wet, let them dry naturally at room temperature, not near heat, radiators, or direct sunlight. Insert cedar shoe trees while they dry to retain the shape. Once dry, apply conditioner to restore moisture to the leather.

Store your Lignarolo shoes with cedar shoe trees inserted, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are storing them for an extended period, apply a generous coat of conditioner before storage and keep them in their original box or a breathable shoe bag.

Yes. Because our shoes are Blake-stitched, they can be fully resoled by any qualified cobbler. We recommend taking them to a specialist who works with leather-soled shoes. For repairs covered under warranty (manufacturing defects within one year), contact us first and we will advise on the best course of action.

Contact Us

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Email

Send us an email with your question or request at giorgio@lignarolo.co

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