New Leather Shoes Arrived? A Before-You-Wear Checklist

Brown 922 woven ankle-strap flats on an oak table beside a plain open box and blank paper.
Editorial illustration based on the 922; the box is an unbranded styling prop.

When new leather shoes arrive, pause before taking them outside. A short receiving check helps you confirm that the pair matches your order, document any concern and assess fit under the store's current return conditions.

This checklist uses the 922 Ankle Strap Flat as an example. It is not a substitute for the current policy or an instruction to alter the shoes.

1. Match the Pair to Your Order

Check the model, selected color and size against the order confirmation. Look at both shoes rather than assuming their labels match. Keep the packaging and order details while resolving any question.

If something differs, photograph the relevant label and the complete pair. Contact the store with the order number and a concise description before wearing or treating the shoes.

2. Inspect the Pair Without Pulling on It

Place the shoes together on a clean surface. Look at the woven front, side edges, heel panels, straps, buckles and visible sole junctions. On the 922, the open sides and narrow ankle strap make those areas easy to distinguish.

Brown 922 woven ankle-strap flats on feet, showing rounded toe panels, open sides and closed heels.
Current 922 catalog photograph: identify the main components before comparing the delivered pair.

Do not tug on a loose-looking strip, peel an edge or force a buckle to test strength. If a detail concerns you, take a clear close-up and a wider photograph that shows its location.

Handcrafting does not mean every visible difference should be dismissed as normal. Ask the store to assess the particular detail rather than diagnosing damage or accepting it without clarification.

3. Read the Return Conditions Before a Try-On

Review the current refund policy before removing packaging, applying treatments or wearing the pair outdoors. Check the applicable conditions and contact instructions directly; this article does not promise eligibility for every order.

Choose a clean, dry indoor surface for a permitted try-on. Keep the pair free from outdoor wear while you decide what to do next.

4. Assess Fit Separately From Appearance

Check toe room, heel position and pressure across the upper. Fasten the ankle strap without painful tightness and take a few ordinary steps if appropriate. Notice whether the shoe stays with your foot and whether a particular edge rubs.

Do not use a tighter strap to compensate for an unsuitable overall fit. Do not assume future stretching will solve pain, compressed toes or excessive movement. Our size guide explains why model-specific guidance matters.

5. Send One Useful Message if Needed

Concern Include in your message
Wrong selection Order details and photographs of both labels
Visible construction concern Close-up plus full-shoe photograph
Fit question Model, size, where pressure or movement occurs
Policy question Order number and the action you are considering

Try: “My 922 pair arrived today. I ordered __ in size __. Before wearing it outside, could you advise about the detail shown in these photographs?” Keep the description factual and avoid making changes while awaiting guidance.

Current 922 Details

The listing identifies genuine vegetable-tanned leather and handcrafting in Mexico. Its design includes a crosswoven front, open sides, closed heel and ankle buckle strap. The current selector lists Black and Nuez in US women's whole sizes 5–10; check the selected option for live availability.

For more visual comparison guidance, see how to compare shoe photographs. Browse Everyday Flats only after deciding which shape and fit details matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Wear New Shoes Outside to Decide Whether They Fit?

Read the current return conditions first and assess the pair indoors where permitted.

Should I Trim a Loose Strip Myself?

Do not alter a concerning detail before contacting the store for guidance.

Does Handmade Mean Every Difference Is Acceptable?

No blanket rule answers that. Ask for an assessment of the actual pair and detail.