Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy your shoes?
A: Our shoes are available for purchase online at comunitymade.com and in our showroom at 584 Mateo Street in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.
Q: Where are your shoes made?
A: Our shoes are made in downtown Los Angeles by highly skilled craftsmen who have perfected the art of shoemaking. Producing footwear in Los Angeles is not an easy task, but being an integral part of the community and attracting innovative, socially-conscious individuals back to the heart of the city is an important component of our mission.
Q: What type of materials are you using, and where are you sourcing them from?
A: We are personally involved in the selection of all materials in COMUNITYmade shoes. We are driven by quality and source only the best materials. We are also driven by our consciences, so we are careful to select materials from known sources. Many of our materials come from overseas – not because it’s less expensive, but because the best shoemaking materials are very hard to come by in the US. For example, the best leathers come from Italy and the best high-elastic EVA cushioning material comes from China. We are eager to create sources for these in the USA, and when we do, you will hear about it because we’ll be too proud and excited to keep it to ourselves.
Q: Why are your shoes more expensive than similar models made overseas?
A: Building high-quality products that are made to last is our #1 priority at COMUNITYmade, and building them locally is the right thing to do. It is no secret that labor costs overseas are significantly cheaper, but that does not help rebuild our local community of shoemakers who deserve fair and sustainable wages for their craft. The truth is that it DOES cost more to produce anything in the US, but our philosophy is that if you purchase a quality product that is made to last, you are also contributing less to the landfill and supporting our local economy. Besides, you will have a cherished pair of shoes that can be your go-to shoes for any occasion.
Q: All your footwear styles are unisex – is the fit different for men and women?
A: Our commitment to the highest quality extends well beyond our material and construction methods. We have created separate lasts (the mold that determines the fit of a shoe) for men and women because we know that fit and comfort are paramount when it comes to selecting a pair of shoes. We have combined our collective years of footwear industry experience to create our own custom last that we know you will love.
Q: How do your shoes fit – are they true to size?
A: We poured all of our experience into the fit of our COMUNITYmade shoes and have done some initial fit testing off of our first production already. Our shoes have more of an "everyday" fit, compared to athletic shoes. Athletic shoes tend to fit smaller than dress shoes and one shoe brand fits differently than another. Therefore, we have created a COMUNITYmade size chart to help you Find Your Perfect Size and have supplied sizing tips on each product page. This should give you some guidance on making your purchase, but if – for whatever reason – your shoes don’t fit to your expectations, we’ll exchange them for FREE to get you the correct size.
Q: Where do you ship to?
A: Currently, we ship to most countries globally, with the exception of Brazil and Mexico. We are working hard to find reliable carriers in these countries to make sure that your products are delivered to you quickly and efficiently.
Q: What is your return/exchange policy?
A: We stand behind our products 100% and want you feel the same way. We mean it when we say we want you to choose well and make them last. We offer FREE exchanges and returns for items within 30 days of your original purchase. You can find our more about our detailed exchange and return policy here.
Q: What if I don't have a credit card?
A: We offer Paypal as a payment option, but you can also purchase a pre-paid debit card with cash at a brick-and-mortar retailer.
Q: Do you offer installment plans?
A: Yes, we do offer installment plans, which allow you to buy now and pay later. With Zip (formerly known as Quadpay), you can pay for your COMUNITYmade goods in four equal, interest-free payments ($50 minimum purchase). You can opt for this payment method during checkout.
Q: How do you select the groups you are working with for your donation platforms?
A: We believe in creating a sustainable and long-term giving platform that enables members of the community to take control of their lives while gaining much-needed self-worth and empowerment. All of the groups we have selected provide a “hand up," rather than a “handout,” to those in need in the community. We also chose groups who offer opportunities for people to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Q: Did you know you are missing an “M” in COMUNITYmade?
A: Good eye! That was intentional just so we could have this conversation. COMUNITYmade is all about communicating unity (COM+UNITY) and the fact that we are made locally. And that is why we just didn't feel the need for the extra M. Don’t worry, though – that M has gone on to do great things in other words!
Q: How did you come up with your brand icon?
A: Finding a simple, elegant and yet meaningful brand mark is not an easy task. However, once you find the one you love, you want to share the story behind it. Our office headquarters is located on Mateo Street at the intersection where the iconic 6th Street bridge is being rebuilt. We find deep meaning in the symbolism of what bridges represent and how they connect people and communities. The simplicity of a bridge contained within a circle is how we see our brand evolving by creating the opportunities to bring people together.