FAQ
Our Story:
When was Jay Butler founded?
Jay Butler was founded in 2014. In 2013, we couldn’t find a pair of loafers that were well made, well styled, and well priced. So we decided to make them ourselves. It took about a year to refine the vision and bring it to life, with the brand launching in 2014.
Who is Jay Butler?
Justin Jeffers, our founder, named the company after his grandfather, Jay Desgrange, and his great-grandfather, Frank Butler. Jay was a mechanic, fire chief, and soldier durimg WWII; Butler was a sheriff who hunted moonshiners and an exceptional baseball player. Both men loved their families and communities, and inspired Justin to make a product that put customers and quality first.
Who is Justin Jeffers?
Justin Jeffers is a Philadelphia-area native who’s loved shoes for nearly 20 years. In ninth grade, he fell in love with a pair of Converse Allstars. In college, he discovered the joys of Sperry Topsiders. Studying abroad in London, he hunted special edition Adidas. Corporate job in NYC? Italian Bit Loafers. He started Fine Young Gentleman, a blog focused on finding quality menswear on a budget, in 2011—then revisited London and hung around the tailors and cordwainers of Savile Row and Jermyn Street (where he eventually snagged a pair of New & Lingwood Butterfly Loafers). Justin founded Jay Butler in 2014 in Philadelphia. Today, he’s based in San Francisco, but the company’s mission remains the same today as it was then: using his passion for shoes to create the perfect loafer at the perfect price.
Sizing:
What size should I buy?
We use US sizes. Our loafers fit the same as most other US-sized dress shoes, as opposed to sneakers and athletic shoes, which tend to run a half size larger. (If you wear a size 10.5 sneaker, you are most likely a size 10.0 Jay Butler loafer.) Our shoes are sized as a D width, and those with wider feet (E or EE) should consider going up half a size. To convert from UK sizing to US sizing, we recommend going up one full size: a UK size 9 is roughly equivalent to a US size 10. For more specifics on sizing, refer to our Men's Shoe Size Guide (click for link).
Will Jay Butler shoes stretch?
The shoes will stretch slightly in width, but not in length.
How do they fit?
Our shoes are designed to have a snug fit around the toes and ball of your foot, which helps the shoes stay comfortably in place.
Can I see Jay Butler products in person before purchase?
We are based in Philadelphia. Though we do not currently have a brick and mortar location, we offer free shipping on domestic orders over $125, with free returns and exchanges so you can order a pair and try them on with no risk. Please keep in mind that we can only accept shoes without damage or markings for return or exchange. We encourage customers to try shoes on on a carpet to avoid marking the soles.
The color or size of an item I would like to buy is sold out. What should I do?
Let us know if you are interested in an item that’s out of stock by emailing us at Help@JayButler.com or send us a note though our chat function at the bottom right hand corner of our store. We’ll provide you a timeline of when we expect to re-stock as well as continue to provide updates as appropriate.
Shipping, Returns & Exchanges:
If you would like to initiate a return or exchange, please use our returns & exchanges management system (click for link).
What are my shipping options?
All orders placed after 12p ET will be shipped the following business day. Orders placed before 12p ET on normal business days usually ship the same day.
For domestic shipping, we offer free USPS ground shipping for orders over $125. For orders less than $125, shipping costs an additional $10.
For domestic shipments, we offer overnight shipping for an additional $35 per pair of shoes. To request and pay for overnight shipping, use our Overnight Shipping option (click for link) and we will automatically convert your shipping to overnight.
We offer international shipping via USPS (unless otherwise required due to local circumstances) at an additional cost of $50 for one pair of shoes or item ($30 for Canada), $75 for two pairs of shoes or items ($50 for Canada), and $90 for three pairs of shoes or items ($75 for Canada). Some countries may charge customs duties, importation fees or other surcharges on our products, which are the responsibility of the customer. Unfortunately, these fees are outside of our control.
What is the returns policy and process?
Is the fit, color, style, or leather not right for you? We accept returns within 30 days of purchase for items that don’t meet your satisfaction or that have suffered a manufacturer or shipping defect. Items must be returned in their original packaging in an unused and unworn condition - they must be free of markings (including those on soles) so that they can be placed back into inventory. Unfortunately, we do not accept returns for items in a used condition. We encourage customers to try shoes on on a carpet to avoid marking the soles. Shoes must be returned with their shoe box and shipping box. We do not accept returns on shoes shipped in their shoe box. Please place the shoes and shoe box in a proper shipping box for the return.
To initiate a return, please use our returns management system (click for link). If you believe your shoes are defective, please email Help@JayButler.com with your name, order number, and a photograph of the issue.
What is the exchange policy and process?
We accept exchanges within 30 days of purchase for items that don’t meet your satisfaction or that have suffered a manufacturer or shipping defect. Exchanges are good for an item of equal or lesser value; if the exchange is for an item of lesser value, we will refund the difference in price.
Please utilize our exchange management system (click for link) if you would like to initiate an exchange. If you believe your items are defective, please send an email to Help@JayButler.com with your name, order number, and a photograph of the issue. If your initial shipping was free, your exchange will be free as well. Once the original items have been received and inspected, your exchanged item(s) will be sent to you. Jay Butler is not responsible for covering the cost of exchange shipping for international orders.
Shipping and exchange processing may take 2-5 business days.
Do I have to pay for shipping on my return or exchange?
That depends on your initial order. If shipping on your order was free, the shipping on your return will also be free; if you paid for international or overnight shipping, you are responsible for the return shipping cost. For exchanges, we cover shipping the new item to you.
Once your return/exchange is approved, we will send a return shipping label. After we’ve inspected your returned item, we’ll issue your refund by your original means of payment or send out your exchange items.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
We ship via USPS Ground out of the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. If you live in New York or Philadelphia you will usually receive your order in 1-2 business days. If you live outside of those regions, expect your order in 2-5 business days. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping may be delayed by 1-2 business days; we apologize for any inconvenience. Please refer to our Shipping Timeline map (click for link) for further information.
All orders placed after 12p ET will be shipped the following business day. Orders placed before 12p ET on normal business days usually ship the same day.
Are gift cards eligible for return?
Gift cards are not eligible for return.
Craftsmanship & Materials:
Where are Jay Butler products made?
Our loafers and leather goods are made in Leon, Mexico. Our fabric items are milled in England and Germany.
Who makes Jay Butler shoes and leather goods?
All our loafers and leather goods are made largely by hand in the legendary shoemaking town of Leon, Mexico, by local cordwainers. Many of these artisans have been working with shoes and leather for decades, and represent the second or third generation of their family in the craft. We value an ethical and safe work environment, and we work with facilities that never use child labor.
How are Jay Butler shoes made?
Our cordwainers hand sew our loafers using traditional moccasin-style construction techniques and Blake and Lock stitching to create a consistently durable, comfortable, and beautiful shoe. To watch a pair of Jay Butler shoes being made, check out this video (click for link or view below) shot on a GoPro in our Leon, Mexico facility.
What leather does Jay Butler use for its shoes and leather goods?
We make our shoes using full-grain and suede cow leathers for uppers and full leather soles with leather and composite heels. Our leather goods are made using a variety of materials selected and cut by hand, including full-grain cow leather, American Alligator hide, ostrich from South Africa, pigskin, and goat leather.
Does Jay Butler offer custom products?
We do not currently offer custom services for our loafers. However, we do offer color customization options for the leather, trim, and lining of our existing leather goods. To inquire about custom leather color options, please email us at Help@JayButler.com. Expect any leather color customization to take at least 2-3 months between time of order and fulfillment.
We also offer custom logo and seal embossing on orders of 8 items or more. Embossed items cost an additional $150 for the casting of the custom stamp, plus an extra $5 per stamped item. To inquire about custom embossing, please email us at Help@JayButler.com.
Are quantity discounts available?
Yes. We offer quantity discounts for orders of over 25 pieces for the same product, leather color, and/or embossing. We also offer discounts for Grooms and Groomsmen. For inquiries about quantity discounts, please email us at Help@JayButler.com.
More Information:
Where can I find your products in stores?
We are an online only direct to consumer brand. At this point in time we do not sell our products in any physical stores or through other online retailers. If you have a favorite store that you would like to see our products in, feel free to send us a note at Help@JayButler.com. In addition, we do offer free returns & exchanges on all domestic orders over $125, which allows customers to try on our shoes at a minimal investment or time and money.
How can I get the latest news and updates on Jay Butler?
Subscribe to our email newsletter for updates on new products, sales, and style-related blog posts. To subscribe, please submit your email address in the bottom right hand side of any page of our site, including this one.
Where is Jay Butler based?
We are headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Does Jay Butler sell gift cards?
Yes, we do—and they make great gifts for the stylish guy in your life. For more information, visit our gift card page (click for link).
Can I combine multiple discount codes?
No, it is not permitted to combine multiple discount codes on the same item.
I am interested in working for Jay Butler. What should I do?
We’re happy to accept resumes for both employees and interns. Please send us an email at Help@JayButler.com with a cover letter and your resume attached. If you are applying for an internship/co-op and would like school credit, please also include contact information for the best point of contact at your school. Please keep in mind that Jay Butler is based in San Francisco.
I would like to follow Jay Butler on social media, where can I find the brand?
On Instagram at @JayButlerShoes (click for link).
On Facebook at Jay Butler Shoes (click for link).
On Twitter @JayButlerShoes (click for link).
I need to get in touch. What’s the best way to contact someone?
We’d love to hear from you, please reach out to us at your convenience through the following mediums:
Send us a message via our chat app at the bottom right hand corner of our site.
Email us at Help@JayButler.com.
Find us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Please see our Contact page (click for link) for more information.