FAQ: Shipping
GENERAL
+ Who is Giesswein?
+ What makes Giesswein different?
We treat our wool fabrics differently than other companies, focusing specifically on our treatment of wool and sustainable wool use. This creates unique fabrics made of 100% wool. These products absorb and can carry away more moisture - and can keep you warmer - than other wool. In the footwear industry, 20% of cut material is pure waste and is lost forever. We've found a new way to process our wool while producing 0% waste.
+ Sustainability at Giesswein
When it comes to our products, we pay special attention to using renewable, sustainable materials and production practices. That’s why we put a lot of value on—and effort into—choosing our base materials. It’s also why we only use high-quality, mulesing-free wool which meets our high standards for animal protection and quality. We’re particularly proud of these achievements in our sustainable production processes:
- 0% oil — since 2017, we no longer use oil to operate our machinery. Instead, we now use…
- 100% renewable resources for the operation of our machinery.
- 0% scrap waste – all of the wool scraps that accumulate during our production processes are recycled and used in new products.
-Up to 90% of our water is recycled during the production process – during our milling processes, we do not use any chemicals. This allows up to 90% of the process’s water to be reused.
Read even more about our Giesswein Green Strategy.
PRODUCTS
+ Do Giesswein products have arch support?
+ I am not sure which size I need. Where can I get more information?
+ Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s models (Merino Runners, Merino Wool Knit, Wool Cross X)?
+ Are Giesswein shoes suitable for wide feet?
+ Are Giesswein products waterproof?
Our products are water resistent; wool is highly water resistant by nature.
Thanks to the natural fat found in Merino wool called Lanolin, our Merino Runners, Merino Wool Knit, Wool Cross X and Merino Wool Boots are water repellent. Wool’s natural properties create what is know as the “lotus effect,” meaning that water collects in droplets on the products’ surface and then slides off.
+ Do I need to treat my shoes with a waterproofing product?
+ What will happen if my Merino Runners get wet?
+ Where can I get replacements for the insoles?
+ Do you offer half sizes?
+ Aren't wool shoes warm for your feet (especially in the summer?)
+ Can I wear my Merino shoes without socks?
Yes. Thanks to the natural base properties of Merino wool, our shoes are breathable, temperature-regulating, moisture-regulating and antibacterial. You can wear our Merino shoes barefoot, and your feet will neither sweat nor produce any unpleasant odors.
When you first purchase your Merino shoes, we recommend that you wear them with socks for three days. This will help you avoid potential blisters while allowing the shoe to mold to your foot.
+ Where are Giesswein products made?
Our unique materials and products are developed and designed in Brixlegg, which lies in Austria’s Alpine region called Tyrol. It’s here at our production site that our wool is knitted, boiled and softened until reaching its final stage: fine, high-quality Giesswein materials.
Our Merino Shoes are MADE IN AUSTRIA, and are assembled in Vietnam or China. Our unique Giesswein “3D Stretch Merino Wool” fabric, which is used in our Merino Shoes, is made in our textile production facility in Brixlegg, Tyrol, Austria. The shoes’ value and “soul” thus lies in Austria. The individual pieces—such as the sole, accessories and pieces of fabric—are then put together in Vietnam or China. The reason for this is because there are no European shoe manufacturers that have high enough production capabilities to meet the demand for our shoes. Our executive directors visit these factories in Vietnam and China two times per year, in person. The factories meet all Western standards; their work conditions are exemplary; and, the worksites are regularly reviewed.
+ Where does Giesswein's Merino wool come from?
Merino wool is a natural product, which means that it’s also a scarce good. The production of Merino wool, as well as its production process, requires a lot of time and know-how. To produce Merino wool with the highest standards results in the highest quality—and, it also results in a higher price. The wool farmers in Uruguay from whom we source our wool adhere to mulesing-free practices. For us at Giesswein, it’s also crucial that the sheep that produce are wool are treated with the highest of animal protection standards; that’s why we make sure that our contracts with our sources guarantee that our wool is mulesing-free. That’s how we’re able to ensure that we exclusively source wool yarn which does not put animals in harm’s way.
You can read more about the mulesing process and mulesing-free wool here.
+ Can I use my own insole with Giesswein products?
+ Are Giesswein products vegan?
+ What is the EVA-sole on my Merino shoes?
+ What is the difference between the Merino Runners and Merino Wool Knit?
ORDERS
+ What should I do if I haven't received a confirmation email after my purchase?
+ Where is my order / can I track the delivery?
+ My tracking number doesn’t work. What can I do?
+ How can I cancel my order?
+ I'd like to buy a Giesswein product as a gift. Can I buy a gift card?
+ Which currencies do you accept?
+ Which payment methods do you accept?
PayPal payment
When you choose to pay with PayPal, you’ll be directed to the PayPal website at the end of your ordering process. When this happens, just log into your PayPal account and confirm the payment. Afterwards, you’ll get an order confirmation both on our website and via email.
Credit cards
We accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
If you’re paying with Visa or MasterCard, you might be given a “confirmation form” to fill out from your credit card company—e.g. Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode. In this case, please complete the info and authorize the payment. You must confirm the payment in order to be taken to our “order confirmation page,” and for your order to be processed.
+ Are payment and shopping on your site safe and secure?
+ I'm having trouble completing my payment. What can I do?
+ I have a discount code. Where do I enter it?
+ Do you accept pre-orders?
+ Why can't I add any products to my shopping cart?
+ The product I would like to buy is not available anymore. What can I do?
+ How can I delete products from my online cart?
+ I made a mistake during the ordering process. What can I do?
+ I submitted a question to your support team with the contact form, but I still haven’t gotten a response.
+ Which internet browser should I use?
SHIPPING
+ Do you offer free delivery?
+ When can I expect to receive my delivery?
+ What are your shipping options?
+ Do you offer express or next day delivery?
+ Which countries do you ship to?
+ Will I have to pay taxes/import fees upon receiving my Giesswein product?
RETURNS
+ Can I return my Giesswein product for an exchange or refund?
+ Something is wrong with my Giesswein product.
+ What is Giesswein's return policy?
+ What is the Giesswein returns process?
CARING FOR YOUR PRODUCTS
+ Can I wash Giesswein products?
+ How do I keep my Merino Shoes clean?
Our Merino Runners, Merino Wool Knit, Wool Cross X and Merino Wool Boots can be machine washed on the “delicate” wool cycle, at a maximum of 30°C (90° F.)
When washing, we recommend that you use a laundry net and a normal wool detergent. Don’t wash your Merino shoes together with other clothing items.
Many machines use an intensive spin session at the end of the cycle in order to remove water from the items, but this should not be used when washing boiled wool. Instead, make sure that this setting is turned off on your machine, and gently press the water out of your shoes (for example, with a dry towel.) When caring for your Merino Runners, remember not to use any artificial drying methods: they should be air dried. Please do not put your Merino shoes into the dryer. Remember that when your shoes are lightly soiled that they can be cleaned with the simple use of a damp towel or gentle brush. If you choose to use a waterproofing spray on your Merino shoes, please ensure that the spray is designed for breathable materials.
Here you can find some further tips and a step-by-step guide to washing your Merino wool.
+ How should I care for my slippers?