faqs
about iambic
Discover what makes IAMBIC different from other shoe brands.
At IAMBIC, our goal is to create shoes that sync with each person’s unique rhythm. That's why we named our brand after the iamb (pronounced EYE-am), a metrical foot that measures the rhythm of a poem. We blend the artistry of rhythm with the science of footwear design, informed by the latest research and feedback from those excluded by traditional shoe sizing, to create shoes that fit like poetry in motion.
IAMBIC began with founder Maeve Wang's struggle to find well-fitting shoes. After learning that poorly fitted shoes can contribute to long-term foot issues, Maeve set out to create a solution. After five years of research, 300 fittings, and numerous returns, it became clear that the entire footwear industry needed rethinking. Learn more about what happened next in About Us.
IAMBIC takes a holistic approach to shoe design by factoring in foot shape, personal preferences, and walking patterns. Our Virtual Consultation captures a 360° view of your fit requirements through a proprietary platform that integrates computer vision, material science, 3D modeling, and AI. This data powers a custom-fit last that uses 30 adjustment mechanisms—far more than traditional shoes, which only adjust for length and width. All scans are taken using a smartphone, making it easy to get a personalized t without visiting a store. Learn more about our Technology.
When your shoes fit perfectly, you forget you're even wearing them. We want everyone to experience that freedom, but this is far from reality: 27% of people are excluded from the "standard" sizing of shoes, leaving over 1 in 4 people in pain. This is a broken system that designs for the masses and ignores those who need more than just "average" shoes. It can even cause permanent foot injury and deformity. Custom-fitted shoes are about comfort, precision and innovation. We capture the unique contours of your feet to create shoes that fit perfectly and also offer superior support and durability. It's a pair of shoes that leaves you feeling your best.
Our on-demand manufacturing system helps to reduce waste associated with mass manufacturing in the fashion industry. By only producing shoes after we receive an order, we're able to avoid excess product and materials that often ends up discarded and contributing to landfills.
Furthermore, our made-to-fit manufacturing approach means that each pair of IAMBIC shoes is tailored to your specific needs, so you can enjoy them for longer. Not only will you feel great wearing your IAMBIC shoes, but you can also feel good about making a positive impact on the environment.
Our Shoes
Learn more about the craftsmanship and materials that go into our shoes.
No two people are the same, and neither are our shoes. Each pair of IAMBIC shoes is custom-made to match your unique foot shape, preferences, and walking style. Through AI, smartphone scanning, and streamlined manufacturing, we create shoes that are truly one-of-a-kind, tailored to your needs.
We understand that every foot is unique, and we're committed to making shoes that accommodate a wide range of foot shapes and needs. Thanks to our AI-powered precision fitting and expert craftsmanship, we can create shoes tailored to anyone, no matter the shape or size of your feet.
IAMBIC shoes are designed to adapt not only to your unique foot shape but also to evolve with your movement. Thanks to our Sole Print™ technology, as they are worn over time, the ridges on the sole wear down in a pattern specific to your gait, alignment, and balance. If you own a pair of MODEL T or Executive Series shoes and wear them for an extended period—potentially years, given the durability of our materials—the sole will also reveal a colored layer. This layer captures additional insights into your t needs, further enhancing the comfort and precision of your next pair. By analyzing these wear patterns, our team can continually improve the fit and feel of each subsequent pair, ensuring your shoes only feel better over time.
IAMBIC’s MODEL T and Executive Series shoes feature premium full-grain leather uppers handcrafted in Portugal. This exceptional leather retains its natural grain layer—unlike other leathers where it's sanded away—resulting in densely-packed fibers that provide superior durability, water resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. Our microperforated, temperature-regulating microfiber lining includes antimicrobial properties. The unique three-layer rubber soles are engineered for exceptional strength, providing protection against abrasion, slips, impacts, and chemicals.
We're committed to offering options that align with our customer's values, which is why we're developing sustainable, cruelty-free vegan alternatives that maintain IAMBIC's signature comfort and durability. Join our mailing list to stay informed about new releases, including our upcoming vegan models.
We're actively developing new shoe technologies, styles, and colorways. To be the first to know about our latest releases, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list.
Our shoes feature removable insoles to fit custom orthotics. When using your own orthotics, simply include them during the Virtual Consultation foot scan. In this Virtual Consultation foot scan. You'll find details about specific guidance throughout the scanning process. Alternatively, reach out to our Concierge Team at concierge@iambic.co for personalized assistance.
IAMBIC shoes are made with soft, full-grain leather that’s designed to last. We want you to enjoy your IAMBIC shoes for years to come, and keeping them looking fresh is easy with these simple steps. First, grab a wet cloth or sponge and some white soap. Don't worry, it's gentle and won't harm your shoes.
Next, take a close look at your shoes and focus on any spots or stains on the upper part. Use the soap and cloth to gently scrub away any dirt or grime, and watch as your shoes start to look brand new again. Once you're finished, wipe away any excess soap with a wet cloth and then gently dry your shoes with a clean microfiber cloth. With just a little bit of TLC, your IAMBIC shoes will be looking their best in no time, so you can keep enjoying them day after day.
Virtual Consultation
Learn more about how our Virtual Consultation creates your perfect fit.
IAMBIC's Virtual Consultation enables you to share your comfort preferences and capture a detailed scan of each foot from three different angles using the camera on your smartphone. Please set aside 10 to 15 minutes to complete the entire process. Our cutting-edge AI technology uses this data to power our 20 adjustment mechanisms, providing you with a level of fit that was previously unattainable. For more information on the process, please see our Virtual Consultation Guide.
Once your consultation is complete, our team of experts will review your scans and preferences to create your custom shoes. You'll receive an email with next steps, and once your consultation is approved, your shoes will enter production with an estimated 4 to 6 week completion time. We'll keep you updated via email throughout the process. To ensure you receive all updates, please add concierge@iambic.co to your email address book. For information on how we handle our data, please review our Privacy Policy.
If you think you may have made a mistake during your Virtual Consultation scans, don't worry—we're here to help. Simply log back into the Client Portal and select "New Consultation" to start the process over again. If there’s an issue with your scans, our team will review and reach out to assist. You can always redo the scans through the Client Portal if necessary. We’ll keep you informed about the next steps and work together to make sure we get it right.
IAMBIC Fit Guarantee
Confidence in every step with our Fit Guarantee.
At IAMBIC, we promise that your shoes will deliver unmatched comfort and a perfect fit ---every single time. Our Concierge Team, composed of world-class experts in biomechanics, foot health, and engineering, is dedicated to providing a white-glove service tailored to your unique needs. From the initial fit to unlimited adjustments, we will make sure your IAMBIC shoes become the most comfortable pair you’ve ever owned. If they’re not perfect on the first try, don’t worry. With unlimited refits, we won't rest until your shoes deliver the unparalleled comfort and fit you deserve. Your satisfaction is our highest priority.
Our Concierge Team is committed to making sure that you get the perfect fit. Your satisfaction is our highest priority, which is why our dedicated Concierge Team will work with you until your IAMBIC shoes become the most comfortable pair you've ever worn. If they don't feel perfect from the first try, don't worry: we'll make all necessary adjustments until they do. We're committed to refining your fit until these become your best-feeling shoes ever.
Yes, a $50 non-refundable fee applies for returns if you decide not to pursue our unlimited refit process. This reflects the bespoke nature of IAMBIC shoes, as each of which is made-to-order based on your precise specifications. However, our complimentary refit process is designed to address any concerns and ensure your shoes deliver exactly what you need.
No, there is no fee. All refits and exchanges are complimentary as part of our commitment to your perfect fit. Our priority is making sure your shoes meet your expectations and exceed them in comfort and quality.
Reaching Out
If you're passionate about reshaping the footwear industry and supporting our ongoing innovations, please contact us here.
If you’re interested in a partnership, collaboration, and other ways to innovate together, let’s do amazing things. Reach out to us here.
Check us out on Instagram and TikTok at @weareiambic. Share your IAMBIC shoes in action using the hashtag #WeAreIAMBIC, and we’ll be excited to see your unique style!
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
We have answers. Reach out to our Concierge Team by filling out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
As a runner, as an athlete, just knowing that I'm doing a good service to my body is incredible.It’s the reason that I love my IAMBIC shoes. It's that precision that makes me feel safe to walkdown the street, get on the subway, do my commute, bring my kids to school, and not feelconcerned that I'm doing it in a shoe that doesn't fit right or that doesn't feel good.
The most interesting thing about them being crafted just for me is how well they fit. And I hadnever even noticed that my shoes didn't fit right. My other shoes don't hurt me - they just slosharound. With these, the heels actually stay on the whole time and it fits snugly yet stillcomfortably. And I'd never experienced that before. They just stay comfortable all day.
The thing that I was surprised by the most with the precision fit is that any pressure points thatI had been feeling with the shoes that I previously came in wearing were completely gone. I waswearing a shoe that wasn't too tight. It wasn't too loose. The sole fit just right. Total comfort.That's the best way to put it.
So I suffer from chronic foot pain and I believe that a lot of that has to do with wearing shoesthat actually don't fit. Whenever I wear my IAMBICs, I've noticed that I have felt less pain,which is really incredible. And they're just so comfortable. I'm not worried about the back of my heel popping out or my ankles not having enough support. Also, they're just so stylish andevery timeI wear them out in the street, I always get compliments, which never happens to me.
A shoe that may feel comfortable for a half hour walk is not a shoe that always feels comfortablefor a three and a half hour walk. So what I like about IAMBIC is, even though the snug fit isthere and it feels comfortable, it also feels substantial enough that I can walk a lot withoutgetting any discomfort. That's just something that's especially important to me and I think theshoe has really delivered that.