FAQ's
Please also refer to Shipping & Returns Policy
Our Heels
What shoe sizes do you use? How do I convert my size?
Size Guide
|
EU / IT |
Foot (cm) |
Foot (in) |
UK |
US |
DE |
AU |
BR |
|
34 |
21,8 |
8.6 " |
2 |
3,5 |
34 |
3,5 |
32 |
|
34 1/2 |
22,14 |
8.7 " |
2/2,5 |
4 |
34,5 |
4 |
32,5 |
|
35 |
22,47 |
8.8 " |
2,5 |
4,5 |
35 |
4,5 |
33 |
|
35 1/2 |
22,8 |
9.0 " |
3 |
5 |
35,5 |
5 |
33,5 |
|
36 |
23,13 |
9.1 " |
3,5 |
5,5 |
36 |
5,5 |
34 |
|
36 1/2 |
23,47 |
9.2 " |
3,5/4 |
6 |
36,5 |
6 |
34,5 |
|
37 |
23,8 |
9.4 " |
4 |
6,5 |
37 |
6,5 |
35 |
|
37 1/2 |
24,13 |
9.5 " |
4,5 |
7 |
37,5 |
7 |
35,5 |
|
38 |
24,47 |
9.6 " |
5 |
7,5 |
38 |
7,5 |
36 |
|
38 1/2 |
24,8 |
9.8 " |
5/5,5 |
8 |
38,5 |
8 |
36,5 |
|
39 |
25,13 |
9.9 " |
5,5 |
8,5 |
39 |
8,5 |
37 |
|
39 1/2 |
25,47 |
10.0 " |
6 |
9 |
39,5 |
9 |
37,5 |
|
40 |
25,8 |
10.2 " |
6,5 |
9,5 |
40 |
9,5 |
38 |
|
40 1/2 |
26,13 |
10.3 " |
7 |
10 |
40,5 |
9,5/10 |
38,5 |
|
41 |
26,46 |
10.4 " |
7,5 |
10,5 |
41 |
10 |
39 |
|
41 1/2 |
26,8 |
10.6 " |
8 |
11 |
41,5 |
10,5 |
39,5 |
|
42 |
27,13 |
10.7 " |
8,5 |
11,5 |
42 |
11 |
40 |
How do BUDISM COUTURE heels fit?
Most styles are designed for a true-to-size fit with a glove-like feel that softens with wear.
Slim/pointed styles and especially patent leather heels may feel snug initially.
If in doubt, choose the larger of your two sizes.
Softer materials such as suede or mesh will have a slightly more relaxed fit.
What heel heights do you offer?
Our collections include high (≈105 mm) heels. Do not be put off by that number alone as fit and comfort is determined not the arch and support of the heel, and not the height alone.
Are your heels comfortable?
Yes—designed to be.
Our heels are engineered for balance and support: contoured lasts, cushioned insoles, soft leather linings, and secure strap placement to keep the foot stable. Higher stilettos (like 105 mm) will naturally feel more elevated than mid-heels, but most clients find they soften and mold to the foot after a few wears. For the best comfort, choose your true EU size (go up half a size for very pointed toes), try them on a soft surface first, and add protective heel tips if you’ll be on textured floors. If you’re unsure between sizes, we’re happy to advise or fit you in-boutique.
What are your shoes made of?
We use premium Italian leathers, satins, and mesh and patent leather selected for its quality, structure and comfort. Each product page lists upper/lining/sole composition.
How do I care for leather, suede, satin, and mesh?
Nappa / Calf leather
- Quick clean: Lightly dampen a soft sponge with water and wipe; finish by drying with a soft cloth and buffing in small circles. (Great for day-to-day “dusting.”)
- Deeper clean: Use a dilute neutral soap solution on a damp sponge, wipe gently in circular motions, then dry with a soft cloth.
Suede / Nubuck
- Let dust dry, then brush in two steps: a rubber (crepe) brush in small circles to lift dirt; a bristle brush with the nap to restore the pile.
Satin & Satin Mesh
- Mix water with a little neutral soap.
- Dab stains gently with a damp sponge (don’t soak); repeat with clean water; dry with a soft cloth. For mesh, press—don’t rub—to avoid snags.
Patent leather
- Wipe after every wear to maintain gloss and help the surface resist micro-scuffs. Dry and buff with a soft cloth. (Store away from other items to prevent sticking/color transfer.)
Can you replace heel tips or refurbish my shoes?
Yes—heel tips are consumables and can be replaced. Our heels caps are specially formulated for a softer cushioning.
We include a free pair of heel caps with every shoe.
We recommend a reputable cobbler experienced with luxury stilettos or contact us for assistance, we may also be able to replace them for you in our boutique.
We can advise on toe-plate/protective sole options case-by-case.
Do you offer made-to-order or personalization?
Absolutely. We are able to customize select styles to match your dress or any idea you may ahve.
Personalized or custom-made items are typically final sale. Please inquire before ordering.
How should I store my shoes?
Our shoes come beautifully packaged in sturdy boxes designed for long-term storage.
Keep in dust bags, stuffed with tissue to maintain shape. Store away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top of satin or mesh styles.
Do you offer in-boutique try-ons or fittings?
Yes—visit our boutique on Bree Street, Cape Town, or book a private fitting. Bring thin hosiery if you plan to try delicate materials like satin/mesh.
Are your shoes authentic?
Absolutely—BUDISM COUTURE shoes are our original designs, crafted in partnership with specialist Italian craftsmen and we spent over 2 years developing the styles to ensure superior fit and pemium materials. We do not source from third-party resellers.
When will you have more styles?
We are always developing new styles and variations. Please sign up for our newsletter in order to receive information about new product launches.
The Brand
Why the name 'BUDISM Couture'?
'BUDISM' blends our founder Budi’s name with –ism-, a nod to a distinct point of view.
It stands for a design philosophy rather than a trend: precise lines, Italian craftsmanship, and French haute-couture savoir-faire applied to modern heels.
Couture signals our commitment to hand-finished detail, refined materials, and limited, meticulously made pieces.
In short: BUDISM COUTURE = Budi’s vision, made by hand, for women who value empowered elegance.
What do the terms 'couture' and 'haute couture' mean?
Couture means literally “dressmaking”. Any custom, made-to-measure garment created for an individual client. The term is broad and widely (sometimes loosely) used - outside France it can simply mean bespoke, hand-finished work rather than ready-to-wear.
Haute couture is “high dressmaking”, which is a legally protected label in France. Only houses formally approved each year by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode may use it. Requirements include: designing made-to-measure for private clients with multiple fittings, maintaining a Paris atelier with a minimum full-time staff, and presenting two collections a year with a required number of looks (day + evening). It’s the top tier—by standard, regulation, and craft.
BUDISM Couture adheres to the rigorous standards associated with haute couture - bespoke design, multiple fittings, and hand-finished craftsmanship.
Our couture is regularly endorsed by clients for its artistry and made-to-measure precision and perfection. We invite you to verify it in person - schedule an appointment at our showroom for a guided tour of techniques, materials, and fit.
Where are you located?
Our atelier, showroom and boutique is located in Cape Town, South Africa.
We travel frequently internationally to meet clients. Please get in touch with us to enquire about our schedule.
Can I visit your couture atelier and boutique?
Our boutique is at 90 Bree Street, Cape Town, South Africa where you will find all our shoes and more. You're welcome to try on any pair.
Please see Visit the Boutique for location and opening hours.
Our couture atelier is next door at 88 Bree Street is open by appointment for showroom viewings and consultations. Please see Discover the Process.
Visits to our atelier workrooms is generally restricted to clients only.
Please get in touch with us through Whatsapp or eMail.
How long have you been around?
BUDISM COUTURE was officially incorporated in 2014 and has been in existence for a few years prior to that.
Our Cape Town atelier was established in 2017.