Frequently asked Questions
How Long do Rocket7 Shoes Last?
Since we started crafting handmade custom cycling shoes in 1999, our goal has been to create shoes that outlast and outperform anything in the market.
In fact, we’ve had shoes come back for repairs that were made over 25 years ago with over 100,000 miles in them! When we speak with these customers, the feedback is always the same; "Love these shoes, as they fit better than any other brand I have previously used. I'm finally able to cycle pain-free, so I do everything I can to make them last!"
For older shoes, if we still have your molds, we can even replace the uppers to make them look brand new again.
We believe that when your shoes can last up to 25 years, you're not just investing in comfort and performance—you're investing in your cycling future.
Custom Cycling Shoes, Designed for Your Unique Feet
At Rocket7, we build shoes that adapt to your individual foot shape. Whether you have bunions, protrusions, or other sensitive areas, we carefully craft your shoes around these nuances to ensure maximum comfort and performance.
You’ll get a perfect fit tailored to your specific length and width needs. Like all Rocket7 shoes, they’re incredibly lightweight with an ultra-low stack height, giving you that responsive, natural connection to your bike.
Please note: Post-build adjustments are not included in the pricing.
Custom vs Premium vs Custom Premium Plus
Custom Shoes:
For custom orders, the process is easy: simply stand on a piece of paper for foot tracings, send them in, and we’ll match your feet to the best-fitting last from our library.
We can also fine-tune the fit to accommodate any specific needs, such as extra space for bunions or sensitive areas that require a little extra care.
Custom Premium Shoes:
Custom Cycling Shoes Tailored to Your Feet
At Rocket7, we go beyond simply finding a standard last that matches your foot’s length and width. We take it a step further by capturing a foam impression of your feet to fully integrate your unique foot shape into your custom shoes.
Proper arch support is critical to avoid issues like numbness and discomfort caused by improper pressure distribution. Our custom shoes offer lightweight, orthotic-like support—without adding height in the heel area which are integrated right into your custom shoes. Unlike traditional orthotics, which can raise your heel by 3-6mm and cause slippage, Rocket7 shoes provide arch support without sacrificing inner volume or weight.
For those with wider feet (beyond EEE width), minor bunions, Morton’s toe, or similar quirks, we customize the standard last by adding material before laying the carbon fiber sole. This ensures that every aspect of your foot’s shape is reflected in the shoe, giving you the perfect fit for maximum performance and comfort.
Foot tracings and Bio-Foam impressions are required for this level of customization, and our molding kit provides all the necessary materials to get started.
Please note: Post-build adjustments are not included in the initial pricing.
Custom Premium Plus:
Full Custom Cycling Shoes: The Ultimate Fit
Our full custom option is designed for those whose feet fall into the more unique spectrum of shape, width, or medical needs. This "fit-like-a-glove" solution is ideal for individuals with very wide feet, large bunions, high arches, narrow heels with wide toe boxes, crescent-shaped feet, post-surgery accommodations, amputations, and other special conditions.
When you opt for full custom, we send you a complete molding kit, which includes Bio-Foam impressions and molding socks to create an accurate mold of your feet. During this process, you’ll need someone to assist you, as you’ll be seated with your feet resting on the provided molding platform. The molding session will be guided step-by-step via FaceTime with our owner, KC, to ensure everything is done perfectly to capture the exact contours of your feet.
Once your molds are shipped back to us, we fill them with plaster to create an exact replica of your feet. Your shoes will then be built around these molds, resulting in a fit that’s as comfortable and unique as a slipper. No one but you will be able to wear your shoes—they’re crafted to perfectly match the natural anatomy of your feet. Full custom shoes also include our integrated footbeds for optimal support.
Important Note: If you are experiencing nerve-related issues and are considering full custom shoes to alleviate the discomfort, please consult a medical professional before purchasing. While full custom shoes can potentially address your issues, they may not fully resolve the problem or, in some cases, could exacerbate it.
How does the Molding Process work if I can't come to you?
We provide a molding kit to get the perfect fit. For our Custom orders, the process is simple: stand on a piece of paper for foot tracings, mail them in and we will match them up with our library of molds/lasts to find the best shape that fits your feet. The Custom Premium shoes, the same process with tracing your feet and you also step into the Bio-Foam impression boxes, and you're all set.
Full custom orders require a bit more coordination. You’ll need someone to assist you while you sit and rest your feet on the molding platform included in the kit. Though it might sound complex, the entire process is quick (about 20-30 minutes, including setup) and completely painless. All full custom moldings are done via a FaceTime or Skype call with our owner, KC, who will guide your helper through each step.
What Does Placing a Deposit Mean?
Placing a deposit secures your spot in our production queue. For our Premium Custom and Premium Custom Plus shoes, this also triggers the shipment of a molding kit (note: no kit is needed for our entry level Custom Shoes). While wait times may vary, rest assured that once your deposit is placed, we’re steadily working through orders and getting closer to yours.
When we reach your order, we’ll send you a final invoice along with your shoe design details for confirmation before we begin construction.
A shipping charge for the molding kit will be added at checkout. Inside the kit, you’ll find a pre-paid return label to make returning your molds quick and easy.
Why such a long wait time?
The entire shoe is built by hand by artisans. It takes time. All steps in the building process have to go just right otherwise we have to back track or start over. This is where the blood, sweat and tears come in.
Note: Some times of year we are busier than normal. Please call for estimated wait times.