The Most Common Frauds for Designer Custom Footwear on CustomMade to Avoid in 2026

Stolen Artisan Portfolio: Be wary of sellers using images of footwear that do not belong to them. Scammers often 'borrow' high-quality designs from legitimate artists to deceive buyers into believing they are purchasing original work. Always verify the seller's own portfolio and consider reverse image searching to confirm authenticity.

Fake CAD Rendering Bait: Some sellers may present highly polished Computer-Aided Design (CAD) renderings as finished products to secure sales. These designs might never be realized, or the final product could be significantly inferior to the digital mock-up. Insist on seeing actual product photos or work-in-progress shots.

Indefinite Production Delay: A common tactic is to promise custom footwear with extended, and often indefinite, production timelines. This can be a stall tactic to delay delivery indefinitely or to make it appear as though the item is being custom-made when it's not. Clarify realistic timelines upfront and be skeptical of overly vague schedules.

Off-Platform Deposit Request: Be extremely cautious if a seller requests a deposit or full payment outside of the CustomMade platform. This is a significant red flag, as it bypasses the platform's buyer protection policies, leaving you with no recourse if the item is not delivered or is faulty.

Sourced-from-China Resell: Some sellers may misrepresent mass-produced footwear, often sourced from overseas manufacturers (like China), as unique, handcrafted custom designs. This scam exploits the desire for exclusive, artisanal products. Research the seller's origins and look for signs of genuine craftsmanship.

Material Grade Downselling: Sellers might claim to use premium materials but deliver footwear made with lower-grade substitutes. This is particularly relevant for materials like leather, exotic skins, or specialized performance fabrics. Always ask for detailed material specifications and, if possible, proof of sourcing.