What makes these shoes better for drumming?
How do I get endorsed by VRATIM?
For endorsement considerations we look at: musicianship, tour schedules, online presence (both for your personal and/or your band's social media), and possible label/management support.
You can fill out our endorsement application here.
We get a ton of endorsement submissions and emails in general, but we do check out every endorsement application we get. That all being said, it can sometimes take us awhile to get through them, but if everything looks good we will be in touch!
P.S. We are also open to accepting applications from non-drummers and full bands as well. Please also ensure your social media accounts are not set to private otherwise we can't check out all the awesome things you're up to.
What shoe size should I order?
FOR OUR NEW SHOE MODELS (DS-III & AP-I) WE SUGGEST ROUNDING UP IF YOU ARE A HALF SIZE
Here's a size chart that should be able to help you out!
(click here to see how to measure your feet)
The heel-to-toe length (or foot length) is listed in both inches (IN) and centimeters (CM).
Size conversions are approximate.
Don't worry, you can always call/email us if you have a question and we do offer returns and exchanges to help make sure you get the perfect size.
Why don't you offer half sizes / Why don't you have my size in your shoes?
In our specific case, the difference between the half and the whole size was very small (fractions of an inch) and as a new company, we needed to be careful with how we spent our startup money. Because of those facts, we chose not to carry half sizes; however, in the future as we grow and expand, we hope to offer a wider range of sizes and different shoes to choose from even!
In the mean time, if you wear a half size we usually suggest you round down for the Drum Shoe II. However, the best thing to do is to measure your foot and refer to our size chart below.
If we don't currently offer your size, sit tight - we're working as hard as we can to expand our sizing.
How do your shoes fit/feel?
Overall we (and several others) would agree that our shoes fit very comfortably and have some great features. Our shoes have a thin sole that allows the wearer a better sense of feel which can be very helpful when playing drums. The outsole is also equipped with a tread-like pattern we developed ourselves that keeps your feet from sliding off of your pedals (or on some sweat/slime in the pit). We also had our shoes constructed with suede to ensure our shoes could handle life on the road, but we also added sections of mesh to help your feet breathe and stay cool while you playing drums or walk around.
How do your clothes fit?
Our t-shirts fit like your favorite, normal t-shirt - perfect and soft.
Here's a size chart for the types of t-shirts we typically print on:
Our flannels and button shirts are slim cut/slim fitting, so if you want a more relaxed, loose fit please buy a size up from what you would normally wear (don't worry it's not you, our clothes are just essentially a size smaller).
Our shorts are true to size, just make sure you know your waist size and you should be fine!
How long does it take to process and ship an order?
All orders are processed within 2 business days. Depending on your location and method of shipping chosen at checkout, most domestic US orders arrive between 2-5 business days; International orders may take 2-8 weeks, but typically is much faster.
You will be able to choose from a variety of shipping options when you checkout.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world.
Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based for International orders. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.
Can you ship to my country?
Yes, we can and have shipped items to quite a few countries outside of the United States. If the store doesn't give you the option to ship to your country, please contact us so we can arrange shipping!
International Customers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying.
Also, please allow 2-8 weeks for international shipping.
As we grow we hope to find ways to lower the fees for international shipping to all the countries we ship to.
In the mean time, thank you all so much for understanding!
What payment options do you accept?
Currently you can pay via credit or debit card (processed via Stripe), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and most recently we've added "Pay Later" options with Affirm and PayPal Pay Later (available for US only).
Options available to you will be displayed when you check out with your order online.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
How do I change my order / request an exchange / return an item?
If you wish to change something in your order, contact us before 4:00 pm EST on the day you placed the order with your order number in the subject; otherwise, chances are it's probably already been packaged and shipped.
You may return or exchange most NEW, UNUSED items within 30 days of delivery for a refund.* You can do this by logging into your store account or contact us directly.
After 30 days, we can still do an exchange for a new pair of shoes, but will work with customers on a case by case basis. If it has been over a year from the date of your purchase, we cannot process an exchange.
*For further details on exchanges and returns, please see our Shipping & Returns/Exchanges Policy.
Do the shoes have a warranty?
We stand behind our products. If your Vratim Shoes or other gear have a material or workmanship flaw, we will do as much as we can to get you back to playing whether it's on stage or in your home up to one (1) year after your purchase date!
We personally inspect all of our shoes once the manufacturing is complete - any shoe that we deem unfit to sell we throw out. That being said, we are only human and sometimes unfit shoes slip by. If you receive a defective pair of shoes, you may exchange the shoes for a new pair OR return them for a refund up to 30 days after receiving the shoes. After 30 days, we can still do an exchange for a new pair of shoes, but will work with customers on a case by case basis. If it has been over a year from the date of your purchase, we cannot process an exchange.
Additional Note: as a way to provide a lower cost option, we have recently started to offer shoes with cosmetic blemishes at a discounted price. The structural integrity and design of these shoes have not been compromised in any way, but the cosmetic appearance of the shoes is not up to our standards. The sales for these shoes are final. If something happens to a blemished pair of shoes you purchase, we will always do what we can to accommodate you and work things out though.
Are VRATIM shoes vegan/vegan friendly?
The DS-II and DS-III shoes are not vegan or vegan friendly as part of the shoe uppers are made from suede/leather. The AP-I shoes are vegan friendly though as the uppers and outsoles do not contain any animal products.
What's the best way to clean my shoes?
The DS-II and DS-III shoes are made from suede/leather with cotton mesh for the uppers, EVA (a foam made from ethyl vinyl acetate) for the midsoles, and rubber for the outsoles. The AP-I shoes do not have any suede on the uppers. While the suede on our the DS line of shoes is very durable and can withstand a good amount of abuse, below are some suggestions on how to best clean the suede along with the other portions of the shoe.
For the mesh, non-suede parts, midsole, and outsole you can use a cloth with some soap and water followed by air drying them.
For the suede portions there are a few options:
-A suede brush can be used to brush off dirt and dust (these can often be purchased for under $10 USD) or a clean toothbrush. Try to brush in the direction of the fibers.
-A clean, dry towel can also be used. Remember to avoid vigorous back and forth motions.
-A suede eraser or even a normal pencil eraser can be used for tougher marks on the suede that a brush or towel might not get.
-For really tough stains, pour a little white vinegar on a clean cloth then gently wipe the affected areas. Apply the vinegar on the stained area first and then let it dry. Finally, rub with a suede brush.
For the inside of the shoes we suggest using a sanatizing antibacterial spray.
Can I use your logo in my video or on my photos?
Yes! Feel free to use our logo in your videos, on photos, on your website, anywhere you see fit!
We do have some basic usage guidelines though that we ask you please follow. You can find those on our dedicated logo page here.
Can I get some free stickers from VRATIM?
For free stickers, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
VRATIM
ATTN: Stickers
150 Venetian Way Ste 107
Merritt Island, FL 32953
USA
**For international envelopes please enclose $2.00 USD for postage**
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes and thank you for your service!
We offer a permanent 10% discount for all active and former military members. This discount is applicable to all items on our store including on sale items.
Please email us to be added to our Military Discount Customer List.
You will need to have or create an account through the store in order for the discount to be applied as well as provide documentation to verify your military service.
We will accept numerous forms of verification based on military branch and status as shown in the list:
-In most cases, only one form of verification document is required for submission, unless you have a special situation
-Other documents that clearly show your first and last name, valid dates, branch, and/or status may also be accepted.
-If the name on your document(s) does not match your current legal name (such as Marriage or Name Change) you must submit additional documentation (Change of Name, Marriage Certificate, etc.) or acquire a new copy of the document with your current name for us to verify your military affiliation.
-Any sensitive information such as Social Security Number, Military ID Number, etc. should be omitted, covered up, or blacked out when submitting.
-The information provided is used solely for verifying military status and is destroyed after verification.
-Acceptable file formats include .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, or .pdf.