I was a bit hesitant to order from Thomas Bird initially due to being a smaller/ lesser known brand. After doing some research and communicating with the attentive TB staff I pulled the trigger on a pair of whole cuts and and am pleased I did. These shoes are the real deal, and the support staff is top tier. There was a small matter of my order not having gone through due to an issue with their inventory system, which I would consider no fault of theirs. However, the staff was immediately responsive in communicating the issue, offered a discount on an alternative pair, and expedited shipping them out, while being all around entirely professional. Once I received my order, I reached out once again asking for care instructions and was given prompt attention again. Overall this company has thoroughly impressed me and set aside any initial doubts I had about it being a smaller brand.