WHAT IS A SHOE LAST?

The last is usually a similar shape to the foot, but not identical. It is the shape on which the shoe is formed and must allow the foot to stand still. A good last will give the shoe a good fit in several different styles which can be seen below. Some lasts do not have a long shelf life if the design of the shape is quite fashionable. In this instance, the last would only have a life of two or three years.  Other lasts have been the same for years and are much coveted in the shoe industry.  A well designed last can be worth a lot of money!

At Begg Shoes we place great value on the last as it has a direct impact on comfort. We try to buy shoes that have been built using a well designed last. That way we know they should fit properly and be comfortable.

The design of the shoe, the purpose of the shoes and the method with which the shoe is manufactured will all affect the shape of the last. Different style of shoes made on the same last but using different materials will fit differently.

A last is a mechanical form that has a shape similar to that of a human foot. It is used by shoe manufacturers in the making of shoes. Lasts typically come in pairs and have been made from various materials, including wood, iron and plastics.