Shoe Construction

• Lasts
The last determines the fit and feel of the shoe, impacts the performance and its shape. The last is the base or skeleton that the rest of the shoe is created from. In the past lasts were always made from wood, but since the 60’s plastic has been used.

• Pattern Cutting
This is where specific parts are produced. These parts generally consist of the sole, the bottom part of the shoe; insole the internal part of the shoe that is placed directly under the foot; outsole, the layer that directly touches the ground; heel, the bottom back part that can be high or low; and upper, the part that holds the shoe on the foot.

• Closing
This is the method of uniting all the aesthetic coverings of the shoe. The uppers are pierced, punched, wedged, ridged, and then placed with lining and sewn together.

• Lasting
The process of stretching the upper over the last. A certain amount of force is applied to stretch the upper on to the different points of the last to acquire its shape.

• Attaching
The part of the process that involves putting the upper and the sole together.

• Finishing
Finishing involves the final cutting, trimming, cleaning, and polishing of the shoes. If the shoes are made for a certain business, the shoes are tagged and boxed for distribution after the manufacturing process.