E-LEARNING APPLICATION FOR CREATING CUSTOM SHOE LASTS USING TEMPLATES

Abstract

The shoe lasts is the key component for manufacturing footwear. Inner footwear dimensions depend on the shape, size and volume of the last. The shape of the last is similar to the shape of the human foot. Last dimensions are correlated with the anthropometrical dimensions of the human foot. The transition between the dimensions of the human feet and the final product dimensions require a high accuracy in the shape's definition. Lasts designed for mass production of footwear comply with certain industrial standards for size and width. The shape and size of the lasts influence the dimensional comfort of footwear. Improperly fitted shoes can lead to physical discomfort for the wearer and has a great effect on its day to day activities. Also during human lifetime, depending on many factors such as work conditions, social status, education, health and so on, feet can suffer different traumas that can lead to modifications of their anatomical structure (hallux valgus, hallux varus, hammer toes, flat foot, fractures and so on). In this case, custom made shoe last are necessary to be made in order to treat or to enhance different feet disorders. Last can be custom made or modified by using manually techniques which require great skill and time or by using dedicated software and computer aided systems. This paper presents the necessary steps to design and create custom made shoe lasts using templates based on individual subjects feet anthropometric dimensions. This method combines classic solutions with the latest CAD systems, resulting a fast, easy, cheap and reliable way to manufacture custom made shoe last. All the necessary steps are explained in detail and are exemplified by movies.