Intermediate Last Making

Discription: This is a boot and shoe last engineering course. created for making custom or model lasts. In times of old, a last was created especially for the foot pair the footwear was designed for. Continuing this tradition, we believe that good footwear design begins with the intended foot and then creating a last for it. We have optimized feet moulds and models as a beginning point to last making, and have combined scientific research done by the factories throughout the 20th century regarding proper last making theory to bring this course to you as a comprehensive instruction on last making.

Our science and traditional based method of last making combined with proper lastmaking theory allows boots and shoes to be created in any heel height and toe design for beautiful walk able footwear that is truly custom. However, these boots and shoes retain the planter surface of the individual allowing a more comfortable fit and function. This process of creating a physiological/anatomical last is unique to our school. It gives boot and shoe designers a competitive edge in the comfort results to their customers and is based on traditional lastmaking practices.

In this course you will learn traditional last making theory, and then how it applies to making a last beginning with a foot model. Then transform this foot model into a last that is guaranteed to replicate foot volume, breadth, planter surface replication and correction if necessary, styling, and design. By knowing these you get a better control over your designs based on what is the best look and fit, support and function for that individual foot pair. It currently remains a hand last making method and is a plastic last.

This course is presented in sequence of 3 parts. Each section will be presented by different experts in thier field and by lastmakers of our school. By doing so, we bring you excellent foundational integrated knowlege.

Certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course from Lastmaking School.com

Anatomy physiology and biomechanics of the lower extremities, , and how the body works with the feet,

· How casting procedures assist in correcting the upper area of the lower extremities giving the last maker an winning edge in last making success, How to take a pediograph properly for analysis of gait, How to read a pediograph for valuable information in last making. You will then go on to learning Shoe fitting as it pertains to designing lasts and shoes, How to properly measure feet, Proper casting procedures for lastmaking for normal feet and problem feet How to make orthotics that relief and not damage the body followed by an overview of thermoplastics as it relates to orthothic making

· Last design theory,is presented in depth with Parts of a last and how they pertain to a "walk able shoe" each part of the last is explained in detail and how the part relates to the whole. We then go on to learn how to Designing toe shapes, sole shapes,and profiles,

Transforming a foot cast into a shoe shape

Where to cut and adjust the foot cast for heal height, toe spring, and profile for a walk able last and shoe How to make and utilize a "trueing block" mold making techniques for copying custom and production lasts Transforming a plaster foot cast into wood or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2)last Special boot last considerations

Prerequisite:None

When: Sept 13, 2010 - November 19 2010

Class does not meet on the weekends.

Class space available: 7

Extended stay Out of town accomodations are available at reasonable prices. Please contact us for further accomodation availalablity.

Price: $ 5,000.00

prepayment is required for registration

For more info, check out the website