Quote:
Originally Posted by
fox81 
For those of you that have ordered a bespoke last from Springline, how did you go from measurements of your foot to an actual last? How much guidance do you get in picking the shape and design of a last that is not just a mould of your foot?
Do they design it into one of Cliff's existing last shapes, or do they show you some other companies lasts, like C&J 348 or EG 888 and make up something similar?
I visited Spring Line in Northampton a couple of weeks ago to have a last made. The lastmaker took measurements of my feet, and I showed him two different shoes I'd like the last shape similar to (EG 202, AE 5). He compared those to other lasts he had, and I chose one to base the work on.
He also asked whether I've had any trouble with RTW shoes, and I pointed out a couple of things. He immediately understood why these issues had occurred, and suggested remedies. Two of the issues must be handled by the shoemaker (and I now know what to ask Cliff for

, and the third, which he discovered when comparing the drawing to the last, he will handle.
Cliff met me at the Spring Line factory, showed me some of his very impressive work and leather samples, and we had a most interesting conversation about the trade, what sort of shoes I wanted made, what sort of crazy stuff some people around here have occasionally asked for, and his work philosophy. “I want the working man to be able to have something nice”, he said. A much appreciated approach, and a very enjoyable day. (c: