Can I copy the shoe tree to make the last?

[Roger]

I have a couple of responses here:

1. Re the OP, Fishball, keep in mind that, if you are contemplating EG trees, these are not lasted. They are far more generic than that. For example, mine say "202/606 9C," indicating that they are suitable for a UK Size 9, Fitting C, and pretty well any EG last, since the round-toe lasts (202, 82, etc.) use the same trees as the square-toe ones (606, 88, 888, etc.) So, at least with EG, your conjecture wouldn't pan out.

2. I'm really interested in binatang's post and the possibilities that it might suggest. I've never had a pair of bespoke shoes made, but wouldn't these plastic molds work as well as a personally-fitted, hand-carved last? Probably not, I guess, or the idea would have taken hold already, and the bespoke-shoe process would have been somewhat revolutionized. However, at the moment, I don't see why it wouldn't work. Any bespoke experts out there who can shed more light on this?

 

[Fishball]

Marcel,

Thanks a lot, I will send you PM later.
I am in HK, the shoemaking course is offered by Clothing Industry Training Authority, HK.
It is a government funded organization.

Merkur,
A last is not a exact copy of foot, if so, that is very easy to do so.
Difference size can be adjusted by adding/reducing method. Like adding something on, or file off somewhere.

Binatang,
It look great! Where to do that? I'm interested.

 

[fritzl]

Read especially the comments of Marcell and Mr. Melkersson:

http://thelondonlounge.net/gl/forum/...ghlight=vienna

 

[bengal-stripe]

Springline in Northampton can make you an individual, bespoke last if you supply then with a foot tracing and the necessary measurements or with a digital scan:
http://www.springline.net/bespoke.htm

I don't think it is advisable to take the measurements yourself, the possibility of error will be too great. But if you want to try, here is a guide, as to what measurements are required:
http://www.kielman.pl/en/zamowienia/

Second problem, if you order the last in isolation, how do you know, whether or not the last fits correctly. That you'll only find out, if you have a pair of shoes made (or make them yourself), using that particular last.

Springline also makes the lasts for virtually all the manufacturers in Northampton, including EG. They even might have the measurements for EG 606 in their computer, but that last design is EG's intellectual property, and Springline cannot supply you that particular design (unless they have permission from EG). Don't embarrass Springline by asking for a copy of 606.

Here is another possibility, a German last maker who can supply hundreds of different lasts in all shapes, all sizes and all widths:
http://www.spenle.de/en/produkte-lei...ch-katalog.php

If you order the right design in the correct size, that last will be very close to your needs. You should be able, with instructions from your course, to do local adjustments: either filing it down or adding on, by sticking on leather patches.

Again the problem will be to decide what to order and in which size.

 

[binatang]

I got them made in Vietnam where I'm based. Orlagu & me share the same shoemaker & he introduced the last maker to me.

You can use the last as a shoetree but its going to way inconvenient as it won't be easy to take out our put in. Its also heavy as its a solid block of plastic.