Walking Shoes, Apparel, and Gear How Shoe Lasts Work for Athletic Shoe Construction By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner Facebook Twitter Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 22, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Cara Lustik Fact checked by Cara Lustik LinkedIn Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter. Learn about our editorial process Print travelgame/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images A shoe last is the form on which a shoe is constructed. The shape of the last determines the shape of the shoe that is made on that last. The shoe last determines the toe shape and heel height as well as the curvature of the shoe. Shapes of Lasts on Athletic Shoes Lasts may be straight, curved or semi-curved. A podiatrist might recommend wearing shoes of one of these kinds. The shoe store or website might not list which type of last is used for a model of shoe. You may have to inspect the sole yourself to figure it out. The Anatomy of an Athletic Shoe Straight Last Straight refers to the shape of the shoe. A straight last shoe is symmetrical relative to a line drawn on the bottom of the shoe from the middle of the heel to the middle of the toe. Athletic shoes built on a straight last are most often designed as motion control shoes, with motion control elements added. This results in a heavier shoe. Semi-Curved Last A semi-curved last has a slight curve inward at the insole. It is good for those with normal arches and runners and walkers with a neutral gait who do not overpronate. It is often found in stability shoes and neutral shoes. Curved Last A curved last curves inward at the insole. It is good for those with a high, rigid arch. Lightweight shoes and racing flats are often built on a curved or semi-curved last. Are Running Shoes Good for Fitness Walking? Lasts in the Shoe Construction Process Lasting also refers to the construction technique used on the shoe last to attach the upper to the midsole. In construction, shoes may be board lasted, slip lasted, combi-lasted, or strobel lasted. Slip Last: In shoe construction, the shoe upper is pulled over the last and then attached to the midsole. You can see a seam running down the center of the footbed if you take out the insole. The resulting shoe is lighter and good for those with rigid feet who need more motion. Board Last: In shoe construction, the upper is attached to the bottom of a flexible board on top of the midsole. It makes the shoe more rigid and stable and suitable for those who under pronate or overpronate. This method isn't used very often for modern athletic shoes. Combination Last or Combi-Last: In shoe construction, the board method is used in the heel and the slip method in the forefoot. Strobel Last: This has become the most-used lasting type for athletic shoes. The upper is attached to a layer of material that is glued onto the midsole, much like board lasting but lighter and more flexible. Shoe Companies and Lasts New Balance Shoes builds its models on lasts with specific characteristics for heel height, instep height, toe box depth, and forefoot width. By listing which last is used, wearers can choose similar models once they know which fits them best. Other shoe companies may do the same. Discuss what shoes worked best for you with the staff at a company shoe store and they may be able to steer you to shoes built on the same last. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start walking off the weight? Our free guide offers tips, workouts, and a printable schedule to help you get on the right track. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Footwear - running shoe anatomy.