The last is a model of the foot, or more importantly, a model of the inside of the shoe. This form is used to shape the shoe, usually by stretching the leather over it. Last were made of different materials throughout history. Clay was known to be used during the Roman period. Iron lasts are also mentioned in some sources, and most commonly wood. Few examples of period last have been discovered in comparison with the number of shoes found.
Medieval last were created of a large variety of wood: generally what was readily available. The last I have used, I made myself out of pine, because during my research, I have found hard wood last appear beginning in the 1700s. Prior to this only soft wood last are found. Evidence points to a fact that last may have belonged to the client and not the shoemaker, which means far fewer shoes would be made on them than with a standard sized last used for multiple clients, as found in more modern shoe making shops.
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