The completed uppers take the shape of a foot with the help of a ‘last’. Last is a plastic or wooden mould that simulates the shape of a foot. Firstly, an insole is attached to the bottom of the last. The upper is stretched and molded over this. Parts of the vampare glued to the surface of the insole visible at the bottom. These parts arerubbed off with a wire brush to take off the smooth finish of the leather. This process is called skiving and is done because rough surface absorbs and bonds with glue better. The soles are usually cut, finished and prepared as a separate component so that when they are glued to the lasted upper, the result is a complete shoe. The last is removed from the finished shoe to be used further in making other pieces.
