Students & Hobbyists

Encouraging all students and hobbyists in training

Spring Line is keen to encourage students and hobbyists in their training and development. For those studying shoemaking we supply lasts at a special student price of £61.30 per pair for plastic lasts or £75.70 per pair for wooden lasts + delivery and VAT where applicable. This price also includes a paper last bottom pattern and is relevant even if you order only one pair of lasts.

I have read the FAQs below

To view our Student Product Range and Buy Online

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Made to order, Worldwide

Please note that we only keep models in stock, not actual pairs and therefore all lasts are made to order. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery once payment has been made. Goods are normally sent on a next day service within the UK and an economy service throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Looking for something a little different?

If you cannot find a suitable model from our products page then we may be able to help. We have tried to offer the most commonly requested shapes/styles to start your studies. However, we have an extensive library of models and may well have a more suitable option for you. If you would like to contact us by email, sending through an image of the style you are looking to make then one of our Model Makers can look through the library and see if we have another option. If so then they will send images of the model and any additional details as required. Please be aware that we charge an additional £25 to cover the time taken to find and photograph models.

Before buying online, please ensure you read the following to correctly specify your lasts. Once special orders are made lasts cannot be returned unless faulty. Hopefully these commonly asked questions will enable you to determine what specification you require. Should you need any further assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Do I need a different last for each size and style?

Yes, you will need a last for each style that you wish to make as each last is designed specifically to work with each shape and heel height. Any variation in shape, size, fitting and height will require a last.

Which is better – wood or plastic?

Both will do the job equally well. Plastic is more often used now for bulk production due to its durability and since it is cheaper than wood is the option that we recommend for students/hobbyists.

Why do I need a hinge?

With many styles in can be difficult to remove the last from the finished shoe after manufacture. Having a hinge will enable the last to be removed more easily. Please see an example of a V-hinge below.

If a hinge is not required then we can supply solid lasts, i.e. for sandals. Please select this option on your order form.

Do I need metal plates on the bottom of the last?

Whether you require metal plates adding to the bottom of the last will depend on the type of construction that you intend to use. If you are intending to tack last and leave the tacks in the finished shoe then metal plates will prevent these tacks from coming through the insole of your shoe. The top of the tack will hit the metal plate and bend over to prevent any damage. There are various plating options available, including toe only, heel and toe, heel only, ¾ plated and fully plated. Please see examples of these options.

However, if you are intending to hand last or use adhesive in the construction rather than tacks then plates will not be necessary and please select 'Unplated' on your order specification.

What width will the last be made to?

Unless a width is specified we would usually supply mens lasts to an F fitting and ladies lasts to a D fitting. This is generally considered to be a standard fit for the UK market. If you require lasts to an alternative width fitting then please specify the width required in the notes section when placing your order.

How long will my order take?

Once your order and payment have been received we allow 4-6 weeks to complete your order. Please note that since single pairs can be more difficult to slot into production the manufacturing time can sometimes vary. Rest assured that we will do our very best to get your order to you as quickly as possible.

What size do I need?

Please provide your closest standard size. If you need any assistance with choosing the size then please refer to the size chart.

Mens

UK	EU
5	39
5.5	39.5
6	40
6.5	40.5
7	41
7.5	41.5
8	42
8.5	42.5
9	43
9.5	43.5
10	44
10.5	44.5
11	45
11.5	45.5
12	46

Childrens

UK	EU
6	23
7	24
8	25
9	27
10	28
11	29
12	30
13	32
1	33
2	34
3	36
4	37

Ladies

UK	EU
3	36
3.5	36.5
4	37
4.5	37.5
5	38
5.5	38.5
6	39
6.5	39.5
7	40
7.5	40.5
8	41

We have decided not to put the equivalent US sizing on the sizing scale as the varity between what is used is too great.

Technically correct:
Ladies is 4UK =55US, 1 1/2sizes difference
Mens is 8UK = 85US 1/2 size difference
However major brands vary from this.

Do I need to provide any specific measurements?

No. The price we quote for students/hobbyists is to make a pair to a standard size from one of our existing library models. If you wish to have lasts made to your specific measurements then you would need to have a pair of Bespoke Lasts made.

What if the shape I need is not shown on your website?

If you cannot find a suitable model from our products page then we may be able to help. We have tried to offer the most commonly requested shapes/styles to start your studies. However, we have an extensive library of models and may well have a more suitable option for you. If you would like to contact us by email, sending through an image of the style you are looking to make then one of our Model Makers can look through the library and see if we have another option. If so then they will send images of the model and any additional details as required. Please be aware that we charge an additional £25 to cover the time taken to find and photograph models.

I have read the FAQs