The Process

Step 1: Tools of the trade

One of the most important tools for making a shoe is the last, something which customers never normally get to see! The last is a foot shaped piece of material over which the shoes are molded. A different last is used for each shoe size and style. The last is so important because it determines the fit and feel of the shoes. To cut a pattern, the last is first covered with masking tape.

Step 2: Cutting the pattern 

Almost every pair we make at GUSH is unique and so requires a unique pattern to be cut. Pattern cutting involves creating the shape of each component of the shoe. With all our possible shoe combinations and each shoe size requiring a new pattern, we have a lot of patterns in our factory! The other parts of the shoe that need to have patterns made include; the sole (the core of the bottom of the shoe); the insole (the internal part of the shoe that sits directly under the foot); the outsole (the outer layer that directly touches the ground) and the heel.

  

Step 4: Preparing the sole

The core pieces of the sole of the shoe are then covered either side by the inle (the piece that sits against your foot) and the outersole (the piece that sits against the ground).

  

 Step 7: Affixing the outersole

The outersole is then affixed to the shoe.