The fit of a shoe is entirely dependent on the last upon which it is made, as this provides a base upon which the material and components of the shoe are built upon. Traditionally, the lasts would have been created by the shoe manufacturer, allowing for the most accurate fit of their particular shoes. However, more and more shoe manufacturers are beginning to buy their lasts from abroad, reducing the assurance of a perfect fit. Not Gabor. They have specifically created an in-house team who are responsible for producing the lasts for the company.

A Last Designed to Fit

Each and every part of the boot and shoes within Gabor footwear ranges are designed not only to last but to provide maximum comfort for the wearer. In order to do this, all dimensions of the shoe need to be specific, as a short insole or a low toe height can result in the shoe pinching. Gabor continue to build their lasts and designs so that they provide a shape of maximum comfort for the wearer as well as being uncompromising of the style. In creating these lasts, Gabor are confident that 8/10 women will find that their shoes fit their feet. This confidence arises from the fact that each style of shoe, from court to moccasin shoe have their own specific range of lasts.

A Last Designed to Change With Fashions

Regardless of the specificness of a last, it is inevitable that the fashions will change and the styles of Gabor's shoes will have to change too. In order to change quickly and fluidly with the fashions, Gabor don't just use the same lasts with a different upper and components, but re-design each last to become entirely suitable to the new design. The designer team will do the drawings and specifications before passing these onto the last modellers who will create the lasts to incorporate everything within the drawings. The last will have to include the specific shapes for the outsole, insole, stiffener and heel before the wood of the last is then filed, measured and milled to become exactly as the designer intended. The last prototype will then be made from plastic once it has been digitalised and the designer will thoroughly check the design to ensure it is just as they intended it to be.