Curved Last

Definition: A shoe last refers to the shape of the shoe.  You can tell which last, or shape, the shoe has by turning it upside down.  A curved last works best for those with high arches, who are also supinators (most high arches – not all – are oversupinators). All feet need to “toe off” with the great toe (big toe).  High arched feet need a curved shoe shape to do this.  Other shoe shapes move a high arch foot to toe off on the other toes instead of the great toe.

Wearing shoes with the last that best matches the needs of each foot is best for the short term as well as the long term.  Ankle, knee and hip function are all affected by toe off.  It becomes particularly important the longer one wears the shoes at any given time and the degree of impact (whether you work on your feet all day or participate in high impact sports).

Benefits: Curved lasts are best for those with high arches who supinate.  Shoes made on this kind of last move the foot toward toe off with the great toe – the optimal foot motion for all feet.  Those with high arches may wear straight or semi-curved lasts and feel fine in them but the majority of their shoes, and particularly shoes they are in for long periods of time or recreationally, should have curved lasts.

Text: Copyright 2007-2010 Carole Romig   Image: Footankleassociates.net