lasts

Lasts is the plural form of the noun last and the third-person singular present tense of the verb last. As a noun, a last is a solid or hollow form shaped like a human foot that helps create and fit footwear. Shoemakers place the shoe upper over the last and secure it to the sole; lasts define length, width, toe shape, arch height, and heel fit. They are produced in wood, plastic, or metal and come in sizes for men, women, and children. Wood lasts are traditional and can be carved to specific toe shapes and widths, while modern lasts are often plastic or composite for durability and repeatable production.

In shoemaking, lasts are central to shaping, fitting, and finishing footwear. They guide the construction process, influence the shoe’s silhouette, and are used in repairing or resizing footwear. The lasting process involves pulling or shaping the leather over the last and securing it to the sole, often with stitches or adhesives, before final stabilization and shaping.

As a verb, lasts means to endure or continue in time. The third-person singular present form is used with singular subjects, as in “the battery lasts eight hours” or “the warranty lasts two years.” The word’s past tense is lasted, and the present participle is lasting. In figurative use, it can describe something that persists beyond expectations or throughout a period, such as traditions or effects that last across generations.