3D Modelling of Customized Lasts Based on Anthropometric Data Acquired from 3D Foot Scanning – One Case Study

Designing and manufacturing personalized lasts are the first steps in obtaining the right fitted footwear for various users, especially for sports or/and medical purposes. The accurate dimensional relationship between foot and last represents the key element for this activity. The critical shape of the last should always be determined by the shape of the foot and the cumulative relationship between lengths, widths, heights and girths, whatever method is used. Some corrections and constraints must always be considered because the shoe-last is not identical to the foot. The foot anthropometric measurements are modified based on biomechanical constraints and technological limitations and they are interactively transformed into last’s dimensions by using 3D modelling. The present study brings together the modern scanning technique with the new methodology for modifying a reference last, and it is aimed to explore the philosophy of re-designing functional lasts. It also tests and highlights the limits of the actual methodology for shoe-last virtual prototyping based on anthropometric data acquired from a commercially available 3D foot scanning system.