Degree
the difference in height between the foremost and hindmost parts of the heel
Heel Length
the distance forward to back from the breast line to the back of the heel
often approximated as one quarter of standard last length
Heel Pitch
last measurement indicating the intended difference in height off the ground plane of the heel seat and treadline of shoes to be made on that last
functionally related to toe spring
Heel Rake
how far the top of the heel part or comb juts forward ahead from the rearmost past of the heel
Standard Last Length
tape last measurement from the rearmost point of the featherline at the heel to the foremost point of the featherline at the point of the toe
Stick Length
from the back of the heel to the front of the forepart, flat along the ground plane, such as with a size stick
Toe Box Height
the height from bottom of the last to the top of the toe box, perpendicular to the ground plane
Toe Spring
how high the toe point stands above the ground plane
Many shoe lasts have at least some toe spring, for various reasons:
- Pre-bending the ball reduces stress on the forefoot when the ball of the foot bends, especially from shoes with thick or reinforced soles.
- Pre-bending the vamp reduces creasing that may show as rolls or deep wrinkles on the most visible part of the shoe.
- Wearers are accustomed to how slightly sprung toes look and feel.
- Springing the toe may reduce tripping outdoors.
Overall, lasts with higher heel height tend to have less toe spring. Shoes with particularly thick or inflexibles soles tend to have more toe spring.
Some rock climbing shoes have negative toe spring to aid toe holds on small protrusions. Similarly, the toes of pointe shoe lasts point down.
Wedge Angle
the angle between the heights of the foremost and hindmost parts of the heel
related to degree and heel length