means or styles of enabling lasts to change shape or come apart in pieces so they can be removed from shoes during delasting
Dividing-Based
Scoop Block
AKA: 2-Part (Spenlé)
division-based last mechanism where the last is sawed into two parts, the top of the cone and the rest of the last, which are screwed together through a hole in the top accessible above the topline or within the shaft of the upper when lasted. The last is removed in pieces by first unscrewing and removing the cone block, then removing the rest of the last.
Wooden scoop-block lasts are popular among bespoke shoe makers.
Lisa Sorrell explaining a scoop-block last
Hinge-Based
Alpha Hinge
AKA: V-Hinge, Foldcut (Spenlé)
Alpha-hinge lasts have a v-shaped cutout or “vent” between the top of the cone and the socket, as well as a spring and hinge at the bottom of the waist that allows the backpart to be pivoted up or “broken” relative to the forepart, for removal.
Alpha-hinge lasts are particularly popular among production-line tall boot manufacturers.
Alpha-hinge lasts can cause problems for the toplines of lower shoes, since breaking the last causes its overall length to increase slightly as the curve of the heel rises. They may also pose challenges finely finishing the quarters of shoes, since the vent makes a gap where no last material backs the upper for hammering or burnishing.
Lisa Sorrell demonstrating an alpha-hinge last
Tendo Hinge
Tendo-hinge is a last mechanism dividing lasts into two pieces, one compromising the forepart and a front portion of the tone, the other the backpart, connected by a spring-loaded hinge. The last is removed from the shoe by “breaking” the hinge, tilting the back part of the last backward.
For low shoes, Tendo-hinge lasts offer may of the benefits of alpha hinge lasts without extending in length when broken, which can distort toplines.