Hand lasting operator

About this occupation

Hand lasting operators shape and secure linings and uppers over the last by hand. Hand lasting operators pull the forepart, the waist and the seat of the upper over the last using handtools with the aim of obtaining the final shape of the footwear model. They start by pulling the front part edges of the upper over the last, and pressing the waist and the seat. They then flatten the wiped edges and cut excess box toe and lining, and use stitching or cementing to fix the shape.

A specialisation of shoemaker.

• Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
• Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
• Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
• Repair and rework templates and patterns.
• Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
• Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Conventional, Artistic

Top skills: Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening

US median pay: US$58,000 a year (2025), 1,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.0)
• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.