Northampton: Articles: Spring Line Lasts - Northampton

Spring Line are designers and precision manufacturers of lasts and shoe trees and have been a key supplier to the shoe industry for nearly 25 years.  The company was founded in 1982 by Kenneth Tipping and is now the only remaining last manufacturer in Britain.

Spring Line have produced last styles for a range of footwear and fashion clients that includes Vivienne Westwood, Church’s, Trickers and Paul Smith.  Special commissions include lasts made for the Harry Potter films.

Initial models and bespoke lasts are still crafted in wood. However, the large majority of bulk lasts are now made in plastic for improved durability.  Today, Springline creates about 300 pairs of lasts and about 300 shoe tree pairs every week.

Sales and development director, Michael James said:

“I don’t think a lot of people realise that every shoe needs a last making for it. Every style of shoe needs a last to go with it; it is a craft.”