Your Custom Cobbler
Mark J. Nelson, B.S., D.P.M.
Custom Medical and Fashion Footwear, Shoe Repair & Modifications
Some Tools Of The Trade
A Work In Process
Many conditions including arthritis, polio, swelling, accidents, and post operative results cause standard footwear to fit poorly.
Custom footwear may make a world of difference. I hand make custom shoes that provide comfort, safety, mobility, and style
from plaster castings of your feet. I can create an entire collection of dress and casuals replacing the pumps, oxfords, sandals
and boots you will love to wear.
We begin with a 45 minute casting procedure. Ill cover each foot with wet plaster strips which dry as I place your foot in a
comfortable position. Measurements and outlines are made both seated and standing. Youll choose a pattern style, the
leather skins from which Ill make uppers and linings, and a sole pattern.
Your castings are next filled with plaster, and a custom last is produced for each foot, combining your anatomical characteristics
with the design elements of the style youve chosen. Light weight cushion foam is melted over the bottom of each last forming a
custom molded insole for each shoe.
From each last I develop patterns for the vamps (tops), quarters (sides), tongues and linings. I trace these onto the leathers you
chose, cut them out, and sew them together to make completed uppers, which are moistened, stretched, and tacked over the
shoe forms.
This is known as hand lasting. Once dry, Ill add balancing material to the bottom of each shoe to improve weight bearing, and
equalize limb lengths. I then cut a thread channel into each sole, and hand sew it into place.
The last is now broken out of each shoe. Straps, laces, and buckles are applied. The sole edges are dyed, and the shoes are
shined. Its time for me to call you and invite you back to try them on.