Departments› Foot Wear Production› Module I› Footwear Construction And Finishing I› Ch 3: Carry out conditioning and shoe lasting operations
Foot Wear Production  ·  Level 5
Footwear Construction And Finishing I
Chapter 3: Carry out conditioning and shoe lasting operations
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⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify the right conditioning methods based on the shoe lasting process, your workplace setup, and the type of upper material.
  • Use conditioning machines and equipment safely and accurately to meet job requirements.
  • Correctly set and adjust conditioning machine settings according to the job specifications.
  • Choose the proper lasting method based on the details of the job.
  • Handle shoe lasting tools, machines, and equipment properly following your organization's setup.
  • Accurately set and adjust lasting tools and machine parameters as required by the job.
  • Perform lasting operations correctly to produce quality footwear.
  • Maintain a safe and clean workplace by following OSHA standards.

Mastering these skills ensures you create well-finished shoes while working safely and efficiently, making you a valuable professional in the footwear trade.

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Preparation of Shoe Upper and Sole Components for Conditioning

Foot Wear Production · Level 5
Footwear Construction And Finishing I
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Prepare 1 pair of leather shoe uppers and rubber soles for conditioning by cleaning, softening, and shaping on size 42 shoe lasts as per the workshop procedure.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Brush for cleaningLeather shoe upper components
Cloth for polishingRubber sole components
Shoe last (size 42)Cleaning solvent
Softening agent (leather conditioner)
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Leather shoe upper components2 pairs per Candidate
2Rubber sole components2 pairs per Candidate
3Cleaning solvent1 bottle per 5 Candidates
4Softening agent (leather conditioner)1 bottle per 5 Candidates
5Shoe last (size 42)1 Pc per Candidate
6Brush for cleaning1 Pc per Candidate
7Cloth for polishing1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Preparation of Shoe Components
Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
(Award 2 marks for correct PPE use, zero otherwise)		2
Cleans leather uppers thoroughly using cleaning solvent and brush
(Award 3 marks for effective cleaning without damage)		3
Cleans rubber sole components properly
(Award 2 marks for thorough cleaning)		2
Applies softening agent evenly on leather uppers
(Award 3 marks for uniform application and correct quantity)		3
Shapes leather uppers correctly on shoe lasts
(Award 4 marks for correct fitting and shaping without creases)		4
Shapes rubber soles on lasts ensuring proper alignment
(Award 3 marks for correct positioning and shaping)		3
Cleans and polishes components after conditioning preparation
(Award 3 marks for neat finishing and removal of residues)		3
Sub-Total20
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Leather uppers cleaned, softened, and shaped correctly to size 42 lasts
(Award 10 marks for correct dimension, softness, and shape as per size 42 lasts)		10
Rubber sole components cleaned and shaped to fit uppers and lasts accurately
(Award 10 marks for proper cleaning and correct shaping to fit uppers)		10
Components free from stains, dirt, and damage after preparation
(Award 10 marks for clean, undamaged, and well-prepared components)		10
Sub-Total30
GRAND TOTAL50
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Condition shoe upper materials to specified softness and stretch

Foot Wear Production · Level 5
Footwear Construction And Finishing I
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Condition 2 leather shoe upper pieces by applying softener and stretching them to achieve uniform softness and required stretch as per the provided specification.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Brush for applying conditionerLeather upper pieces
Stretching tools (wooden shoe stretchers)Conditioning agent (leather softener)
Clean cotton cloths
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Leather upper pieces2 Pcs per Candidate
2Conditioning agent (leather softener)500 ml per Candidate
3Stretching tools (wooden shoe stretchers)1 Pc per Candidate
4Clean cotton cloths3 Pcs per Candidate
5Brush for applying conditioner1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Conditioning and stretching shoe upper materials
Wears appropriate PPE (gloves, apron)
(Award 2 marks for correct PPE use, 0 if none)		2
Prepares leather surface by cleaning with dry cloth
(Award 3 marks for thorough cleaning, 0 if skipped)		3
Applies conditioning agent evenly using brush
(Award 4 marks for uniform application, 0 for patchy)		4
Allows adequate absorption time as per instructions
(Award 3 marks for correct timing, 0 if rushed)		3
Uses stretching tools correctly to stretch upper pieces
(Award 4 marks for proper stretching technique, 0 if improper)		4
Removes excess conditioner with clean cloth
(Award 2 marks for neat wiping, 0 if messy)		2
Maintains work area clean and organized
(Award 2 marks for tidiness, 0 if untidy)		2
Handles materials carefully to avoid damage
(Award 3 marks for careful handling, 0 if careless)		3
Sub-Total23
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Leather upper pieces uniformly softened without dry or hardened spots
(Award 5 marks if uniform softness achieved, 0 for uneven)		5
Upper pieces stretched to specified dimensions with no tears or distortions
(Award 7 marks for correct stretch and no damage, 0 if incorrect)		7
No visible excess conditioning agent residue on surface
(Award 3 marks for clean finish, 0 if residue visible)		3
Upper pieces maintain structural integrity and appearance
(Award 4 marks for intact and neat appearance, 0 if damaged)		4
Sub-Total19
GRAND TOTAL42
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Assemble conditioned shoe upper onto last 280mm lengthPractical 3
🔒Perform lasting operation on shoe upper over lastPractical 4
🔒Attach insole during shoe lasting operationPractical 5
🔒Remove lasting tacks and finish edges of shoe upperPractical 6
🔒Apply lasting board and heel seat to a lasted shoePractical 7
🔒Check and Adjust Shoe Shape on Last for Perfect FitPractical 8
🔒Prepare shoe for finishing post-lastingPractical 9
🔒Quality Control Inspection on Lasted Shoe 280mm LengthPractical 10
Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • Identify the right conditioning methods based on the shoe lasting process, your workplace setup, and the type of upper material.
  • Use conditioning machines and equipment safely and accurately to meet job requirements.
  • Correctly set and adjust conditioning machine settings according to the job specifications.
  • Choose the proper lasting method based on the details of the job.
  • Handle shoe lasting tools, machines, and equipment properly following your organization's setup.
  • Accurately set and adjust lasting tools and machine parameters as required by the job.
  • Perform lasting operations correctly to produce quality footwear.
  • Maintain a safe and clean workplace by following OSHA standards.

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

Sign in to record how you're doing.

← Ch 2: Assemble shoe upper and bottom com… Ch 4: Perform sole attaching operations →