SATRA launches digital last assessment service

Detailing the three levels of SATRA’s new consultancy provision.

Digital last assessment is a simple, fast, accurate and cost-effective way to assess three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) files of men’s, women’s or children’s lasts. Footwear designers and manufacturers who use a last with improper proportions will create a poorly fitted shoe, which could affect sales and, if purchased online, increase return rates. Currently, last design is likely to be digital and based overseas, leaving retailers and brand owners with little control in whether or not a last assessment was carried out and if the fit correlates with their target market.

SATRA is offering three tiers of digital last assessment service and the organisation’s team of experts will provide specialist advice and information throughout the process to ensure a customer gets the correct last dimensions for the intended end user, thus improving fit and comfort.

Three levels of assessment

Tier 1 – Last verification. The first tier of SATRA’s digital last assessment service involves an accurate measurement of the last for several key dimensions, to confirm its size and verify the dimensions stated by the supplier or manufacturer. Without direct control over tooling, it is easy for simple errors such as mislabelling or confusion between last measurement techniques to change the intended fit of the end footwear. An independent and highly accurate measurement can reduce confusion and ensure that the last has the desired dimensions.

Tier 2 – Last assessment. Alongside providing the last verification of the tier 1 service, tier 2 also includes an assessment of the last for dimensional suitability against its marked size. It offers statements of fit for footwear produced on the last and recommendations for improving the fit where available, based on SATRA’s well-respected guidelines. Knowing that a last has the dimensions and shape stated by the manufacturer is vital, but understanding how this will affect fit and comfort and connecting these issues early in the development process will save time and money and ultimately reduce the risk of returns.

Tier 3 – Fit forecasting. SATRA’s tier 3 service includes the last verification and last assessment from tiers 1 and 2. It also offers additional insight into the likely population coverage offered by a last based on conclusions from SATRA’s Global Foot Dimensions report and suggestions on changes to key measurements in order to maximise population coverage. Understanding how a product will fit against its intended market will maximise potential sales by creating the most efficient shape for a population.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 6 of the November 2019 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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