Abstract: A rigid box toe piece for use in the assembly of a lasted safety shoe is lined in a machine which shapes the liner and attaches it to the inner surface of the steel box. The machine includes a clamp to temporarily hold the positioned box liner with respect to a mold which is shaped to correspond to the toe end of a last. The steel box is placed over the clamped liner and a press then urges the steel box over the liner and onto the mold to press and shape the liner between the box and the mold. The liner is secured to the steel box by adhesive which is applied to the inner surface of the box before the box is placed in the machine so that the pressing step also bonds the liner to the box. The machine includes means for aligning the liner with respect to the mold.

Abstract: A safety shoe having a rigid box toe (such as steel) is assembled by a method in which the steel box is incorporated into the shoe upper before the upper is assembled with the last. The steel box is attached to the upper in a position such that when the upper assembly (including the steel box) is fitted onto the last, a light longitudinal draft of the upper will result. With the upper thus placed on the last, it can be lasted in conventional pulling over and lasting equipment. The upper assembly has only one lastable marginal portion at its toe and forepart region so that only one pulling over and lasting operation is required in order to last the upper about the box toe.