Abstract: A device for positioning and blocking soles of footwear includes a table (26, 32) with an area for resting the sole, members (28, 29, 39, 40) for centering the sole disposed at least at opposite ends of the rest area and a vacuum operated device (44, 45) which suction the sole against the table to maintain it in the position imposed by the centering members. The adaptability of the work surface and the positioning members, together with the replaceability of the suction fixtures (46, 47) disposed on the work surface enable the correct positioning and blockage of soles of various shapes. A machine (53) incorporating the device can thus operate on a sole quickly and efficiently, for example to spread glue on its surface to be stuck onto a corresponding shoe.