Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pulling over and toe lasting machine and a side and heel seat lasting machine. The pulling over and toe lasting machine comprises two linear potentiometers (102, 104) for monitoring the movement of the heel rest (26) both lengthwise and heightwise of a shoe, a left/right sensor (PrS2) and a proximity switch (PrS1) which senses when the wiper plates (20) reach a predetermined position in their inwiping movement and causes output value information from the potentiometers (102, 104) and left/right sensor (PrS2) to be "read". The side and heel seat lasting machine comprises two side lasting assemblies (36) tiltable in a direction lengthwise of the shoe, to accommodate to the spring of the last, and two adhesive-applying nozzles (40) arranged to track along opposite portions of the shoe. A further linear potentiometer (146) monitors the nozzle movement, and stepping motors (66) are provided for effecting tilting movement of the assemblies (36).

Abstract: A combined heel end assembling, backpart moulding and heel seat lasting machine comprises a shoe support for supporting a shoe bottom uppermost. For gripping and tensioning the shoe upper on its last prior to the combined operation taking place, two grippers are provided with each of which is associated a reaction lever/presser member, the latter serving to hold the last in position while the grippers tension the upper heightwise. Thereafter, the grippers are moved lengthwise of the shoe to tension the upper about the heel end of the last. The machine also comprises a heel band for backpart moulding and wipers for lasting the heel seat region of the shoe, adhesive applying means being provided for applying adhesive in the heel seat prior to lasting. A plurality of positional adjustments within the shoe support is provided.