Abstract: A method and apparatus for making shoes of the type comprising an injection molded sole which is bonded to a marginal edge portion of a string lasting preferably made of a thermoplastic material. The lasting is held on a last. A radiant heater is automatically positioned below the lasting to preheat the marginal edge portion of the lasting until it is tacky, at about 150.degree.-200.degree. F., after which the heater is withdrawn and the last and the lasting are positioned at the top of a sole mold. Injection molding apparatus injects a molten thermoplastic sole material, such as polyvinyl chloride, at high temperatures of about 300.degree.-380.degree. F. into a sole cavity formed in the sole mold were the molten material bonds to the marginal edge portion of the lasting to form a completed shoe. The completed shoe is cooled by transferring it from the last which was employed during the molding operation to a cooling last separate from the machine. The completed shoe is rapidly cooled to down below 45.degree.