Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an apparatus and method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.

Abstract: A shoe edge processing machine comprises means (26, 27) of gripping a shoe along an axis (31) virtually perpendicular to the shoe, shoe processing means (16), relative movement means (12, 22) for the shoe and processing means for causing these processing means (16) to travel the edge of a shoe held in the gripping means (26, 27). Advantageously the gripping axis (21) rotates to cause the entire peripheral edge of the shoe torn under the processing head. Powered jaws (42, 43) provide positioned means for the shoe to allow its correct gripping by the gripping means (26, 27).