Last (Shoe Shape)

A last is the three-dimensional form, roughly foot-shaped, that a shoe is constructed around; it determines length, width, toe shape, and volume. Two shoes in the same nominal size can fit completely differently because they use different lasts, which is why "true to size" is meaningless without knowing the last. Brands often reuse lasts across models, so once you know a last fits, you can size other shoes on it confidently. When sizing footwear online, the most useful information beyond your measured length is the last name and the broad consensus on whether it runs large, small, or wide.