Figure 1.-- The Central Shoe and Rubber Compasny offered eybber lasts in their 1916 catalog. Of interest, however, is the first item listed as "COMFORT--An extremely wide right and left last, with large heel seat, designed to fit Skuffer and Barefoot Sandal Shoes." I never heard of Skuffer, but I know that closed toe double t-strap sandals were called "barefoot sandals" until quite recently. |
A 1916 catalog issued by the Central Shoe and Rubber Company had information on the shoe lasts offered. The company was was located at 251-253 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, New York. The company offered Hood and Old Colony rubber boots and shoes. These were apparrantely subsidiries. Hood offered first quality items while Old Colony offered second quality goods. On page 8 of the catalog is a listing of "Misses' and Children's Lasts". A last is a metal or wooden form on which shoes are made. The term is also used for the shape of a shoe. The company here appears to be using the term to show the shape of the bottom of the shoe, te part made in rubber. Unfortunately, only the bottoms of the "rubbers" are shown. Of interest, however, is the first item listed as "COMFORT--An extremely wide right and left last, with large heel seat, designed to fit Skuffer and Barefoot Sandal Shoes." I never heard of Skuffer, but I know that closed toe double t-strap sandals were called "barefoot sandals" until quite recently. Since these shoes were rather open on the top, children would wear these rubber coverings during inclement weather. I remember such rain gear during the 40s and 50s. I still have a pair of adult sized rubbers, but never use them any more. I'm not sure how common rubber lasts were for sandals, but here we see at least one company was offering rubber lasts for both shoes and sandals.
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