Benjamin Majster (Last Engineers) envisions a future where footwear customisation becomes standard

In a world where consumers increasingly value comfort and precision, Last Engineers is addressing one of its most significant challenges: achieving the perfect fit. Founded by Benjamin Majster, Last Engineers combines traditional craftsmanship with technology to tackle issues of comfort, durability and sizing accuracy in footwear manufacturing.

"The idea for Last Engineers came from a simple but pressing observation: finding shoes that fit well should not be difficult. Yet, for most people, it still is. We have all had that experience of ordering a pair online or trying one on in-store, only to realise it's too tight in some areas, too loose in others, or just plain uncomfortable", Benjamin explains. 

This problem is even more pronounced for footwear brands as they grapple with inconsistent sizing, varied foot shapes and the limitations of traditional production methods. The complexity is further amplified by the need to balance quality, manage costs and reduce product returns, all while meeting customer expectations. 

Central to this issue is the declining presence of skilled last makers—craftspeople historically responsible for shaping and refining shoe lasts, the moulds that determine fit. "As production scaled and globalised, their knowledge became less accessible. Today, many brands have lost this in-house expertise, leaving them dependent on suppliers and stuck in a costly trial-and-error process to get the fit just right", the Founder notes. 

Recognising this gap, Last Engineers tackled the problem by focusing on the shoe last itself. "We realised that the key to solving fit issues was not just about improving production—it was about mastering the last. If you can get the last right, you have already solved a big part of the fit problem", he shares.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced tools like computer vision and deep learning, Last Engineers developed a system to tackle the gap. This system "analyses 3D models of lasts, measures them with extreme precision and detects even the smallest flaws. If a section is too tight, too wide, or does not align with a brand's specific fit standards, our system flags it and suggests adjustments automatically".

Beyond refining lasts, the platform connects with foot scan data, allowing brands to compare their lasts to real foot shapes. This integration ensures better fit and enables targeted designs for specific markets or demographics. "By addressing the core issues of fit, comfort and quality directly at the source—the shoe last—we are helping brands create better products, reduce waste and deliver a more reliable experience to their customers", Benjamin emphasises.

As online footwear sales continue to grow, so do the challenges of ensuring consistent fit and reducing product returns. Benjamin stresses the role Last Engineers plays in tackling these issues. "We address this issue by helping brands build and consolidate their internal expertise around fit and last-making—skills that have become increasingly rare in modern production teams", he explains. 

A distinctive feature of Last Engineers is integrating foot data into the design process. "Our foot scanning app", – he continues – "allows customers to scan their feet from anywhere using just their smartphone. Enabling brands to incorporate real customer foot profiles into their design process", allowing brands to optimise their products for real customers, reducing returns and enhancing the shopping experience.

Additionally, Last Engineers is developing a recommendation system to guide customers toward the best-fitting styles for their unique foot shapes. "With Foot Engineers and our foot-last comparison tools, brands can evaluate how well a last fits an actual human foot—not just abstract size standards", the Founder notes.