Lasting posts are tools that hold shoe lasts upside down so makers can last uppers and do other work on the bottoms of shoes with both hands free. A last pin at the top of the post inserts into the last socket of the last.
Lasting posts may be as simple as threaded rods mounted through work benches or as complex as custom-built, floor- or bench-standing lasting jack with accompanying toe cradle and ratcheting foot straps.
Makers may also use a lasting post as a long lever to “break”, or fold, the springs of alpha hinge lasts when delasting.
Lasting posts serve makers much like cobbler anvil serve repairers.