Test shoes are shoes made for last fitting, for use at test fittings.
Some makers cut open or otherwise destroy test shoes during test fittings, such as by cutting away parts of the upper to see how the foot lays within.
Common Differences from Final Shoes
- less desirable materials, such as lasting board rather than a leather insole
- constructed differently from the intended final shoes, such as by cemented construction or Blake construction
- foam or rubber outsoles rather than leather
- unit heels rather than heel stacks
- rarely finished