A last is the form use in shoemaking to shape a shoe in the rough form of a human foot. It is used by cordwainers or shoemakers in the manufacture or repair of shoes. Lasts come in pairs and the material used to make them can vary from wood (which expands and contracts based on humidity, generally not a desired characteristic) to high-density polyethylene. This shape is designed to fit the foot, the toe style and is used in production to add the sole and heel after stretching the leather or fabric around the top.