Yesterday I built and shaped heels on these boots. The plastic form, called a last, inside the boots weighs around 2-2.5 pounds depending on size. I shape the heels on a sanding wheel that’s slightly above waist height for me, holding the boot out in front of me against the wheel, turning and rotating the boot, flipping it around and repeating on the other side. The larger the boot, the heavier the last is, and the brown boots are a size 12.5.

I’ve also added some weight training to my exercise routine in an attempt to bulk up my arms and shoulders. Yesterday these two things collided hard and by the time I got home I will confess to some plaintive whimpers as my arms and shoulders and upper back made their complaints known. I’m feeling better today but I think as a special treat I’ll just work on a pretty boot top and not lift or shape anything.