Machines for lasting heel seat portions of shoes

In heel seat (or combined side and seat) lasting machincs, the shoe is first located relative to lasting instrumentalities (18; 112) lengthwise by a heel band (16; 114) and heightwise by a holddown (20). To prevent dislodging the upper on its last by moving it heightwise relative to the heel band, and to prevent damage to insole, e.g. by scuffing, by moving the shoe lengthwise relative to the holddown, firstly the holddown is mounted for limited pivotal movement so that, after engagement by the shoe, it can move lengthwise therewith, and secondly, the holddown is engaged by the shoe while out of engagement with the heel band. To achieve this, either the shoe is first located lengthwise by the heel band (16), is then retracted, positioned heightwise, and then returned to its lengthwise location, or, as it moves lengthwise, the shoe is caused to engage the holddown before it reaches the heel band (114).