Frequently Asked Questions
Haka Kalıp is an Istanbul-based shoe last manufacturer whose roots go back to 1894. On this page we answer the questions we hear most often about the company, our production process and our products.
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, contact us at bilgi@hakakalip.com or call +90 212 549 75 42.
What is a shoe last?
A shoe last is the three-dimensional form, based on the shape of the foot, over which a shoe is built. It determines the shoe's size, fit, comfort and silhouette; the upper is shaped over the last and the sole is assembled around it. In modern series production, lasts are mostly made of plastic. Haka Kalıp manufactures plastic shoe lasts in Istanbul, Türkiye, using 3D scanning and CNC technology.
How long has Haka Kalıp been in business?
Haka's roots go back to the 1890s and the workshop of Aram Usta, one of Türkiye's finest last makers; we trace our craft heritage to 1894. The trade passed from Aram Usta to his son Agop Canmelkonyan, then to Agop Usta's apprentice and later partner Rıdvan Tekinalp; today the fourth generation of the Tekinalp family runs the company. This makes Haka one of Türkiye's longest-established shoe last manufacturers. Our live production totals (pairs produced and model projects) are published on the homepage at www.hakakalip.com.
Who owns Haka Kalıp?
Haka Kalıp is owned and run by the Tekinalp family, now in its fourth generation. Our craft lineage begins in the 1890s with Aram Usta, one of Türkiye's finest last makers, continues with his son Agop Canmelkonyan, and passes to Agop Usta's apprentice and later partner Rıdvan Tekinalp, whose family has led Haka without interruption ever since.
Where does the name "Haka" come from?
The name "Haka" comes from the Turkish verb hakketmek, which means to carve or engrave into hard surfaces. The craftsman who practises this art is called a hakkâk, and the root of the word is the Arabic hakk, meaning to carve. The name reflects the fact that last making is, at its heart, a craft of carving and shaping.
Which last types do you produce?
We produce eight last types: with size plate (künyeli), without size plate (künyesiz), slip lasts (kaymalı), hinged lasts (kırmalı), spring-hinged lasts (sustalı), lasts with toe iron (burun demirli), lasts with heel iron (ökçe demirli) and toe-separated lasts (parmak aralı). The right type depends on your shoe construction and assembly method. Our team helps you choose during model development.
Which footwear segments do you produce lasts for?
We produce lasts for sport, classic, kids and fashion footwear. We work with leading footwear brands in Türkiye and abroad. Each segment has its own last geometry and comfort expectations, and our experienced last makers account for these differences during model development.
How does your production process work?
Our process has four steps. First, experienced last makers develop your model with AI-assisted modelling. Next, a sample is produced as a single last or a pair, presented for your approval and revised if needed. After approval, the lasts go into CNC series production with a tolerance of ±0.1 mm, and you can follow every stage in real time through our customer portal.
How does sampling work?
Once model development is complete, we produce a sample last as a single or a pair and present it for your approval. The model is revised according to your feedback, and series production starts only after you approve the sample. This approach keeps surprises out of series production.
How do I track my order?
You can track the status of your order in real time through the Haka Kalıp customer portal. The portal makes every stage visible, from model development and sample approval to CNC series production. For portal access, write to bilgi@hakakalip.com; for order matters, you can also reach us at siparis@hakakalip.com.
How do I get a quote?
To request a quote, use the contact form on our website, email bilgi@hakakalip.com or call +90 212 549 75 42. Sharing your model file, target segment, last type and estimated quantities helps us respond quickly. Pricing and timelines are determined individually for each project, based on the model's requirements.
Which regions do you serve?
We are based in Istanbul and serve footwear manufacturers across Türkiye as well as in the Balkans, the Middle East and Europe. We are export-ready and work with international customers in multiple languages. Our website is available in Turkish, English, German, Italian, Chinese, Spanish and Arabic.
What are your sustainability practices?
Our plastic lasts are made partly from recycled raw material. Lasts that reach the end of their service life are fed back into the production cycle, and the chips and offcuts from CNC production are separated and recycled. Because precisely made lasts have a long service life, they also reduce resource consumption over time.
Where is your factory? Can we visit?
Our production facility is in Istanbul: İOSB Ziya Gökalp Mah. Aymakoop San. Sit. B8 Blok Kat:3 No:67-67A, İkitelli, Başakşehir / Istanbul. We are open Monday to Saturday, 08:30–18:00. Manufacturers who would like to visit the facility can arrange an appointment by calling +90 212 549 75 42 or emailing bilgi@hakakalip.com.