Method of and apparatus for side lasting shoes on lasts comprising a side tack insertion device, wherein the latter is moved along the lasting margin in an operating path following the course of the shank region. A friction closure element (tensioning strap, roller, smoothing runner) is moved stepwise in a longitudinal direction of the shoe and with each step is pressed periodically against the upper in a strip-like region associated with each tack insertion, whereby the upper is stretched in a direction towards the lasting margin.