Abstract: A shoe cushion system integrated in a heel portion of a shoe includes a cavity in the heel of the sole for housing a honeycomb cushion and a strike pad to reduce foot fatigue. A spring is located directly above the strike pad and directs force from the impact of a foot on the heel portion of the shoe. An extendable portion of the spring is positioned within a lasting board aperture, while a flat portion overlaps the lasting board. This spring is made from a gel-like substance, which allows the extendable portion to project through the aperture when force is applied to the heel portion of the shoe. The extendable portion of the spring transfers force onto the strike pad, which in turn presses down on the honeycomb cushion. This honeycomb cushion compresses under the pressure of the strike pad to absorb some of the force.

Abstract: A shank for providing stability and torsional control to a shoe comprises a generally rectangular body having a pair of legs extending non-symmetrically from a first end for providing flexibility at the ball of the shoe, and a semicircular tab formed from a second end for enhancing the rigidity and torsional stability. A crested ridge formed along the underside of the shank provides stiffness to the shank's body while the legs allow for flexibility in the shank to accommodate the slight angular bending, twisting or sideways rocking that occurs at the ball of the shoe. From a side view, the body of the shank is curved to look like a generally elongated S-shape which follows the inclined form of a shoe lasting board. A stabilizer protruding in relief from the top side of the shank is used to align the shank with the shoe lasting board prior to permanent affixation.