Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically applying heel covers to women's heels including a rotatable work table with jigs for holding the heels fixed around the periphery. Positioned outwardly from the periphery of the table are work stations with independently programmed operating machines which are responsive to the instructions as to heel size and style which are placed into the controller for the process. The controller operates motors and air valves which control the operation and positioning of an automatic top trimmer, a seat roller, a breast notcher, upper and lower nippers, a dowel and lift inserter and a dowel setting device. Each of these is preset depending on the style and size heel being worked on. Instructions as to new styles or types can be inserted into the controller while the machine is running.

Abstract: A mid-sole or sole of shoes for massaging the sole of a foot by stimulating it during walking includes recess portions on the upper surface of a bottom plate defined by a wall portion, a plurality of blades in the recess portions extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate and being slanted in the same direction, a flexible cover sealed at the peripheral end portion of the upper surface of the bottom plate, and liquid injected and filled in the space provided between the bottom plate and the cover.