Abstract: A system and method directed for a footwear insert whereby the insert provides a more efficient and durable method for providing cushioning in footwear and utilizes a cushioning method that uses deflection as a way to provide cushioning similar to a trampoline that is durable, retains its shape over time, and has very little energy loss.

Abstract: The footwear cushioning invention includes a floating elastic plate that stores and returns elastic energy to provide cushioning through deflection of the elastic plate. Cushioning is by energy return rather than the compression of a foam. Footwear cushioning utilizes a deflection plate integrated into the heel of the shoe for providing shock attenuation and energy absorption when a wearer impacts a hard surface with the shoe. The deflection plate can be carbon fiber because it increases energy return and minimizes energy loss. A cavity can be formed in a midsole of the shoe underneath the deflection plate to allow the plate to flex into the cavity when pressed down upon by a wearer's heel, thereby accepting the energy of a downward step. A post can be located in the center of the cavity underneath the deflection plate that allows support and minimizes excessive deflection of the deflection plate.

Abstract: The footwear cushioning invention includes a floating elastic plate that stores and returns elastic energy to provide cushioning through deflection of the elastic plate. Cushioning is by energy return rather than the compression of a foam. Footwear cushioning utilizes a deflection plate integrated into the heel of the shoe for providing shock attenuation and energy absorption when a wearer impacts a hard surface with the shoe. The deflection plate can be carbon fiber because it increases energy return and minimizes energy loss. A cavity can be formed in a midsole of the shoe underneath the deflection plate to allow the plate to flex into the cavity when pressed down upon by a wearer's heel, thereby accepting the energy of a downward step. A post can be located in the center of the cavity underneath the deflection plate that allows support and minimizes excessive deflection of the deflection plate.

Abstract: The footwear cushioning invention includes a floating elastic plate that stores and returns elastic energy to provide cushioning through deflection of the elastic plate. Cushioning is by energy return rather than the compression of a foam. Footwear cushioning utilizes a deflection plate integrated into the heel of the shoe for providing shock attenuation and energy absorption when a wearer impacts a hard surface with the shoe. The deflection plate can be carbon fiber because it increases energy return and minimizes energy loss. A cavity can be formed in a midsole of the shoe underneath the deflection plate to allow the plate to flex into the cavity when pressed down upon by a wearer's heel, thereby accepting the energy of a downward step. A post can be located in the center of the cavity underneath the deflection plate that allows support and minimizes excessive deflection of the deflection plate.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface.

Abstract: An outsole for a golf shoe having a plurality of lateral and medial cleats spaced apart longitudinally adjacent the perimeter on each of the lateral and medial sides of the foresole region, and least one cleat adjacent the perimeter on each of the lateral and medial sides of the heel region, with a groove running longitudinally through the foresole region between the medial and lateral cleats, in substantially vertical registry with a region of the foot defined by the center phalange and the lateral and medial phalanges adjacent the center phalange. Preferably another groove extends between the lateral and media sides of the foresole region, having an inverted “V” shape with the apex of the “V” directed forwardly and intersecting the longitudinal groove, in substantially vertical registry with all of the five phalange joints lying midway between the toes and the arches of the foot. In a further preference, a raised pad is provided at the medial side of the arch region.

Abstract: A special sealed heel bladder defining a space divided into a rear heel chamber positioned in the main heel strike area and a front heel chamber. The rear heel chamber comprises about 60 percent of the total volume. The front heel chamber comprises about 40 percent of the total volume. These chambers are divided by a diagonal interior wall at an angle of 35 degrees to a transverse line or plane and having controlled flow orifice means which regulates rate of flow of a viscous liquid from the rear heel chamber to the front heel chamber upon heel strike. The chambers are filled with a mixture of viscous liquid and a gas, typically air. The volume of viscous liquid is greater than the volume of the front heel chamber and preferably is about 80 to 90 percent of the total volume.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having a midsole subassembly formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, the lower layer having a rear higher density portion terminating short of the front end and integrally bonded with a lower density toe off pad portion into which the toes can sink during toe off. The upper layer extends beneath the heel and forwardly, terminating short of the toe area. This upper layer and the toe off pad have cooperative transverse grooves which are located relative to each other and to vertical flex grooves in the medial and lateral sides of the shoe upper, to enable the shoe to flex in a smooth curve with the foot. This upper layer has overlapping, laterally tapered wedge portions of different density and an integral, upstanding heel stabilizing cup, one portion from each wedge. The outsole has portions of different densities, the heel and ball portions of greater density for wear durability.

Abstract: A track shoe with an improved sole is disclosed. The sole includes a plate formed of a first material which extends along substantially the entire length of the shoe. A plurality of traction cleats are permanently attached to the plate and are formed of a second material having a hardness less than the first material. A plurality of spike fasteners are attached to the forepart portion of the plate and a pair of lateral traction extensions are formed integral with the plate and extend upwardly therefrom adjacent to and upwardly of the fifth metatarsal-phalanges joint. The lateral traction extensions are separated by a gap. First, second and third flex grooves are formed in the plate to enhance the flexibility of the plate along the grooves. The first and second flex grooves extend generally parallel to a line between the first and second metatarsal-phalanges joints. The third flex groove extends substantially parallel with a line extending along the second through fifth metatarsal-phalanges joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outer sole for an athletic shoe. The outer sole has a plurality of ridges of varying depth and cleats to provide traction, cushioning and wearability. The outer sole also includes a serpentine, extended ledge of varying depth in areas where large forces are imparted to the outer sole.