Abstract: An article of footwear having a heel support assembly with a memory foam layer situated internally of a heel counter is provided. The memory foam layer may be laminated to the heel counter, for example, by adhesive or direct attachment. The heel memory foam layer may have a maximum thickness that is sufficient to embrace the heel of the wearer's foot potentially cradling the calcaneus, the retrocalcaneal bursa and the base of the Achilles tendon. The heel support assembly may also include a heel cradle extending around an external portion of the upper and including a lasting allowance. The heel cradle can provide torsional support in the arch region (or waist) of the article of footwear, for example when the heel support assembly is incorporated into an article of footwear with a strobel construction.

Abstract: Safety footwear adapted to provide protection to the instep region and/or metatarsals of a wearer is provided, including an internal metatarsal guard disposed in an interior of an upper, a first external metatarsal guard joined with the exterior of the upper, and optionally a second external metatarsal guard joined with the exterior of the upper, and overlapping the first external metatarsal guard. Upon flexing of the instep region during a gait cycle of a wearer, the second external metatarsal guard can ride along the first external metatarsal guard in a lobster tail articulation. The footwear and its components provide impact and crushing force resistance, yet the footwear is flexible enough to provide enhanced mobility to a wearer.

Abstract: Safety footwear adapted to provide protection to the instep region and/or metatarsals of a wearer is provided, including an internal metatarsal guard disposed in an interior of an upper, a first external metatarsal guard joined with the exterior of the upper, and optionally a second external metatarsal guard joined with the exterior of the upper, and overlapping the first external metatarsal guard. Upon flexing of the instep region during a gait cycle of a wearer, the second external metatarsal guard can ride along the first external metatarsal guard in a lobster tail articulation. The footwear and its components provide impact and crushing force resistance, yet the footwear is flexible enough to provide enhanced mobility to a wearer.