Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The upper may include separate top and bottom portions. The bottom portion upper may be disposed between the midsole and outsole and may include separate first and second sections.

Abstract: A support structure for footwear includes a longitudinally extending member to which a plurality of laterally extending supports members are secured at spaced apart locations along a length of the longitudinal member. The support structure may extend along the entire length of a footwear or may be specifically designed for the forefoot, midfoot, or hindfoot areas of a footwear. The support structure may be combined with plate-like structures or may include a plurality of longitudinally extending members. The lateral supports may extend in a generally horizontal plane or may extend in an upward or downward direction out of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the longitudinal and lateral members may be made of different materials, or each may be made of a plurality of different materials to provide the desired characteristics of the support structure at a given location in the footwear. Different portions of the longitudinal member may be more or less flexible than the lateral supports.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A structure for enhancing the stability of a midsole including a plurality of strands which extend from a position on top of the midsole to a location secured to the bottom of the midsole. The strands are preferably secured to an energy return system which is positioned on the top of the midsole. The initial strike imparted on the lateral side of the midsole compresses both the midsole and the strands. The strands, which separate during the initial strike from the midsole and assume an arcuate shape, enhance the shock absorbing properties of the shoe. As the foot rotates, the heel exerts pressure on the energy return system, and the strands are then pulled inwardly thereby restricting the outward movement of the midsole. The foot is further unlikely to assume a substantially pronated position due to the tension in the strands along the medial portion of structure in combination with the shock absorption upon initial strike.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushioning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.The energy return system also includes a rigid frame having annular walls in the heel area. A net of fibers is secured under tension in the area defined by the heel annular walls. The open areas can have inserted within them a variety of inserts to view the components of the energy return system from outside the shoe.

Abstract: A shoe construction having an energy return system together with features providing cushinoning and stability. The energy return system includes a rigid frame having a torsional rigidity bar in the midfoot area integrally connecting annular walls in the forefoot and heel areas of the midsole. A net of monofilaments or fibers is secured under tension in the areas defined by the annular walls with the net positioned over an open area in the midsole. A cantilevered system of support pads is positioned in the arch area to support the medial side of the midfoot.