Abstract: The present invention relates to an item of footwear comprising a sole with an upper surface having a concave rear portion and a forward portion that is flat in the lateral direction. An item of footwear comprises: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a wearer; and a sole having an upper surface that in use contacts the foot of a user, wherein: the upper surface has a first portion (7) and a second portion (6), the first portion (7) located forwardly of the second portion (6); the upper surface is substantially flat in the lateral direction in the first portion (7); and the upper surface is concave in the lateral direction in the second portion (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item of footwear comprising a sole with an upper surface having a concave rear portion and a forward portion that is flat in the lateral direction. An item of footwear comprises: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a wearer; and a sole having an upper surface that in use contacts the foot of a user, wherein: the upper surface has a first portion (7) and a second portion (6), the first portion (7) located forwardly of the second portion (6); the upper surface is substantially flat in the lateral direction in the first portion (7); and the upper surface is concave in the lateral direction in the second portion (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item of footwear having a sole, comprising two or more materials of different compressive resistances, flexibility or densities arranged as a frontal/toe region, a mid foot region and a heel region. The item of footwear comprises: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a wearer; and a sole having a midsole which has a frontal/toe region, a mid-foot region and a heel region, the mid-foot region of the midsole being formed from a material different to the material used for the heel region such that the mid-foot region has a lower compressive resistance and/or a lower density and/or a higher flexibility than the heel region, wherein the mid-sole is thin and tapered.

Abstract: An insert 2, 3, for a sole of a shoe, boot or sandal is provided to give a cushioning effect. The sole 1 comprises a first integrally formed member which forms part of the sole 1 and which has a sole tread pattern on the first surface thereof, and a second integrally formed member 2, 3, in the form of an insert received in a cavity of the first member so that it is received in the cavity above a mounting surface 5, the mounting surface 5 being formed on a surface opposed to the surface having the sole tread pattern. There are a plurality of projections 6 projecting away from the mounting surface 5. The inserts 2,3, have parts whose thickness in a direction normal to the mounting surface is lower than the thickness of other parts of the respective insert in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 5.