ADJUSTABLE ARCH SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member. Also included is a movable arch support having a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/709,792, filed on Aug. 22, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to Attorney Docket No. 275483US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,685, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZED SHOE, Attorney Docket No. 275485US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,612, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A RETAIL CONSUMER, and Attorney Docket No. 275487US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,613, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A KIT OF FOOTWEAR COMPONENTS USED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A CONSUMER, each filed on even date herewith. The entire content of each of these applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear products, and more specifically to an adjustable arch support assembly for a shoe insole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Discussion of Background

The past several decades have seen commoditization of the footwear industry. Indeed, economies of scale in mass manufacturing and distribution has brought the price of footwear down to such an extent that nearly all customers are conditioned to forgo their individual needs and settle for standardized—off the shelf—but extremely affordable footwear products. However, the uniqueness of individual customers still remains, and recent indicators of a move toward customization are present in the footwear industry.

For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614, assigned to FILA Luxembourg S.A.R.L., discloses a method and system for providing a customized shoe from a plurality of discrete shoe components. For example, the system can include a plurality of shoe cavity units made from a shoe upper connected to a sole assembly, a plurality of interchangeable insoles for inserting into the cavity unit, and a plurality of interchangeable arch supports for attaching to the insole prior to inserting into the cavity unit. Each plurality of footwear components includes components having the same function, but different physical characteristics. Thus, each component can be individually selected to match a characteristic of the wearer, and then assembled to provide a customized shoe for the wearer.

While the above system provides a degree of customization, the present inventor has recognized that simply interchanging footwear components may not meet the degree of customization desired by consumers. Further, the above system can require retailers to stock a large number of individual components, resulting in complex and expensive issues of product forecasting, inventory control, auto-replenishment systems and product design, which can result in greater cost to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address the above described and/or other problems in the footwear industry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear component that can be adjusted to provide a degree of customization without the need to replace the component with another component having different physical attributes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable arch support assembly that allows positioning of a single arch support component in various positions on an insole.

These and other objects are achieved by providing an adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member. Also included is a movable arch support having a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

Another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable insole assembly having an insole with a first side configured to be in contact with a wearer's foot, and a second side having an arch support region recessed therein. A position fixing member is fixed to the arch support region, the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member. A movable arch support includes a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

Still another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, a movable arch support, and means for coupling the movable arch support to the position fixing member such that the movable arch support can be moved to discrete positions relative to the position fixing member.

As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a custom shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid expansion components in relation to an adaptable sole assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an insole and sole assembly in relation to a plurality of footwear components that can be assembled into a custom shoe in accordance with an embodiment with the present invention;

FIGS. 4a-4c show a plurality of pre-manufactured arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 that may be used to provide a custom shoe in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch support assembly in a rear position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5b provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch support assembly in a neutral position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5c provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch support assembly in a froward position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6b shows a cross section view of the embodiment of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7a; and

FIG. 8a shows a movable arch support in relation to a position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a custom shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in this figure, the shoe includes a shell 10 and an insole 30. The shell 10 includes an upper portion 100 and a sole assembly 200 that are joined to one another to form a shell cavity into which the insole 30 is placed, as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 1. The upper portion 100 includes a plurality of segments that are preferably made of durable sheets of non-elastic material such as leather, canvas, synthetic material, and are joined together to form the upper portion 100 as an integral unit. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the segment 113 connected between segments 103 and 105 is made of an elastic material such as a nylon mesh or any known flexible fabric such that the segments 103 and 105 can separate from one another to allow expansion and adaptability of the upper portion 100 when a foot is placed into the shoe. The sole assembly 200 is also preferably expandable, as will be discussed further below. Details of an expandable upper and sole assembly are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The insole 30 includes main member 305, expansion member 310, and arch support 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the main member 305 includes recesses 315 and 325 configured to receive expansion member 310 and arch support 320 respectively. The expansion member 310 and arch support 320 are shown fixed to their respective recesses, but these components may be separable from the shoe. The expansion member 310 and/or arch support 320 are preferably made of a rigid material that bends with the wearer's plantar region while the shoe is in use, but maintains length and width dimensions within the shoe cavity. In one embodiment rigid components, such as the expansion member 310 or arch support 320 of the insole 30, are used to expand width and/or length of a sole assembly in order to adapt the sole assembly to a particular wearer.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid expansion components in relation to an adaptable sole assembly. In FIG. 2, the upper portion of the shoe is omitted for clarity. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the expansion member 310 and arch support 320 are separable from the main member 305. Specifically the expansion member 310 fits within recess 315 and may be held therein by friction fit or adhesion, for example, although adhesion may permanently fix the expansion member 310 within the recess and prevent this component from being replaced. The arch support 320 includes an attachment aperture 323 that engages a tab 327 mounted within the recess 325 of the main portion 305. The aperture 323 and tab 327 allow the arch support 320 to be attached and detached from the main portion 305. As shown in FIG. 2, the expansion member 310 and arch support 325 extend across a full width of the insole 30 such that at least a portion of a side edge of these components provides an outward expansion force on the sole assembly 200.

The sole assembly 200 includes outer sole portion 201 implemented as tread patterns mounted on a ground facing surface of the middle sole portion 203. The tread portions are configured to allow the sole assembly to grip the ground when the shoe is in use. As also seen in FIG. 2, the sole assembly 200 includes a first sole segment 220 and a second sole segment 230 joined to one another by a deformable member 225. The deformable member 225 allows the first and second sole segments 220 and 230 to move away from one another and expand the sole assembly 200 when an expansion force is applied to the sole assembly. Deformable member 235 similarly joins segments 230 and 240. As noted, the expansion force may be provided by a rigid member, such as the expansion member 310 and/or arch support 320 provided within the shoe. However, expansion may also be provided by the wearer's foot based on a size of the foot, or based on forces exerted on the insole during activities such as running or tennis. The present inventors have recognized that a line of the deformable member can be contoured to optimize the expansion properties to a particular characteristic of the wearer, such as the sport in which the shoe will be used. Details of different contours are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As discussed above, an insole may include footwear components such as an expansion member and arch support that allow length and width adaptability of a sole assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of footwear components can be combined to provide a shoe customized for a particular person. FIG. 3 shows an insole and sole assembly in relation to a plurality of footwear components that can be assembled into a custom shoe in accordance with an embodiment with the present invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the insole 700 includes a main part 700 having a top surface that includes a recess 360 for accommodating a toe crest 365 and a recess 350 for accommodating a metatarsal head shelf 355. In addition to these top surface components, insole 700 includes a metatarsal rise 340, arch support 350, heel insert 330 and heel clip 380 formed on a bottom surface of main part 705. Details of the use of these components to provide a customized shoe are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Arch support 350 includes an aperture 351 that mates with tab 353 to attach the arch support 350 to the main part 705 of insole 700. Unlike the arch support 320 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the arch support 350 does not extend a full width of the insole 700 and therefore is not designed to expand the sole assembly as previously discussed. However, as with the arch support 320, the arch support 350 supports the longitudinal arch of the planter region to assist in reducing pronation of the foot on impact, and improves propulsion by selectively increasing arch height while acting to support the metatarsal joints and first ray during the midstance and propulsive phases of gait. As with arch support 320, proper selection of support 350 can result in less arch pain, longer standing, running and less injuries. In one embodiment of the present invention a size, shape, positioning and firmness of the arch supports 320 and 350 is selected in accordance with the characteristic of the wearer.

Footwear components may also be attachable to the sole assembly 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a front tread segment 270 attaches to a tread area 250 of the sole assembly 200, while a rear tread segment 275 attaches to a tread region 260 of the sole assembly 200. Further, the insole may have biomechanically placed variable durometer hardness portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, portions of the insole can be configured to adapt to the wearer's foot. PCT Application No. PCT/IT2005/000071 filed on Feb. 14, 2005 and titled “SHOE HAVING AN INNER ADAPTABLE SURFACE ON WHICH THE WEARER'S FOOT RESTS” is hereby incorporated herein by reference and discloses an adaptable insole which may be used in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, footwear components are associated with a characteristic of the wearer, and the footwear components are combined to provide a custom shoe for the wearer. In one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the footwear components is selected from a plurality of pre-manufactured footwear components having substantially the same function, but having different physical attributes to accommodate different foot configurations. FIGS. 4a-4c show a plurality of pre-manufactured arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 that may be used to provide a custom shoe in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 are made of plastic to provide a rigid structure that functions to support the longitudinal arch of a foot. As seen in the figures, each of the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 include an aperture 1250 that is used to attach the arch support to an insole. Thus, the aperture 1250 allows the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 to be interchangeable with one another on a particular insole. It is understood that the aperture 1250 is not necessary to provide interchangeability, and other mechanisms may be used, including simply providing a common mating surface among arches, which is configured to mate with a surface of the insole. In a preferred embodiment, each arch is capable of being used for a left or right insole. For example, the arch 1210 may accommodate a left insole when oriented as shown in FIG. 4a, but also can accommodate a right insole when oriented in a different direction. Other interchangeable footwear components may also be designed to accommodate a left or right insole.

Although the arch supports are interchangeable and provide substantially the same function, the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 have different physical attributes that accommodate different characteristics of a foot. As seen in FIGS. 4a, 4b an 4c, for example, arch support 1210 has an arch height H1 while arch support 1220 has a height H2<H1. Thus, the arch supports 1210 and 1220 are designed to accommodate different longitudinal arches of a foot. However, the arch supports 1210 and 1220 each have a thickness T1, which provides substantially the same flexibility characteristics for these arches. As seen in FIG. 4c, the arch support 1230, includes an arch height H1 the same as the arch support 1210, but has a thickness T2>T1 thereby providing a less flexible arch support. Thus, arch support 1210 is designed to accommodate a foot requiring a more flexible support, such as that of an older individual.

While different physical attributes of a footwear component can provide a degree of customization as discussed above, the present inventor has recognized that position adjustment of a footwear component relative to the shoe can provide further customization. For example, the location of a longitudinal arch relative to the toe and heel of a foot can vary among feet that otherwise have the same arch characteristics such as height, length etc. Further, the desired position of the arch support may be different for feet having different medial arch lengths. Thus, the present inventor has discovered that adjustment of the same arch support to different positions in the shoe can provide improved customization to accommodate the arch location of the wearer's foot. Further, adjustment of the same arch support to different positions in the shoe may accommodate the preference of the wearer without the need to change to an arch support with different physical characteristics. Thus, the ability to adjust the position of the arch support in the shoe may lead to a reduction in the number of different types of arch supports needed to provide the degree of customization desired by consumers.

FIG. 5a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in this figure, the adjustable arch support assembly 500 is attached to the plantar side of insole 580 within an arch support assembly region 590 of the insole. However, this is not necessary for the present invention.

The adjustable arch support assembly 500 includes a position fixing member 510 that is configured to be fixed to region 590 of the insole, and a movable arch support 520 that is movably coupled to the position fixing member 510. In FIGS. 5a-5c, the position fixing member 510 is shown schematically as a rectangular shaped tab that is fixed to the arch region 590 of the insole 580. The coupling member 530 is also shown schematically as a rectangular aperture within the movable arch support 520 that can be coupled to the position fixing member 510. However, any shape and configuration of the position fixing member 530 and movable arch support 520 may be used to allow relative movement of these parts when coupled to one another. For example, the position fixing member 510 may be implemented as a recess or aperture in the insole 580, and the coupling member 530 of the movable arch support 520 may be implemented as a tab or protrusion for moving within the recess or aperture. The position fixing member 510 may be integrally formed with the insole 580, or may be a separate part that is attached to the insole 600 by adhesive or other means. Details of a movable arch support and position fixing member according to one embodiment will be discussed below.

As seen in FIG. 5a, the movable arch support 520 is provided in a rear position in the region 590 relatively close to the heel of the insole 580. Thus, the position fixing member 510 is located in a front portion of the coupling member 530. FIG. 5b shows the same arch support 520 located in a neutral position in a middle region of the arch region 590, with the position fixing member located in a middle portion of the coupling member 530. Finally, FIG. 5c shows the arch support 500 located in a forward position in the region 590 relatively close to the toe of the insole 580, with the position fixing member 510 in a rear portion of the coupling member 530. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the movable arch support 520 can occupy three discrete positions relative to the insole 580 in accordance with the wearer's needs and/or preferences. While FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show only three positions of the movable arch support, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, any number of positions (2 or more) may be provided. In this regard, the position fixing member 510 and/or the coupling member 530 can preferably have a mechanism for retaining the movable arch support in the desired position such that it does not move during wearer use. Details of this feature will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 6-8.

FIG. 6a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6b shows a cross section view of the embodiment of FIG. 6a. As seen in these figures, the position fixing member 600 includes a base 610 and a protrusion 620. The base 610 is configured to be attached to an insole by adhesion, molding or any other suitable means for fixing the base. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the protrusion 620 protrudes approximately normal to the surface of the base 610, however other configurations may be used. As best seen in FIG. 6b, the protrusion includes a flange 630 for holding the position fixing member 600 in a movable coupling relation with the movable arch support. Further, the position fixing member 600 includes three recesses 640 for retaining the movable arch support in different locations along the protrusion 620 of the position fixing member 610. While not shown in FIG. 6a or 6b, a second flange may be provided on the side of recesses 640 to assist in maintaining coupling between the position fixing member 600 and a movable arch support 700.

FIG. 7a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7a. As seen in these figures, the movable arch support 700 includes a main body 710, and a coupling member 720 formed in the main body 710. As best seen in FIG. 7b, the main body 710 is configured to support an arch region of a foot, and is preferably made of a rigid but flexible material for this purpose. The main body may be shaped as the rigid expansion member arch support configured to expand the sole assembly as discussed in relation to FIG. 1, or as an arch support such as that shown in FIG. 3. Other shapes of the main body may be used.

The aperture 720 is sized and shaped to be coupled to the protrusion 620 of the position fixing member 600 of FIG. 6. Thus, the aperture 720 is sized slightly smaller that the retaining flange 630, but larger that the remaining portion of the protrusion 620 such that the aperture can snap over the retaining flange 630 and be movably retained thereby. Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the protrusion 620 and the aperture 720 are slightly curved to facilitate positioning of the movable arch support 700 relative to the position fixing member 600 (and relative to the insole). Thus, the movable arch support 700 can be moved not only longitudinally, but also transversely or rotationally when slid along the aperture. Other shapes of the protrusion 620 and aperture 720 can provide different positioning of the arch support.

As also seen in FIG. 7a, the aperture 720 includes an engagement feature implemented as a tab 730 for engaging the recesses 640 in the position fixing member 600. Thus, the engagement feature 730 is preferably similarly shaped to facilitate mating with the recesses 640. In the embodiment of FIG. 7a, the main body 710 also includes a relief slot 740 positioned adjacent to the engagement feature 730. The relief slot 740 allows the aperture 720 to expand its width in the region of the engagement member 720 such that the movable arch support 700 can be slid into different positions corresponding to the recesses 640 on the position fixing member 600. That is, the wearer may slide the movable arch support 700 along the protrusion 620 into the different positions without completely removing the movable arch support from the protrusion.

FIG. 8a shows a movable arch support in relation to a position fixing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8a. As seen in these figures, the aperture 720 of the movable arch support is coupled to the protrusion 620 of the position fixing member. As best seen in FIG. 8b, the aperture 720 is snapped over the flange 630 of the protrusion 620. Further, the engagement tab 730 is positioned within the center recess 640 of the position fixing member to retain the movable arch support 700 in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 5b. If the wearer wishes to move the movable arch support 700 to the rear position shown in FIG. 5a or the front position shown in FIG. 5c, the user forces the movable arch support 710 to slide along the protrusion 620. During this motion, the engagement tab 730 retracts by compression of the slot 740, and then engages a different recess by expansion of the slot 740 to its normal width.

FIGS. 6-8 provide only one example of a footwear component (arch support) that can be provided in moving relation to the insole of shoe. It is to be understood that any of the footwear components discussed herein, or other footwear components, can be provided in moving relation to the footwear insole or shoe. In addition, a movable footwear component can be provided in combination with any of the above embodiments for providing a customized shoe in accordance with the present invention.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising:

a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, said position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member; and

a movable arch support comprising: a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member, the coupling member having at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of said retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein:

said position fixing member comprises a base configured to be fixed to the shoe insole and a protrusion extending from the base, said protrusion having the plurality of retaining features positioned along a length of the protrusion, and

said coupling member comprises a slot having a length greater than the length of the protrusion such that the protrusion can be inserted into the slot and can be at different positions along the slot.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said plurality of retaining features each comprise a recess having a predetermined shape, and said at least one engagement feature comprises a mating tab shaped to mate with said recess having a predetermined shape.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said protrusion comprises a retaining flange configured to retain the movable arch support movably coupled thereto.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the movable arch support further comprises a relief slot formed in the main body adjacent to the engagement feature and configured to permit the engagement feature to resiliently move into and out of engagement with the plurality of recesses.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said protrusion and coupling feature are each curved along a length thereof.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said movable arch support comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

8. An adjustable insole assembly comprising:

an insole have a first side configured to be in contact with a wearer's foot, and a second side having an arch support region recessed therein;

a position fixing member fixed to the arch support region, said position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member; and

a movable arch support comprising: a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member, the coupling member having at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of said retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein:

said position fixing member comprises a base configured to be fixed to the shoe insole and a protrusion extending from the base, said protrusion having the plurality of retaining features positioned along a length of the protrusion, and

said coupling member comprises a slot having a length greater than the length of the protrusion such that the protrusion can be inserted into the slot and can be at different positions along the slot.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said plurality of retaining features each comprise a recess having a predetermined shape, and said at least one engagement feature comprises a mating tab shaped to mate with said recess having a predetermined shape.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said protrusion comprises a retaining flange configured to retain the movable arch support movably coupled thereto.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the movable arch support further comprises a relief slot formed in the main body adjacent to the engagement feature and configured to permit the engagement feature to resiliently move into and out of engagement with the plurality of recesses.

13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said protrusion and coupling feature are each curved along a length thereof.

14. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support extends substantially the entire width of the insole.

15. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support extends substantially less that the entire width of the insole.

16. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said position fixing member comprises a recess within the insole, and said coupling member comprises a protrusion extending from said main body.

17. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

18. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a shoe cavity having an expandable sole assembly, wherein said insole assembly is configured to be inserted into said shoe cavity and provide an outward force for expanding said shoe cavity.

19. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch support is provided as one of a plurality of interchangeable arch supports each having different physical attributes.

20. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising:

a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole;

a movable arch support; and

means for coupling the movable arch support to the position fixing member such that the movable arch support can be moved to discrete positions relative to the position fixing member.