Abstract: Automated painting of a shoe sole portion of a shoe is enhanced by use of a jig. The shoe sole portion may be secured between top and bottom plates of the jig such that a side surface of the shoe sole portion is left exposed. Additionally, the jig is adapted to create configurable masking lines along the side surface of the shoe sole portion using multi-layer deforming layers.

Abstract: A device for restoring the appearance of a kiltie and/or tassel on a finished shoe. The device has a two-part shoe tree with a handle to which one end of a clamp is attached. The other end of the clamp is attached to a curved, cushioned shaping element, which fits over the kiltie and/or tassel. A spring-loaded tension rod mounted between the two parts of the shoe tree translates pressure to the shaping element, which applies appropriate pressure directly to the kiltie. An alternate embodiment incorporates a heating layer into the shaping element, with one or more batteries providing power to the heating layer.

Abstract: A boot retainer can store boots without losing the shape. The retainer includes inner pads capable of moving to conform to the interior surface at two or more points of the boot of different sizes, and also includes a hook for suspending the retainer together with the boot.