Abstract: Disclosed is a readily removable molded insert for footwear, including dress or casual shoes and sneakers. The insert may be manufactured from a variety of resiliently compressible, semi-rigid, and/or resiliently deformable materials and is designed for the purpose of maintaining the general shape and appearance of the upper section of a shoe. Embodiments of the insert are specifically designed to adapt to and conform to the shape of footwear and also to adapt to the contour of a user’s foot while the footwear is being worn. The insert may be further cut, trimmed, or separated to fit a range of shoe sizes, by use of perforations along the outer rim of certain embodiments of the insert. Another embodiment of the insert may remain adhesively attached to the inside of the shoe, or it may be removed and repositioned within the shoe, as necessary.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure is a process for manufacturing a shoe comprising an outsole joined to the sole part of a first main liner comprising on its outer face at least two studs, and a first auxiliary liner, at least partially, in particular integrally, hot-melt, in a textile piece, covering at least part of the first main liner, the outsole, and the junction between the first main liner and the outsole, at least part or all of the first hot-melt auxiliary liner being melted and adhered to the first main liner and to the outsole.

Abstract: To provide a sports inner boot that ensures removal from a sports outer boot to allow an inside to be easily washed and where a drying time be a comparatively short time. A sports inner boot made of a thermoplastic plastic includes a bottom plate disposed in the sports outer boot and a foot wrap portion formed at the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the foot wrap portion are integrally formed. The bottom plate and the foot wrap portion contain an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material (EVA).

Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

Abstract: A 3D shoe blank is an integral knit fabric without any sewn portion made by a flat knitting machine and includes an upper portion knitted from at least a yarn, a front sole portion knitted from the upper portion with a folding line therebetween and two connection lines at two sides of the front sole portion and the upper portion, so the front sole portion is folded and connected to the upper portion to form a pocket structure, a rear portion knitted from the front sole portion, and a heel portion extending from a center rear end of the rear portion, two opposite sides of the heel portion respectively connected to a left rear end and a right rear end of the rear portion to form a 3D rear shoe portion with two joining lines between the heel portion and the rear portion on the two opposite sides.

Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a strap where the strap extends from an attachment point on the lateral side of a hard outer shell of the boot and in use is tightened to hold the inner boot liner in relatively fixed proximity to the lateral side of the outer boot shell during skiing. The strap can extend around the inner boot liner, or be at least partially incorporated as a part of the inner boot liner. In either case, the strap is adjustable between the tightened position, and an open position.

Abstract: A multi-style moisture-permeable waterproof shoe includes an outer shoe body unit defining an insertion space, and a plurality of sock-like inner shoe body units inserted removably and selectively into the insertion space. Each sock-like inner shoe body unit includes a moisture-permeable waterproof shoe-like inner sleeve and an outer sock body. The shoe-like inner sleeve defines a foot space and is made from at least one cut piece. The outer sock body has a sock body portion sleeved on the shoe-like inner sleeve. An inner adhesive layer is adhered between an outer surface of the shoe-like inner sleeve and an inner surface of the sock body portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a footwear ensemble includes (i) a pair of socks, (ii) a pair of press-snap fasteners, (iii) a pair of shoes, and (iv) a pair of tethers. The pair of socks may include a first sock and a second sock, each of which may have a toe compartment and a leg opening opposite the toe compartment. The pair of press-snap fasteners may include a first press-snap connector and a second press-snap connector, each of which may be interchangeable and include a cap/socket portion and a stud/eyelet portion. The pair of tethers may include a first tether and a second tether, each of which may have an anchor end and a retention end. The retention end may include a shoe-retaining mechanism that is configured to releasably secure a shoe in the pair of shoes.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof shoe includes an upper defining an interior space, an inner sleeve inserted into the interior space and having a sleeve body made from a cut piece, and a sole fixed to a bottom portion of the upper. The cut piece includes an upright velvet layer having a plurality of pile yarns woven between a lining layer and an outer fabric layer of the cut piece, and has a main body with a front convex portion, and two wing portions each including a wing lateral edge connected to the wing lateral edge of the other wing portion, a front curved edge connected to a periphery of the front convex portion, and a rear mating edge connected to the rear mating edge of the other wing portion.

Abstract: A warp knit element for an article of footwear includes a plurality of strap members that are separated by a slit. The strap members are formed of unitary knit construction to be joined at a junction. Edges that define the strap member extend generally in a warp direction on the knit element. The knit element can provide stretch resistance to the article of footwear.

Abstract: Footwear components are made from lightweight textile structures (e.g., including circular knitted structures made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as socks or sock-type structures). The textile structures are selectively supported at various areas to provide desired local characteristics. Additional aspects relate to methods of making such components, precursors to such components, and articles of footwear containing such components.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a high heel shoe with an upper that will provide comfort and flexibility for the wearer. In a preferred embodiment the upper consists of two at least two materials: 1) a firm fabric, such as leather, that will hold the shape of the design and have limited flexibility; 2) a flat knitted elastic, such as knit elastic, which will not narrow, or not narrow significantly, when stretched. In addition, the firm fabric is configured to have a flex-point and in a preferred embodiment is formed of two pieces of the firm material having a “split” between them providing the desired flex-point.

Abstract: A footwear assembly includes a shoe having a vamp and an outsole. The shoe includes a first room defined between the vamp and the outsole, and a first opening is formed in the top of the shoe and communicates with the first room. A first connection member is located on outside of the first opening. A water-proof sock is inserted in the first room via the first opening, and has a neck portion formed along the second opening of the water-proof sock. The neck portion is able to be foldable relative to the water-proof sock and has a second connection member which is connected to the first connection member when the neck portion is foldable relative to the water-proof sock.

Abstract: An article of apparel, such as a sock or a shoe, is disclosed as having a foot-supporting area for extending adjacent to a plantar surface of a foot. The foot-supporting area has various zones of differing thickness that attenuate forces upon the plantar surface to different degrees. The apparel may be manufactured through a process that includes utilizing a force mapping device to obtain data relating to forces upon the plantar surface of the foot. The sock is then formed to have zones of different thickness located to correspond with the areas of the plantar surface subjected to different magnitudes of forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seamless foot-covering garment made of knitted courses, a method for manufacturing thereof as well as a respective circular machine for hosiery and knitwear. The foot-covering garment made of knitted courses, comprises a heel portion, a toe portion, a middle portion located between the heel portion and the toe portion and an opening between said heel portion, said middle portion and said toe portion for the insertion of an user's foot. The toe portion and the heel portion are aligned along a longitudinal direction. At said opening the middle portion ends with a right side edge and a left side edge. The garment is seamlessly knitted as a whole. At least one or both the right and left side edges comprise at least one elastic portion made up by a plurality of stretch stitches located at an end of knitted courses. The stretch stitches are composed of at least one main thread of the foot-covering garment knitted with at least one elastic thread.

Abstract: A disposable, low friction, breathable bootie is provided that accommodates the shape and size of a human foot. The bootie is made from a thin, flexible polymer sheet-like material in a generally tubular form. The bootie has a foot portion, a lower leg portion, and an ankle portion therebetween. The bootie includes a series of air vents in the foot portion and lower leg portion to provide airflow to the foot, while such vents are located to avoid key friction points between the foot and the ski boot during the donning and doffing processes. The bootie facilitates donning and doffing a ski boot. The vents provide breathability while the bootie is worn within the ski boot.

Abstract: The waterproof footwear cover is a disposable accessory that is adapted to be positioned over an article of footwear. The waterproof footwear cover is made of a soft plastic material that is adapted to be positioned over a foot and leg and a respective article of footwear. The waterproof footwear cover features at least one perforated tab, which when pulled enables the waterproof footwear cover to fold open in order to remove the leg, foot, and respective article of footwear. The at least one perforated tab is positioned on a layer surface of the waterproof footwear cover, and is pulled upwardly along a line of perforations in order to enable the waterproof footwear cover to open up. The at least one perforated tab may be provided on side surfaces adjacent an ankle of the foot and leg, as well as at the toe portion of the waterproof footwear cover.

Abstract: A pair of socks is provided. The first sock defines a first toe end and a first upper end. The first sock includes an elastically deformable first aperture formed through the first sock proximate the first upper end. The second sock defines a second toe end and a second upper end. The second sock includes an elastically deformable second aperture formed through the second sock proximate the second upper end. When the first toe end of the first sock is drawn through the second aperture of the second sock and the second toe end of the second sock is drawn through the first aperture of the first sock the first and second socks are secured together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with flat-knit edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: A series of ski boots comprising at least two ski boots whose rigid outer shell (2) is identical, and in which at least one of the boots of the series of boots has a rigid shell (2) comprising an internally inserted slipper (20; 20?), the slipper (20; 20?) comprising a bootboard (25; 25?) and side walls (21; 21?), so that the at least two ski boots comprising an identical rigid outer shell (2) are of different sizes.

Abstract: A waterproof breathable boot is disclosed. The boot includes an outsole, a three-piece bootie, a toe cap, a heel cap, a center front panel, an instep panel and a rear panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shoe including an outsole, an upper, and a lining member integrated into the shoe. The sling includes a receptacle portion and a fastener assembly portion. The receptacle portion, which generally lines the interior of the shoe, is secured along the collar of the upper such that the sock is movably suspended within the foot cavity. The fastener assembly is includes a central web and fasteners that wrap around the ankle of a wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for molding a foamed article, such as a midsole or outsole for footwear, in which first water, then a desired amount of thermoplastic polyurethane foam beads are placed in a compression mold in the shape of the article and the mold is brought to a peak temperature of from about 130° C. to about 180° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds, then cooled to from about 5° C. to about 80° C. over a period of from about 300 to about 1500 seconds within about 30 seconds after the peak temperature is reached. The foamed article made by the method has a density of from about 0.1 to about 0.45 g/cm3.

Abstract: Foot protector (30) adapted to be worn between the foot and a predefined shaped item of outer footwear (10), comprising a thin flexible resilient elastic non slip membrane (30) shaped to grip the foot without slipping. The membrane (30) is of a complementary shape corresponding to the predefined shape of the outer footwear (10) so as to engage the outer footwear (10) in a non slip manner. The membrane (30, 31, 32, 36) may have an orthopaedic style of support (41) integrally incorporated into the foot protector (30) to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A gel pad for use in a sockliner designed to strategically support the weight of the wearer and to distribute underfoot pressure. The gel pad includes a base having a top face, a bottom face and a central floor portion associated with the bottom face, an outer flange positioned on the perimeter of the bottom face surrounding the central floor portion, and a plurality of spaced apart hollow pillars positioned across the surface of the central floor portion. The network of hollow pillars support the body weight of the wearer without bottoming out and the pillars are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow for expansion horizontally when the pillars are compressed vertically. Each of the pillars may be substantially octagonally shaped.

Abstract: A stability and comfort system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The stability and comfort system includes a bootie and a sock liner. The sock liner may include a heel counter that is contoured to fit a heel. The sole of the article may include an outrigger portion. The outrigger portion can be separated from a central portion of the sole to allow the outrigger portion to move substantially independently of the central portion of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an insert configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The insert may consist essentially of a casing configured to at least partially enclose a foot of a wearer and including a casing material and a high heat capacity material. The article of footwear may also include an outer assembly configured to receive the foot of the wearer when the foot is received within the insert.

Abstract: A sport boot, such as a snow ski boot, that includes a shell having a rigid foot portion. The foot portion includes a heel pocket and an instep region that is largely immovable relative to the heel pocket due to the rigidity of the foot portion. The boot also includes a highback support region that snugly engages the leg of a user during use. A heel-track is located on the dorsal side of the boot between the highback support region and the heel pocket. The heel-track provides a concave space that receives the user's heel when the user is putting-on and taking-off the boot to counter the relative immovability of the instep region of the boot against the engaging action of the user's foot. The sport boot can also include a special boot liner having an expandable dorsal region, and, optionally, other features that compliment the heel-track of the shell.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a shoe-slipper combination. The shoe-slipper combination includes a shoe, wherein the shoe is configured to be worn by a wearer. The shoe-slipper combination also includes a slipper. The slipper is configured to fit on the foot of the wearer and fit at least partially within the shoe.

Abstract: A modular shoe is provided by a two part shoe design. A first part is an internal support structure that includes a midsole portion and a heel counter. A second part is a removable cover that is configured to accept a specific size internal support structure to provide internal support to the soft material and outsole which comprise the cover. Various cover designs are configured to accept a single size internal support structure thereby providing for interchangeable cover and a plurality of shoe designs all sharing a single internal support structure. The removable cover takes substantially less packing space that supported shoe, thereby requiring reduced storage for a traveler packing several shoe designs all sharing a single internal support.

Abstract: The present invention employs chimneys and chimneys structures to move or vent heat and moisture away from the foot and out of the microclimate of the shoe. The chimneys define pathways that utilize convection and other principles to cool and dry the foot. The chimneys and chimney structures can have many different configurations, and can be positioned anywhere desired in the upper. For example, chimneys can be positioned on the sidewalls of the upper, in the tongue, or both. Chimneys and chimney structures can also be used with form-fitting foot coverings such as socks or leggings, or used with other apparel. Specialized footbeds can also be employed with footwear chimneys to evacuate hot, moist air away from the underside of the foot and towards the chimneys.

Abstract: A shoe construction including a shoe upper, an intermediate insert assembly and at least an outsole, the insert assembly including a sockliner having a raised area positioned to underlie an arch of a wearer's foot and a recessed area positioned to underlie a heel of a wearer's foot, and a relatively rigid board member having recessed areas underlying the sockliner in the heel and arch areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a shoe upper part and an outsole joined to the latter, and also with a heel shell, which at least partially encloses the heel of the wearer of the shoe. To allow the shoe to be adapted to individual needs in a simple and low-cost way, the invention provides that the heel shell is interchangeably arranged in the shoe upper part, wherein it has in a surface region at least one projection or a recess, which interacts with a recess or a projection in the shoe upper part to fix the heel shell in the shoe upper part with a form fit, wherein the heel shell is joined to an insert sole and wherein the heel shell and the insert sole are formed as one piece.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.

Abstract: A footwear sole assembly with at least one compressible protruding element extending downwardly beyond the bottom surface of the outsole, the at least one protruding element providing a natural instability to a wearer when the sole assembly initially contacts a supporting surface. The at least one protruding element is a three-dimensional structure formed of a substantially solid elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the at least one protruding element may also protrude upwardly beyond the sole assembly in such a manner that the wearer's foot can apply pressure to the top portion of said at least one protruding element.

Abstract: A sports boot tongue, which comprises a comfort element (5) positioned directly on its surface (4) designed to be oriented toward the inside of the sports boot in order to come into contact with the foot or the leg of a user, this comfort element (5) fulfilling a first technical function of absorbing shocks and a second technical function of reducing friction and sliding by shearing.

Abstract: A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external boot assembly and a dual-layered insert. The external boot comprises a reinforced upper portion and a back portion having a reinforced outside surface and an inside surface. The boot is connected to a pant leg by a top connecting cuff. The dual-layered insert comprises an inner fabric sock for over-foot wear and a waterproof outer elastomeric sock for nesting in the inner fabric sock in a water-tight manner.

Abstract: A series of ski boots comprising at least two ski boots whose rigid outer shell (2) is identical, and in which at least one of the boots of the series of boots has a rigid shell (2) comprising an internally inserted slipper (20; 20?), the slipper (20; 20?) comprising a bootboard (25; 25?) and side walls (21; 21?), so that the at least two ski boots comprising an identical rigid outer shell (2) are of different sizes.

Abstract: A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

Abstract: A sock constructed with an insole comprising of an insole and a sock having a sock body and an opening. The sock, having a sock sole comprised of an inner and an outer sock sole. A pocket is formed between the two sock soles where an insole is to be placed and securely sealed in. The foot of the wearer is to rest on the inner sock sole; thereby, ensuring that the foot of the wearer is not to rest on the insole directly. In conclusion, a sock constructed with an insole prevents the wearer from having to transfer the insoles between different pairs of shoes and offers continuing comfort to the wearer once the shoes are removed.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region for supporting the remainder of the foot, at least in part. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area relative to the remainder of the first region having a medial border portion and a lateral border portion, wherein the depression has its lowest point skewed to the medial side of center, whereby to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase.

Abstract: Footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to a lower portion of the upper; and a sock liner disposed within to the upper and attached to a region of the upper above a bottom portion of the sock liner, the sock liner having a heel portion spaced above a top surface of the outsole, the sock liner attached to the upper

Abstract: The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bladder and incorporation of a bladder in a shoe for cushioning a wearer's foot having an outsole, an upper, and a bladder adapted to receive the foot and being placed between the outsole and the upper. The bladder further has a first chamber and a second chamber, where the first chamber is in contact with the second chamber for providing continuous cushioning. The bladder is also removably placed between the upper and outsole. In other aspects of the invention, the bladder is integrally placed between the upper and outsole.

Abstract: Interior members for foot-receiving devices, such as bootie elements for articles of footwear, include a material element at least partially defining a foot-receiving chamber. This material element may include, in some examples, a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a seamless plantar portion in a continuous, one-piece arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the material element may include a heel-surrounding portion, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, a plantar surface, and a double layer of the material element at least along an Achilles area portion. Additional aspects relate to material blanks for forming such interior members as well as to foot-receiving devices, such as athletic footwear, including such interior members.

Abstract: An item of footwear for increasing leg-muscle and/or lower-abdominal-/back-muscle tone comprising: a securing means for securing the item of footwear to a foot of a user; and a sole comprising at least an upper layer, for engaging a foot of a user in use or a further upper layer, and a lower layer, for engaging the ground in use, wherein the upper layer comprises two or more materials of different compressive resistances, or densities, arranged as a frontal/toe region, an arch region and a heel region, the sole is arranged such that application of a user's weight, during use, causes instability in at least one portion of the upper layer, which requires balance correction by a user.

Abstract: A ski boot is provided that includes an outer shell, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell and a functional shoe insertable into and removable from the inner liner by means of a rearforward to forward manner.