Abstract: An article having a primary use associated with an open position thereof, and a secondary use associated with a closed position thereof. The primary use is that of a piece of clothing, and the secondary use is that of a storage container. The article comprises a pouch portion (12) having an opening (20), the pouch constituting, in the open position of the article, a functional portion of said piece of clothing, and, in a the closed position of the article, a storage pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: Footwear with exchangeable shells that comprises a base body (1), having first affixing means (2) and exchangeable shells (3) of different designs and/or ornaments that incorporate second affixing means (4), supplementary to the first affixing means (2), intended to be coupled to said first affixing means (2). The first affixing means may be part of a zipper or a hook and eye, or the shape of the footwear itself by using adaptable silicone shells or magnets, while the second affixing means are the supplementary means of the former. The first affixing means, in the case of the zipper, may be arranged on the sole or on the cut of the footwear. Coupling different shells with different ornaments, designs and/or colors is easily achieved with the invention.

Abstract: Footwear that includes a base and an attachable high top. The base forms low-top footwear that includes an ankle opening to receive the ankle of the wearer, and laces or straps to secure the base to the wearer's foot. The base also includes one or more strap openings. The footwear also includes a high-top that is attachable to the base to form a high-top to better support the wearer's ankle. The high-top includes one or more connectors that include an enclosed channel with an inlet and an outlet. An attachment strap is inserted through the one or more openings in the base and one or more connectors in the high-top to secure the sections together. The strap is constructed of a semi-rigid material that is longitudinally supportive to be pushed through the openings and connectors. The longitudinally-supportive strap and the one or more connectors provides for a straightforward and quick manner of attaching and detaching the high-top from the base.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accessory for enhancing the fashion appeal of shoes by providing a lower leg or ankle strapped accessory comprising an ankle strap, a foot heel covering portion seamlessly connected to a shoe heel covering portion having an elastic shoe heel retaining band designed to removably cover the back of the wearer's ankle and to be worn over the heel of the shoe and attractively strapped at the ankle, or just above the ankle, or somewhere on the lower leg segment of a wearer's leg.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a first size and an outsole with a second size that is different from the first size. A midsole of the article of footwear may be configured with an upper portion that fits the first size of the upper and a lower portion that fits the second size of the outsole.

Abstract: Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include a shoe having removable or interchangeable heels. Some embodiments have a low heel and a high heel, each having mechanisms for attaching and detaching said heel(s) from said shoe. Further embodiments include a shoe body having an expandable element, permitting the shoe body to attain a shape suitable for low heel configuration, and permitting the shoe body to change shape to accommodate a high heel configuration. Embodiments of this invention thereby permit a person to wear a single pair of shoes, carry one or more pairs of heels, and change the heels to either low heel or high heel shoes. Such embodiments eliminate the need for a person to carry a multiplicity of pairs of shoes.

Abstract: A kit containing a shoe body having a heel base and a plurality of assorted removable and interchangeable heels. The heel assembly includes the heel base and a removable and interchangeable heel. The removability relies upon at east two curved, tapered grooves ending in a dimple. The heel utilizes a locking connector which contains components which fit within a cavity within the heel base and which locks in place upon rotation thereof when the components engage the curved, tapered, grooves and dimple.

Abstract: The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The sole includes a hard sole base forming an outline of the footwear and a mid sole resting on the sole base, the mid sole made of a softer material than the sole base to provide comfort to a wearer. The upper has sock like construction using stretchable materials to conform to shapes of the foot. The upper is attached to the sole by straps passing through the upper allowing a degree of independent motion of the upper to conform to a foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear, particularly to a woman's shoe fitted with interchangeable attachments.

Abstract: Disclosed is assembled footwear including: an outsole including a bottom portion having a shape of a bottom of a foot, an extension portion upward extended from an edge of the bottom portion to form a peripheral rim, and a plurality of coupling protrusions positioned inside the extension portion and protruding toward the bottom portion; one or more uppers having a pair of connection holes to be selectively fitted with the coupling protrusions in order to change a pattern; and a bottom pad having a predetermined thickness to be seated on the bottom portion of the outsole, and accommodation spaces formed on a bottom surface thereof so as to accommodate the coupling protrusions.

Abstract: A modular sole assembly system for footwear and components thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a footwear kit and method of providing a footwear kit comprising a forepart that can be removably attached to both a left shoe and a right shoe, in which the shoes are substantially asymmetric about a line running from the front to the back of the shoe, and in which the periphery of the forepart substantially matches the periphery of the toe region of both the left shoe and the right shoe.

Abstract: Shoes are adapted to include surfaces with stick-on capabilities for securing interchangeable pieces. The stick-on surfaces support multiple design tags allowing the versatility to change the appearance of the shoes. The shoe's stick-on surfaces repeatedly allow attaching and detaching of design tags at the user's convenience. The construction of the design tags will replicate flat and level surfaces found on standard shoes to give the appearance of embroidered on tags.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

Abstract: A removable heel assembly, a shoe having a removable shoe assembly and kit containing a shoe body having a heel base and a plurality a assorted removable and interchangeable heels. The heel assembly includes the heel base and a removable and interchangeable heel. The removability relies upon at least one tapered groove ending in a dimple. The heel utilizes a locking connector which contains components which fit within a cavity within the heel base and which locks in place upon engagement thereof when the components engage the at least one tapered, groove and dimple.

Abstract: A removable heel assembly, a shoe having a removable shoe assembly and kit containing a shoe body having a heel base and a plurality a assorted removable and interchangeable heels. The heel assembly includes the heel base and a removable and interchangeable heel. The removability relies upon at east two curved, tapered grooves ending in a dimple. The heel utilizes a locking connector which contains components which fit within a cavity within the heel base and which locks in place upon rotation thereof when the components engage the curved, tapered, grooves and dimple.

Abstract: An orthotic device has a readily adjustable variable forefoot posting system. In some embodiments, a generally planar plate is pivotally coupled to a foot-receiving shell. The plate is generally under the arch and not in contact with the supporting surface when in a neutral position. Along the plate's perimeter are raised regions that can be deployed into position as a forefoot post via pivoting the plate. In some versions, adjustability is via a sliding motion. Some areas have a greater height than others do and these raised areas or protrusions can be set at either an inner side or an outer side. Depending upon the shape of the ridges on the plate and the plate's pivoted position, a range of tilts can be variability provided. The plates can be part of an interchangeable system providing more options. Professional versions can have a greater range of settings than consumer versions.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a DIY shoe. The shoe includes a bottom sole which has a through hole therein, and at least one cover which is removably coupled to the bottom sole. The cover includes a connection part which is inserted into the through hole of the bottom sole, and a locking part which is provided on the connection part. The through hole has a shape of a slot of which a longitudinal length is longer than a lateral length. The locking part has a non-circular shape in which a longitudinal length of the locking part is equal to or less than the longitudinal length of the through hole and a lateral length of the locking part is greater than the longitudinal length of the locking part so that the locking part is easily inserted into the through hole but not easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe.

Abstract: A shoe with a height-adjustable heel including a heel having a first heel member fixedly attached to the sole and a second heel member telescopically disposed within the first heel member which is operated by a hydraulic pump disposed in the first heel member and a pump lever, pivotally disposed on a rear wall of the first heel member, by which the hydraulic pump is activated to extend and retract the second heel member to respectively lengthen and shorten the heel and which also includes a twist-lock valve mechanism in a heel tip that controls the passage of air into the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A combination structure for a shoe shell has a shoe body, a toecap mounted on a front end of the shoe body and at least one connecting part disposed between the shoe body and the toecap. Each of the at least one connecting part has a female connector and a male connector formed respectively on the shoe body and the toecap and is mounted with each other. Connecting the toecap to the shoe body through the at least one connecting part is an improved quick and time saving process. Furthermore, the toecap is attached securely to the shoe body and not easily detached from the shoe body.

Abstract: A modular footwear assembly having a modular sole. The footwear sole has a base member with a bottom surface and a top surface. A plurality of engagement formations are disposed on the base member. The engagement formations are accessible on the top surface of the base member. A plurality of plug modules are provided. The plug modules are selectively connectable to the top surface of the base member in any of a plurality of different possible positions. Each of the plurality of plug elements is affixed in place the engagement formations. The top surface of the base member and the plurality of plug modules combine to form a bearing surface upon which the foot rests when the modular footwear assembly is worn.

Abstract: Articles of footwear that include a flexible or rigid sole portion with a shape and size as to correspond to a foot of a wearer, a sole portion having a periphery, a toe region in the front area of the sole portion, a heel region in the back area of the sole portion, and an instep region between the toe and heel regions. Also included is an upper portion connected to the sole portion to form a partially open enclosure for receiving and containing a part of the foot of the wearer and a flexible tubular sleeve which is attached to the sole portion's instep region. The flexible sleeve includes an attachment portion for attaching the flexible sleeve to the instep region of the sole portion, an outwardly opened toe portion for containing the front part of the foot and the toes of the wearer, an outwardly opened heel portion for containing the back part of the foot and the heel of the wearer, and an insertion portion for enveloping the ankle of the wearer.

Abstract: An interchangeable footwear restraint system comprising: a sole having a top surface and a continuous bottom surface; at least one female slot clip receptacle extending into the sole, wherein the female slot clip receptacle is exposed from the top surface; and at least one male slot clip extension, wherein the male slot clip is attached to a first end of at least one strap and is received into the female slot clip connecting the strap to the sole.

Abstract: A collapsible athletic shoe featuring an athletic shoe having a foot portion with an inner cavity, the foot portion can move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first strap extending out of a first side of the sole area of the athletic shoe and a second strap extending out of a second side of the sole area of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second straps function to secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position, the first and second straps can be temporarily secured together via a first attachment means; and a heel strap disposed on the heel portion of the shoe, the heel strap functions to further secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: A footwear comprising a sole adapted to provide a base for the footwear; a plurality of mounts embedded within the sole; a plurality of lace holders, each of the plurality of lace holders being attached to its corresponding mount; and a lace adapted to be connected to the plurality of lace holders, wherein the footwear can be transformed from one design to another by varying the way the lace is connected to the plurality of lace holders.

Abstract: A shoe system featuring a base shoe in any size, style, or, shape, and a skin for wrapping around the base shoe. The skin may be constructed in a variety of styles, colors, materials, and designs for versatility. The skin attaches via a magnet system an in some embodiments, a notch is disposed on the tip of the skin. In some embodiments, tabs are disposed on the skin for inserting into seam notches in the back of the base shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes an interchangeable heel having a shoe body configured to accept a foot of a person. A protrusion is permanently attached to a bottom heel surface comprising two oppositely disposed straight edges separating and contiguous with two oppositely disposed curved edges. A channel is disposed within the protrusion between the two oppositely disposed curved edges. A removable heel comprises an open-ended slot configured to securely accept the protrusion. The removable heel is rotatably attachable to the protrusion. The at least one stop is attached to the removable heel and configured to prevent translation of the removable heel relative to the protrusion. A flexural lock attached to the removable heel is configured to engage the channel and prevent rotation of the removable heel relative to the protrusion. The flexural lock may be manually disengaged by the person to release the removable heel from the protrusion.

Abstract: A removable heel assembly, a shoe having a removable shoe assembly and kit containing a shoe body having a heel base and a plurality a assorted removable and interchangeable heels. The heel assembly includes the heel base and a removable and interchangeable heel. The removability relies upon at east two curved, tapered grooves ending in a dimple. The heel utilizes a locking connector which contains components which fit within a cavity within the heel base and which locks in place upon rotation thereof when the components engage the curved, tapered, grooves and dimple.

Abstract: A method for providing changeable designs on clothing such as shoes by integrating a portion of the outer surface of an existing article of the shoe with a base anchor, and a system therefor. A selected ornamentation is placed on the shoe at the site of the base anchor. The ornamentation is integrated with an attachment for cooperative releasable fastening engagement with the anchor. The ornamentation is releasably fastened to the outer surface of the shoe by engaging the base anchor with the attachment of the ornamentation. The attachment and the base anchor provide the fastening of the ornamentation to the outer surface of the shoe substantially without intervening fastening elements, between the ends of the ornamentation and the outer surface of the shoe, which space the peripheral ends from the shoe. The engaging between the base anchor with the ornamentation is positioned as not being externally visible.

Abstract: Footwear articles and footwear article modification methods are described. According to one aspect, a footwear article includes an insole configured to support a foot of an individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an outsole which contacts the ground when the footwear article is worn by the individual, an upper configured to hold the footwear article to the foot of the individual when the footwear article is worn by the individual, wherein the upper includes a lateral portion and a medial portion, and wherein the lateral portion of the upper is configured to retain an interchangeable placard in a position with respect to the footwear article wherein the placard covers substantially an entirety of the lateral portion of the upper of the footwear article.

Abstract: A kit comprising at least one shoe and at least one detachable sole section. An article of footwear comprising a shoe and at least one means for connecting the shoe to at least one detachable sole section. An apparatus comprising at least one detachable sole section.

Abstract: A sandal which includes two molded plates which releasably lock together. The underside of the male plate contains a male lock, and its front and rear underside contain the reciprocal fasteners to secure the straps. The superior aspect of the female plate contains the reciprocal “female” releasable locking mechanism for the male lock. After the straps are secured on the male plate it is inserted and releasably locked when the underside lock of the male plate enters the superior lock of the female plate embedded in a base style (heel, flat or wedge). When the male plate with straps is the top layer its underside is the lock and its superior side is the contact support for the foot. The male plate functions as a middle lock if an insole is inserted under the straps and its underside is removably secured to a superior aspect of a male plate with a choice of hook and loop fastener. The insole becomes the final layer which hides the shoes components and provides the contact support for the foot.

Abstract: A boot accessory for attachment and wear along an upper portion of a boot for altering and enhancing the overall appearance of the boot includes a clip having a main body, a flexible finger extending from the main body, and first and second side body extensions that define first and second slots along two opposing sides of the main body. A space is formed between the finger and an inner surface of the main body for receiving an upper edge of the boot. The boot accessory also includes a decorative boot band having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is fixedly attached to the first side body extension by passing through the first slot. An inner surface of the boot band includes at least one fastening element to permit the second end of the boot band to be folded onto itself and be attached to the inner surface of the boot band by first passing through the second slot and then being folded and attached to the inner surface so as to form a continuous circumferential member.

Abstract: A shoe assembly with a retractable fin assembly that moves between two extreme positions. One of the positions is the retracted position with the fin assembly housed within a longitudinally and transversely extending cavity along the shoe's sole. The other extreme position for the fin assembly being distended outside the sole for maximum propulsion use in a body of water. Resilient support members are mounted to the lateral sides of connecting flexible web portions. A releasable fastening mechanism with a stopper for the smallest support member causes the web portions to stay taut.

Abstract: A modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outsoles, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and a plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midsole, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outsole. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outsole. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: A shoe has a sole with a toe, heel and arch. A two part heel has a low heel block attached to the sole heel and includes a slot therein. A high heel extension is attached to the low heel block through a support beam having a substantially rectangular cross-section capable of limited axial and pivotal movement. The fit between the beam and the slot prevents rotational movement of the high heel about its axis. The high heel extension can be pivoted between a first position where it underlies the low heel block and a second position where it lies beneath the sole arch. The bottom of the low heel block has a heel lift extending downwardly engaging the ground when the high heel is stowed. This low heel lift is enclosed by a beveled edge at the top of the high heel piece when it is vertical.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoe and an interchangeable shoe cover system. The system includes a shoe having an upper with a bottom surface, a sole having an upper surface. One or more slots are defined between the bottom surface of the upper and the upper surface of the sole. The system also includes a shoe cover having at least one rigidly flexible frame member configured to engage with the one or more slots. The shoe cover also includes a cover material portion securely attached to the frame member and that is configured to be extendible into the upper portion of the shoe to secure the cover, as well as pull it taught or tension it over the outer surface of the shoe.

Abstract: A system for attaching a shoe upper to a shoe bottom through the use of elastic loops attached to the perimeter edge of the upper, the elastic loops being fitted to corresponding channels molded into the sidewall and lower surface of the shoe bottom. Easy attachment and removal of the shoe upper allows for replacement of the shoe upper with an alternative upper of a different color, pattern, or structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least nine models of slippers, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the slippers comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the slipper on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of slippers within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least two different models of slippers, with at least two levels of firmness.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of designing an article of footwear via a website, converting a footwear representation into a set of two-dimensional portions, printing the two dimensional portions onto a sheet material, cutting and assembling the two dimensional portions into a finalized article of footwear. The method further includes a step of shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. Systems for receiving an order for a customized article of footwear are also disclosed.

Abstract: Women's shoes with a detachable pouch or detachable lift-off top showcase for interchangeable designer inserts, where the detachable pouch or detachable showcase is in the form of a strip which is disposed directly above and is longitudinally aligned along a center of a sole of said shoe, and where an upper end of said strip is attached at a first attachment point on a strap which encircles a portion of a woman's ankle, and a lower end of said strip is attached at a second attachment point at a forefoot retaining band located at a forefoot portion of the shoe.

Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.