Abstract: A multi-position heel assembly is structured and arranged to be integrally formed with or mechanically connected to a shoe. The assembly includes: a chassis; a heel connected to the chassis and rotatable relative to the chassis about an axis; and a locking mechanism including an actuator that is axially translatable along the axis. The locking mechanism selectively allows rotation of the heel relative to the chassis.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably 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 insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic 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 insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular footwear to provide a variety of footwear comprising: an outer enclosure, where the outer enclosure includes a base portion, a front portion, side portions and a rear portion, where the front portion includes an expansion joint and side portions include a first expansion joint and a second expansion joint; an inner enclosure, where the inner enclosure removably inserts within the outer enclosure through a first cavity; and a fastening mechanism, where said fastening mechanism secures the footwear to a foot of a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes a plurality of eyelets along an edge of the side portions and laces, where said laces pass through the eyelets. The rear portion may include a peripheral portion, where said peripheral portion includes a first attachment mechanism for enabling a detachable engagement of the outer enclosure with the inner enclosure.

Abstract: Women's shoes with a lift-off top showcase for interchangeable designer inserts, where the showcase is attached to 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 an upper 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 shoe has one to four wheels that, for walking, are placed horizontally in specific recesses in the sole, and that, for skating, are pivoted about longitudinal axes and blocked in a vertical position by a single latch, and project downwards relative to the sole, thereby transforming the shoe into a roller skate. This invention is of interest to manufacturers and users of shoes and of sports articles.

Abstract: A sole and footwear including such a sole is provided with at least one turnable antislip device provided on the tread surface operatively facing towards the ground. The antislip device includes an articulation structure mounted on the tread surface and oscillatable moving away from the tread surface with respect to an oscillation axis; a support element having an antislip side, accommodated in an associated accommodation portion provided for on the tread surface, and rotatingly mounted with respect to the articulation structure around a revolution axis different from the oscillation axis, directing the antislip side selectively in an activated state towards the ground or in an inactivated state towards the tread surface. The rotation of the support element around the revolution axis controls the rotation of the articulation structure with respect to the oscillation axis.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.

Abstract: A method of assembling the article of footwear may include assembling an upper with a first size and an outsole with a second size that is different from the first size. The method may also include assembling the article of footwear with a midsole that 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: 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: An shoe assembly includes a sole and one or more detachable upper pieces that can be made from materials such as fabric, PVC, leather, plastic, rubber, other similar materials and combinations. The upper, in one or more pieces, is removably attached at spaced points on the sole, where nail-shaped posts are permanently mounted. The heads of the posts function as buttons or cleats for buttonholes, keyholes, edge loops or the like on the uppers. Interchangeable uppers can have different materials, shapes and decorative aspects, for quickly and efficiently changing the appearance and style of the footwear. Three posts can be provided, with a front post being inclined rearward and having a slot under the head or cleat, where the upper is attached, and lateral posts with heads turned outwardly. A variety of alternative configurations are possible for the uppers.

Abstract: A modular shoe having a removable upper is described. The upper may be adapted to be attached to an associated base. The upper may be secure to the base using a fastening element. Such a fastening element may be inserted through the base into a receptacle in the upper before being locked in place to secure the upper to the base. Similarly, the upper may be removed from the base by unlocking the fastening element from the receptacle. Such a modular shoe allows a wearer to easily change uppers (and/or bases) to create various combinations as desired.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, an upper attached to the outsole and a heel portion attached to the outsole and movably connected to the upper. The heel portion is movable between a support position, where the heel portion is substantially transverse to the outsole, and a mule position, where the heel portion is substantially parallel to the outsole. A cushioning heel pad is attached to an outer surface of the heel portion, where the heel pad has a designated thickness and contacts and supports a user's heel when the heel portion is in the mule position.

Abstract: Footwear, namely a shoe or sandal for a human foot fabricated from multiple interchangeable components which can be easily manufactured, assembled and manually replaced and interchanged by the user for purposes of design, repair or changing color and aesthetic coordination and/or component design combinations of the footwear.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a foot using a medical shoe and interchangeable insoles. A plurality of interchangeable insoles is provided, including a surgical insole and a wound care insole. The surgical insole provides rigidity for a patient's foot. The surgical insole comprises a first upper layer and a rigid second lower layer. The wound care insole offloads weight from a wound region on the foot. The wound care insole comprises a first upper layer of stretchy, thin film, a second, middle, layer that is moldable, and a third, lower layer that is spongy and provides support.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

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: A shoe, including a sandal, with a transparent plastic film visible display within a permanent pouch or detachable showcase, constructed to receive, retain and display interchangeable inserts. Insert array blanks provide for Do It Yourself heat or pressure sensitive adhesive applications or can be Pre Customized fashion designs, both with quick and easy in and out insertion and replacement to match or coordinate with a variety of fashionable ensembles. The pouch or detachable showcase is mounted on the shoe in a manner which retains the insert in a substantially constant position while the wearer of the shoe is walking.

Abstract: An adjustable height shoe heel system having a low heel member and a high heel member. The high heel portion has a Y shape. The low heel portion has a W shape. The top legs of the Y shape can of nest into the recesses of the W shape when in the low heel mode. The legs of the Y shape rotatably pinned to the central portion of the W shape so that the high heel can pivot down when in the high heel mode. A heel retaining spring member is fixed at its lowest point to a post protruding from the high heel member and at its highest points are removably retained by apertures located in the side walls of the low heel member. A high heel cover member surrounds the high heel member when in high heel mode.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a strap and a fastener is disclosed. The article of footwear is reversible by configuring the article in two different positions. The article of footwear may include a sole having a first side configured to contact a ground surface in a first position and a second side configured to contact a ground surface in a second position. The article of footwear may include a strap that may be selectively affixed to the second side of the sole in a first position and the first side of the sole in a second position.

Abstract: A piece of footwear has a sole and a heel mount on the sole suitable for mounting and displaying one of a plurality of interchangeable collectible heels. Collectible heels may be mounted to the heel mount. Each of the collectible heels adorned with collectible markings, such as the name of an athlete, the emblem of a sports team, a real or fictitious character, a national flag, or collegiate marking or other marks, drawings designs or the like suitable, for collecting. Optionally, multiple heels may be mounted on a display board, and thus housed and display together.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a shoe into a high heeled type of shoe or a medium high heeled type of shoe or a low heeled type of shoe or a type of shoe that does not include an additional heel to extend the thickness of the sole includes a heel that is detachably-attachable with respect to the pair of shoes. A bayonet mount is used to secure a detachable heel to each of the pair of shoes. A mechanical latch that includes a release member prevents accidental release and loosening of the heel. Additional pair of heels that include the bayonet mount are used when a different height, color, or appearance is desired. If desired, the shoes can be used without heels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of footwear having a hollow heel cavity that is adapted to receive a heel insert. A user can interchange heel inserts of varying thicknesses based on their activity, and is not required to change their footwear when undertaking a new activity. For example, hiking on a dirt trail may require a heel insert with less cushioning and more support, while running on pavement may require a heel insert with more cushioning and less support. The user can simply carry with him multiple heel inserts and replace the heel insert as needed to achieve a desired level of support, cushioning and comfort.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a group of interchangeable heels. Each heel in the group may be removably associated with the article of footwear. A finger-operable locking mechanism prevents a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving toward a toe region. Similarly, a tab positioned at the rear of the article of footwear inhibits a heel that has been secured to the article of footwear from unintentionally moving away from the toe region.

Abstract: A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel includes a first fixed heel disposed on a heel bottom portion of the shoe. The fixed heel includes a first fastener disposed therein. A second removable and interchangeable heel has a cooperating second fastener disposed therein that is engageable with the first fastener to secure the removable heel to the fixed heel, thereby increasing the effective height of the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: Shoe with detachable sole and vamp, in which: the sole (1) has an upper surface (2) on which several tubular elements (4) are applied spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) has a lower surface (6) on which there are applied several tubular elements (8) spaced from each other by a preset value; the vamp (7) can be positioned onto the sole (1) by positioning said lower surface (6) of the vamp (7) onto the upper surface (2) of the sole (1) with the insertion of the tubular elements (8) of the vamp (7) between the tubular elements (4) of the sole (1); and the vamp (7) is detachably anchored to the sole (1) by inserting a wire (9) through the said tubular elements of the sole and the vamp after positioning of the vamp onto the sole. Said tubular elements of the sole (1) are placed according an open annular path, with two tubular elements (40, 41) disposed in correspondence of a respective end of the open annular path and communicating with the outside of the sole (1).

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper comprises at least one alterable portion that switches between at least a first state and a second state upon exposure to a liquid. The first state allows viewing of a first image of the alterable portion and second state allowing viewing of a second image of the alterable portion.

Abstract: A detachable material wrapped around a strap of a footwear guards against blister formation, provides comfort and a softer feel against a foot, and to add aesthetic value. In one embodiment, the detachable material is a strip made of self-fastening material. In another plurality of loops. The detachable material is reusable and adjustable.

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: An orthopedic foot appliance providing optimal and adaptable comfort and shock absorption while at the same time varying degrees of heel support, arch support and motion control depending on the foot type and footwear. The foot appliance consists of a cushioning insole and a re-attachable support piece for attaching and re-attaching to the insole.

Abstract: Footwear with interchangeable components on the ankle area and tongue is herein disclosed, wherein both the replacement tongue and the upper area of the footwear comprise different materials, colors, or styles. The removal and replacement functionality is accomplished with a plurality of snap fasteners. To remove the upper portion of the footwear, the laces would be removed from the eyelets, an upper portion and tongue interchanged, and the laces replaced. It is also envisioned that the upper portion and tongue could be removed completely and shorter laces installed to transform the footwear into a pair of shoes as well.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an outsole, an upper attached to the outsole and a heel portion attached to the outsole and movably connected to the upper. The heel portion is movable between a support position, where the heel portion is substantially transverse to the outsole, and a mule position, where the heel portion is substantially parallel to the outsole. A cushioning heel pad is attached to an outer surface of the heel portion, where the heel pad has a designated thickness and contacts and supports a user's heel when the heel portion is in the mule position.

Abstract: A customization system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The customization system comprises an insert system. The insert system includes an insert and a heel member. Both the insert and the heel member may be interchangeable, allowing the user to modify the article of footwear to provide a customized fit or performance optimization. An article of footwear may also include a full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly. The full length composite plate may comprise a composite material that has a certain percent elongation, and can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction.

Abstract: A shoe system is provided that comprises an upper unit, a sole unit, and a support structure. The upper unit and the sole unit can be interconnected utilizing respective upper and lower connecters. The support structure can define a first portion that is coupled to the sole unit. The support structure can extend inwardly from a periphery of the sole unit and extend above a lower edge of the upper unit when the sole unit is coupled to the upper unit.

Abstract: Melded footwear and process for manufacture of footwear. This enhanced shoe can be formed and assembled with a limited number of steps and without the need for much stitching. The shoe has a durable polyurethane shell, which is an integrated upper and outsole. The shoe contains a textile upper portion which is attached by direct injection molded. Molding the textile to the outsole eliminates the need for the use of adhesives. A locking plug element is provided that serves the dual function of providing cushioning around the heel and locking certain elements together.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an evolutionary interchangeable sandal are disclosed. Certain example embodiments described herein relate to various sandal configurations that utilize at least two main elements, including a platform sole base and a strap assembly. These elements may be joined by special fasteners that provide quick-connect or disconnect while securely maintaining sandal integrity and wearability. The platform sole base may be customized in various thicknesses and sandal sizes. The strap assembly may be customized in various shapes, colors, styles, and/or manufacturing materials. In the case of the sole tread/height enhancement addition, the soles tread and height may be interchanged as needed.

Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements include a plurality of impact-attenuating members and a means for releasably securing the impact-attenuating element to at least one of the upper member or the sole member of a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device. The impact-attenuating elements may be included in the footwear or other foot-receiving devices in a selectively removable manner so that a user, retailer, or another can customize and freely select an appropriate element, e.g., depending on user preferences, characteristics of the user, characteristics of the intended use, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides the illustrative embodiments of coupling and decoupling mechanism directed to a lady's shoe with quick heel replacement of various heights so that the same shoe is useable for various needs and occasions. The various heel heights coupling and decoupling mechanical mechanisms include a drop arm and latch, a latch spring, and a push button mechanism. The construction material of the heel replacement fixture includes stainless steel, tempered aluminum alloy, or a durable polymer or a light weight composite material.

Abstract: A method of customizing an article of footwear that is configured for self assembly is disclosed. The method includes steps of applying customized designs to pre-cut portions, and packaging the pre-cut portions with a lace and a set of instructions into a kit of parts. The kit of parts can be taken home and assembled by the customer.

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

Abstract: A shoe is described having a removeable heel, removeable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removeable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeabitlity of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

Abstract: An elastic overshoe has an outer layer through which extend a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are preferably carried on an inner layer, which is sandwiched between the outer layer and the shoe upon which the overshoe is placed. Inner layer segments can run the length of the overshoe, or more preferably include only a ball region of a toe region. The openings can have any practical size, shape, orientation and arrangement of openings, although of course at least some of the openings must be aligned with at least some of the protrusions, and ideally the protrusions will fit snugly within the openings to avoid tearing of the openings. The inner and outer layers can advantageously have different chemical compositions. The inner layer, for example, can be tougher, while the outer layer could be more stretchable.

Abstract: A footwear system (S) and corresponding methods (M1) and (M2) for providing a plethora of footwear fashion options via a plurality of interchangeable components, the interchangeability of which being facilitated by structurally stable quick-coupling and quick-decoupling techniques. The system (S) includes a plurality of interchangeable uppers (100), a plurality of interchangeable heels (200), and a quick-release device (300) for easily and selectively engaging a heel (200) of the plurality of interchangeable heels (200) with an upper (100) of the plurality of interchangeable uppers (100). The quick-release device (300) has a safety feature for providing structural stability.

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.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method making it. The footwear is configured for personalized design changes with the article of footwear comprising a base anchoring element with a first plurality of fastening elements. The base anchoring element is formed separately from existing footwear and then permanently attached to at least a portion of an outer surface of the existing footwear. The article of footwear further comprises at least two decorative elements each with a second plurality of fastening elements configured to individually releasably matingly engage with the first plurality of fastening elements. The first and second plurality of fastening elements are formed on the respective base anchoring element and each of the decorative elements, in mating registration with each other.

Abstract: A system of constructing a pair of devices to provide lateral or medial corrections of a desired degree includes a right foot orthotic shell (20R) and a left foot orthotic shell (20L). A first angled wedge (40A) is connectable to the right shell (20R) and a second angled wedge (40B) is connectable to the left shell (20L) to provide lateral correction. The second wedge (40B) is connectable to the right shell (20R) and the first wedge (40A) is connectable to the left shell (20L) to provide medial correction. A plurality of pairs of wedges (40) can be provided with each pair providing a different angle of correction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and shoe having a sole attached to an upper for defining an interior, the interior having a recess, and at least two footbeds, each having different physical properties and each being sized to be placed within the recess. The shoe also has an additive dispersed over the interior and at least one footbed, wherein each of the at least two footbeds is removably placed within the recess depending upon a desired physical property.

Abstract: A removable spat may be used with a shoe having a sole and an upper. The spat includes a boot portion having a back opening and a front end, and a sleeve connected to the boot portion. The back opening of the boot portion is adapted to receive the shoe therein. The sleeve has a fixed end connected to the front end of the boot portion and a free end opposite the fixed end. The sleeve extends freely from the front end to define a first sleeve position, and the sleeve is foldable over the boot portion to define a second sleeve position.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper that defines an interior void, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a foot-supporting insert that is positionable within a lower area of the void and removable from the void. A system having a protrusion and an indentation may be utilized to, for example, secure the insert within the void. As an example, a protrusion may extend outward from a surface of the void, and the insert may define an indentation in a corresponding location and with a corresponding shape. When the insert is positioned within the void, the protrusion will extend into the indentation. The locations, shapes, numbers and overall configuration of the protrusion and indentation may vary significantly.

Abstract: The article of footwear with decorative tongue is a shoe or the like having a sole and an upper attached thereto. The upper includes a tongue. A plurality of gemstones is attached to the tongue. Any desired type of gemstone(s) may be used, including variations in size, shape, color and chemical composition. Alternatively, a conventional tongue and a decorative attachment may be provided. The decorative attachment has opposed first and second faces, and a plurality of gemstones attached to the first face. The second face is releasably attached to an exterior face of the tongue by a suitable releasable fastener, such as mating hook and loop fasteners.